In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Boris Rybalka, the new head coach of Team Canada’s Para Ice Hockey team. He talks about taking over head coaching duties for the national program, his journey in hockey, both in junior and para, and how he sees gold in the team’s future. He also reflects on the team’s recent performance at the Para Ice Hockey Cup. They guys also discuss how thick the ice is for the para ice hockey team and para-Nordic team based on recent tournament results.

Join six-time Para Surfing World Champion Victoria Feige as she shares her journey from growing up in Vancouver to training on Oahu’s world-class waves. In this episode, Victoria breaks down the para surfing classification system, explains how competitions are scored, and reveals the intense training and cross-training routines that keep her at the top of her sport. She also discusses how her career as a physiotherapist informs her approach to performance, injury prevention, and mentoring the next generation of adaptive surfers. From the thrill of catching a perfect barrel to navigating the challenges of competing while sick, Victoria provides an insider’s look at what it takes to succeed in para surfing and help grow the sport worldwide.

Para snowboard Next Gen athlete Chase Nicklin shares his rapid rise through the sport, what developing on Canada’s Next Gen program looks like, and how mindset, mentorship, and preparation shape a Paralympic pathway toward Milano Cortina 2026.

Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement speak with Doug Hannam, Executive Director of Ontario Para Network, about the Ontario government’s sport hosting program. Doug explains how funding support has enabled ONPARA to host national and international events, including wheelchair basketball championships at Durham College and the upcoming World Championships in Ottawa.

Alex Smyth and Nathan Clement discuss Team Canada’s wheelchair curling performance, share their “ice thickness” analysis of all Paralympic winter sport teams ahead of Milano Cortina 2026, and interview Mac Marcoux, former para alpine skier and newly named honorary captain of the Canadian Paralympic team, about his role, athlete engagement, and preparation for the Games.

In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Dr. Erik Groves. He is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta, and he leads PARAREACH, Canada’s Para Sport Research and Accessibility Collaborative Hub. The discuss how this new hub will work to bridge gaps in research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing in the para sport world. The guys also share their hot takes on the official Paralympic Gear reveal from Lululemon. Lastly, Nathan is in the hot seat for another game of blind power rankings, where he ranks non-paralympic para sports.

In this episode, Alex and Nathan chat with Paralympic legend and newest member of the Canadian Paralympic Committee Hall of Fame Todd Nicholson. He reflects on his career as an athlete, ambassador, and leader in the para sport movement. He discusses his favourite memories from his time as an athlete and how para ice hockey and the paralympic movement have grown. Alex and Nathan also react to the announcement of the team representing Canada in Wheelchair Curling at the 2026 Milano Cortina Paralympics.

In this episode, Alex and Nathan welcome two-time Paralympian and Culxtured co-founder, Dani Aravich, for an in-depth conversation about para sports and the media. They explore the challenges and opportunities around representation, from common misconceptions to the ways para sports are covered and portrayed in the media. Dani shares her perspective on how coverage can improve and why accurate representation matters for athletes and fans alike. The conversation also dives into Dani’s personal journey, including her rigorous training and preparation as she gears up for the 2026 Paralympic Games.

In this episode, Alex and Nathan sit down with Paralympic champion snowboarder Tyler Turner. They catch up on everything he’s juggling right now—from filming his upcoming TV series airing on AMI in 2026, to training in the Yukon, to gearing up for the 2026 Paralympic Games. Tyler’s got a full plate. The guys also put him through a rapid-fire round, asking about his go-to mountain snack, his dream place to ride, and plenty more. Plus, Alex and Nathan recap Canada’s impressive showing at the Youth ParaPan American Games in Chile.

Get an exclusive look inside Canada’s Men’s Para Ice Hockey team with Greg Westlake and Dominic Cozzolino, fresh off a silver medal at the Para Hockey Cup. Greg reflects on returning from retirement and the mental and physical challenges of high-level para ice hockey. Dom highlights the importance of teamwork, leadership, and building confidence ahead of major international competitions. They also discuss the evolving global competition, the growth of para sports, and the strong brotherhood that defines the Canadian team. In a rapid-fire segment, the guys share personal favorites—from morning skates and rink food to travel destinations and must-have locker room essentials!

Fresh off the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Egypt, American powerlifter Ashley Dice joins the show to share what it takes to compete at the highest level of Para Powerlifting. From grueling training sessions to mental resilience and perfect technique, Ashley breaks down how she earned all-white lights in Cairo and how she’s building toward the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. She also opens up about her transition from para track and field to powerlifting, her debut on the Paris 2024 Paralympic stage, and how mental health and visualization shape her success.

Join Alex Smyth, Nathan Clement, and producer Jeff as they mark 100 episodes of Para Sport Nation. This milestone episode celebrates the athletes, coaches, and stories that have shaped the show’s first year. From memorable retirement announcements of stars like Mike Whitehead, Patrick Anderson, and Danielle Ellis to uncovering new and unique para sports including para climbing, wheelchair BMX, and para darts, the hosts share their most impactful and humorous moments on and off the field.

Discover how Paralympic boccia medalist Iulian Ciobanu is redefining resilience, teamwork, and joy in elite parasport. From his silver at the 2025 Americas Regional Championship to his unique take on performance and partnership, Iulian shares what fuels his passion for the game and how chemistry makes champions.

Heidi Peters, captain of Team Canada’s sitting volleyball squad, reflects on the 2025 World Cup, sharing insights on team growth, leadership, and high-performance para sport. She discusses integrating new athletes, building team culture, and advocating for better media coverage and professionalization of para sport in Canada and internationally. Learn how athletes balance competition, mentorship, and governance while shaping the future of sitting volleyball.

After nearly a decade representing Team Canada in para cycling, Keely Shaw is officially retiring from competition — and she’s doing it entirely on her own terms. In this honest and emotional conversation with Nathan Clement and Alex Smyth, Keely opens up about why now was the right time to step away, how she rediscovered her love for movement, and what’s next as she transitions from athlete to academic and sport researcher.

This episode of Para Sport Nation dives into the preparation and mindset of Canadian para climber Jeremy Ritchie ahead of the 2025 IFSC Para Climbing World Cup. Jeremy shares insights on his training routine, overcoming injuries, and using adaptive equipment to push his limits. He discusses the mental focus required for elite climbing, the camaraderie within the Canadian para climbing team, and the excitement of competing internationally. Nathan and producer Jeff also reflect on the idea of a “Canadian sports team” in major professional leagues and update listeners on Canada’s para ice hockey team’s preparation for upcoming international tournaments. The episode wraps up with a fun segment on guessing lesser-known Paris 2025 Paralympic sports.

In this episode, Nate Tucker, world champion para-athlete, takes us behind the scenes of elite para-athletics. From his early experiences growing up with a coordination impairment to winning the T-38 1500m World Championship, Nate reveals the mental strategies, creative training techniques, and lifestyle habits that help him stay at the top of his sport. Listeners and viewers will hear about the challenges of balancing life, family, and professional sport, including how he prepares for races, adapts to tough conditions, and leverages support from coaches, sponsors, and his community. Nate also shares his thoughts on the evolution of para-athletics, including record-breaking performances, the rising competitiveness of his class, and the future of the sport leading into the 2028 Paralympics. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a champion: the dedication, resilience, and creativity required to succeed in high-performance adaptive sports—and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome challenges in their own life.

In this episode para rower Stuart Chase opens up about the highs and lows of Canada’s 2025 World Rowing Championship campaign in Shanghai. The team—made entirely of first-time world championship athletes—faced unexpected challenges, including a prosthetic malfunction mid-race. Despite setbacks, the crew showed grit and pride in their final push against Spain. Stu discusses lessons from the season, training on Vancouver’s west coast through the winter, and the importance of finding rhythm both on and off the water. He shares his introduction to rowing after transitioning from para canoe kayak, his first international medal at the Henley Regatta, and his passion for showing the human side of para sport through social media. Listeners also get a glimpse into the unique nature of para rowing—where athletes with different disabilities synchronize perfectly in pursuit of shared motion—and hear about Stu’s favorite training spots across Vancouver, Burnaby Lake, and Whistler’s Green Lake!

After more than two decades in wheelchair curling, Dennis Thiessen opens up about what it feels like to step away from competition. Speaking with Nathan, Thiessen shares powerful memories from the Paralympic Games in Sochi, PyeongChang, and Beijing, his emotional final tournament, and the teammates and rivals who shaped his journey. He also reflects on how wheelchair curling has evolved — from homemade delivery sticks to world-class adaptive equipment — and what it means to represent Team Canada at the highest level. With honesty and warmth, Thiessen talks about family, mentorship, pride, and the legacy he hopes to leave for future generations of curlers. Plus, Nathan and Producer Jeff draft their ultimate Thanksgiving feast!

Michael Sametz shares his journey from a horrible leg injury just before the Paris Paralympics to a triumphant return on the international cycling stage. He details the emergency surgery, rigorous rehabilitation, and disciplined training that allowed him to return stronger than ever. Michael also reflects on the challenges and excitement of the Belgium World Championships, highlighting the course, competitive dynamics in C3 para-cycling, and the growth of the sport toward higher professionalism and aerodynamics-focused strategies. Beyond racing, Michael discusses his role on the board of Athletes Can, the Canadian organization representing national team athletes, including the upcoming 2025 Athletes Forum in Calgary. He also shares personal insights into training, nutrition, and his favorite coffee routines, illustrating both the dedication and lifestyle behind elite para cycling performance.