Three-time Olympian Shannon Ogbnai Abeda joins Fresh Corduroy for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on identity, pressure, and carving your own path in the sport.
Shannon opens up about growing up the son of Eritrean immigrants in northern Alberta, discovering ski racing on a small local hill, and what it took—physically and mentally—to push toward the Olympic stage. We talk about resilience, navigating expectations, finding belonging in a sport where few looked like him, and why he continues to race with purpose far beyond results.
Along the way, Shannon shares the moments that shaped him, the challenges most fans never see, and the mindset he’s carrying into this next chapter of his skiing life.
If you love stories about grit, growth, and the people pushing the sport forward, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Amy and Dan Macuga join Fresh Corduroy to share one of the most remarkable family stories in skiing. What started as keeping the kids active in Park City turned into something nobody could have predicted: three siblings competing at elite levels in three different disciplines — ski jumping, moguls, and Alpine speed — with their youngest chasing a high-level path of his own.
In this conversation, Amy and Dan reflect on the completely unplanned journey behind their family’s rise in the sport: juggling four kids across multiple venues, keeping joy at the center, supporting wildly different passions, and navigating success, setbacks, and sibling dynamics along the way.
It’s a heartfelt, funny, and inspiring look at what it really takes to raise happy, grounded athletes — and why the Macuga family story has captured the attention of the ski world.
Warren Miller producer Chris Leavell joins Fresh Corduroy to pull back the curtain on how the world’s most beloved ski films get made. From coordinating shoots across continents to shaping story arcs and working with top athletes, Chris explains the craft and chaos behind the films that define ski culture.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan sits down with Greg Willis, longtime leader and head of Vail’s ski and snowboard school, to explore the art and evolution of ski instruction.
Greg shares insights from decades on the mountain — from what separates a good instructor from a great one, to how ski schools adapt to new generations of skiers, technology, and expectations. They also dive into leadership, mentorship, and the culture that keeps Vail at the forefront of mountain education.
Whether you’re a lifelong skier, aspiring instructor, or just love hearing how mountain communities thrive, this is a deep dive into what makes great skiing — and great teaching — possible.
Two-time Queen of Corbet’s Caite Zeliff joins Fresh Corduroy to talk about her journey from ski racing in New England to freeride fame in Jackson Hole, the mindset behind big-mountain skiing, and how she’s redefining success, storytelling, and risk after a career-changing injury.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Annika Hunt shares her journey from a young skier in Park City to a competitive athlete at Burke Mountain Academy. She discusses her family background in skiing, the challenges of transitioning to a more competitive environment, and her aspirations to become a World Cup skier. Annika reflects on the mental aspects of ski racing, the importance of focusing on the process rather than results, and her recent achievements, including winning the NorAm title. She also shares insights on her future goals and offers advice for young skiers.
This episode of Fresh Corduroy is with Sophie Goldschmidt, CEO of U.S. Ski and Snowboard. We discuss Sophie’s journey in skiing, her vision for the organization, and the current state of snow sports in the U.S. Sophie emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement, the challenges of managing multiple sports, and the role of storytelling in attracting new audiences. They also touch on the impact of climate change on winter sports and how the organization is preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games. The conversation highlights the unique position of U.S. Ski and Snowboard as a nonprofit and its efforts to support athletes at all levels.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Sasha Rearick, a veteran coach of the US ski team and head of the Alpine program at Apex 2100 in France. They discuss the differences in coaching philosophies between the US and Europe, the importance of creativity in ski racing, and the challenges of coaching elite athletes. Sasha shares insights on motivation, the significance of common definitions in coaching, and the unique experience at Apex 2100, which combines rigorous training with a supportive academic environment. The conversation emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to athlete development and the importance of building a strong coaching community.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we speak with Jamie Grant, co-founder and CEO of CARV, a digital ski coach that uses sensors to improve skiing techniques. We discuss Jamie's journey into skiing, the evolution of CARV technology, and how it helps skiers enhance their skills through real-time feedback and metrics like Ski IQ. The conversation also touches on the future of CARV, its potential expansion into other sports, and the importance of user experience in the development of the product.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we talk with Dr. Jim Taylor, a leading authority on the psychology of ski racing. They discuss Jim's journey from a young ski racer to a sports psychologist, emphasizing the importance of mental training in skiing and other sports. The conversation covers how mental skills can be introduced to young athletes, the role of parents in fostering a positive environment, and strategies for overcoming setbacks in competition. Jim shares insights on how skiing teaches valuable life lessons, resilience, and the significance of making the sport enjoyable for young athletes.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, we speak with Senator John Curtis of Utah, discussing his journey from local politics to the Senate, his passion for skiing, and his efforts to bridge the gap between environmental conservation and the Republican Party's stance on climate change. The conversation explores the importance of public lands, the need for bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges of navigating political conflicts surrounding climate issues. Curtis emphasizes the significance of engaging the public in climate action and the necessity of finding common ground to protect the environment for future generations.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Erin Sprague, CEO of Protect Our Winters (POW), about the organization's mission to combat climate change through outdoor advocacy. The conversation delves into the importance of systemic change over individual actions, the role of clean energy, and the need for bipartisan support in climate advocacy. Erin emphasizes the significance of public lands and the outdoor industry's involvement in driving change. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in climate advocacy and support POW's mission.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Jason 'Moot' Nelson, the program director of USSS & FIS alpine ski racing at Proctor Academy. They discuss Moot's skiing origin story, the unique educational experience at Proctor Academy, and the school's appeal compared to traditional ski academies. Moot shares insights about the Proctor Ski Area, the importance of balance between academics and skiing, and the philosophy behind coaching young athletes. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of ski racing, the impact of age eligibility, and the rewards of leading the Alpine program at Proctor.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser discusses the pressing issues facing ski towns, including the housing crisis, climate change, water rights, and the importance of public lands. He emphasizes the need for creative solutions to housing shortages, the impact of climate change on skiing, and the significance of protecting natural resources. Weiser also touches on the role of antitrust laws in the ski industry and the societal benefits of outdoor recreation for youth.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Dave Wright, the grooming manager at Killington Resort. They discuss Dave's journey into the ski industry, the intricacies of grooming operations, and the challenges faced in maintaining the slopes. The conversation also touches on the impact of weather, sustainability efforts, and the preparation required for World Cup races. Listeners gain insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the perfect skiing conditions and the importance of adapting to climate change.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, our guest is Canadian Alpine World Cup speed skier Stephanie Fleckenstein, who shares her journey from childhood skiing in Whistler to her current recovery from a serious injury. They discuss the social aspects of skiing, the challenges faced by women in individual sports, and the importance of community and support systems in both skiing and recovery. Stephanie reflects on her experiences in college skiing, the transition to independent racing, and her mental health journey throughout her rehabilitation process. The conversation concludes with insights into the drama of ski racing and Stephanie's aspirations for the future.
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan speaks with Christine Julia "CJ" Feehan, who shares her journey from a young skier in New Jersey to a prominent figure in ski racing media and communications. Christine discusses her experiences working at various levels of ski racing, including coaching, media coverage, and her role with FIS. The conversation delves into the challenges of promoting ski racing in the US, the importance of integrated ski clubs, and the need for better media access and exposure for the sport. Christine also highlights her involvement in initiatives aimed at empowering women in skiing & snowboarding and the upcoming summit for the World Women's Snowsport Organization.
World Women's Snowsport Organization website https://wwso.pro/
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Greg Louie, a physical therapist specializing in skiing. They discuss Greg's journey from a young skier to a professional physical therapist, the importance of year-round rehabilitation for skiers, and the differences between manual therapy and traditional therapy. Greg shares insights on prehab, in-season training, and his experiences working with elite athletes, including the US Ski Team. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in growing his business and the various services he offers to help skiers improve their performance and recover from injuries.
Greg can be found on instagram @the_ski_pt
His website: https://legacyrehabandperformance.com
In this episode of Fresh Corduroy, host Craig Zolan interviews Lindsay Strange, a multifaceted figure in the skiing world. Lindsay shares her journey from childhood skiing experiences to becoming a coach for the US Para Alpine team and the owner of Party Beach Ski Camps. The conversation delves into her unique coaching philosophy, the challenges and rewards of working with disabled athletes, and her passion for empowering female coaches in the skiing industry. Lindsay also reflects on her experiences at the Olympics and her love for ski photography, providing insights into the skiing culture and the importance of fun in the sport.
The Financial Struggles of Ski Athletes
In this conversation, Thomas Biesemeyer shares his journey from a small town in New York to becoming a professional alpine skier and Olympic athlete. He discusses the early influences that led him to skiing, the challenges he faced, including injuries and mental pressure, and how these experiences shape his coaching philosophy today. Biesemeyer emphasizes the importance of understanding each athlete's individual goals and the financial realities of pursuing a career in skiing, particularly through the lens of the World Cup Dreams Foundation, which supports young athletes with potential and financial need. In this conversation, Thomas Biesemeyer discusses the various pathways to success for ski athletes, particularly the role of the NCAA system versus dedicated training routes. He highlights the financial barriers that many athletes face, emphasizing the importance of the World Cup Dreams Foundation in providing support. Biesemeyer also explores creative fundraising strategies, the challenges of personal branding for athletes, and the need for reform in the college pathway to better support American ski racers against international competition. Finally, he discusses the importance of data-driven approaches to measure success and talent development in the sport.
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