Keep the Flame Alive
Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You’ve found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz, for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes, coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don’t find anywhere else. Tune in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We’re your cure for your Olympics Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT.
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Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Important Evolutions in Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping
08/06/2026
Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Important Evolutions in Nordic Combined and Ski Jumping
In our ongoing series about the Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics, we look at the sports of Nordic combined and ski jumping, both of which underwent their own evolutions at these Games. For Nordic combined, a format change and uncoupling from other competitions allowed this event to finally stand on its own. That didn't mean it was easy for anyone outside of the sport to understand how it worked or how some athletes made it to the podium. Plus, there was drama in certain countries about who got to be on the team, and one coach's pushback led to medal success. Ski jumping, which was actually called "special jumping" at these Olympics, had its own technique revolution led by Swiss jumper Andreas Däscher. The results were a perfect example of "innovate or die." To see some fun footage from the ski jumping competition, check out that shows athletes jumping in very unexpected clothing. For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, visit: . Speaking of Olympic history, we’re having a Summer of Nostalgia at our site. where we’re sharing never-before-seen photos and videos from our escapades at Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, and Milano Cortina 2026. Relive those memories with us by becoming a patron or purchasing the ! Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons via Picryl. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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"The Games in Black & White": George Hirthler on Atlanta's Unlikely Olympics
07/30/2026
"The Games in Black & White": George Hirthler on Atlanta's Unlikely Olympics
Remember when Atlanta won the right to host the 1996 Olympics? The Centennial Olympics, the ones that Athens desperately wanted to host and everyone thought Athens would win because the Olympics were born in Greece? And then Atlanta won, and everyone was surprised? Well, we've got the story of how Atlanta shocked the world. Writer and producer George Hirthler joins us to discuss his documentary "The Games in Black & White." This Emmy award-winning film delves into the unlikely friendship of then-Atlanta mayor Andy Young and conservative lawyer Billy Payne, who joined forces to bring the Olympics to Atlanta and put the city on the world map. The documentary covers the full spectrum of the Olympics, from bid to the Games themselves. However, along with incredible athletic spectacle and some operational issues, the Atlanta 1996 Olympics are also known for the bombing that took place in Centennial Olympic Park. George talks with us about that incident and the toll that it took on members of the organizing committee. We also discuss the unlikely legacies from these Olympics and how they permanently changed the geography of the city. You can watch "The Games in Black & White" on PBS: It's also streaming for free on Olympic Channel: Also, Jill went to LA for the LA28 World Press Briefing. She's got some impressions of the city, its accessibility and what to look for when getting tickets and booking hotels. If you're interested in volunteering with the Finnish consulate to help Team Finland during LA 28, check out this link (must be able to speak Finnish): Plus, we have some feedback on potential cauldron lighters! It's the SUMMER OF NOSTALGIA! All summer long, we're sharing never-before-seen photos and videos from all three Olympics and Paralympics we've covered in person. Become a patron, or buy the collection outright! Join the fun at our . For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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The Moscow 1980 Olympics with Author Tommy Phillips
07/23/2026
The Moscow 1980 Olympics with Author Tommy Phillips
Thanks to a US-led boycott, the first Olympics hosted by a communist country has long been a big black hole in our knowledge of the Olympics -- until now. On this episode, we're joined by author Tommy Phillips, who wrote The 1980 Moscow Olympics: A Day-by-Day History. His book captures all of the major happenings at these Olympics, which were dominated by the USSR and East Germany. These countries' athletes dominated with skill and athleticism....and also maybe thanks to doping and some clever help along the way. We talk with Tommy about some of the wilder hijinks at play during the Games, as well as which nations benefitted from the US and its boycott allies not being at these Olympics. Get your own copy of Tommy's book at our (affiliate link). For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Two Years to LA28 with Superfan Sarah
07/16/2026
Two Years to LA28 with Superfan Sarah
In two years, the LA 2028 Olympics will get underway, and we're looking ahead to those Games and what they'll have to offer. Superfan Sarah, officially recognized as Team USA's #1 fan, joins us to talk about how to prepare for the Olympics and Paralympics and what sports we're looking forward to seeing. We also discuss the many American comebacks that are happening in light of a home Games, and we start speculating on who could light the cauldron. Who do you think will be involved? ! Volunteer applications are open for LA28. They're looking for Games-time volunteers in all of the host cities, but if you're local to the Los Angeles area, there are ongoing opportunities to help out with monthly beautification and restoration projects. Find more info and apply here: In other LA 2028 news: We're closer to seeing Major League Baseball players participate in the Olympics On Location has announced hospitality packages for more sports and competition zones, plus a "follow my team" option for basketball ("climate control" and "shade" are big catchphrases with hospitality options) More hospitality houses are coming, including ones for Africa, Cabo Verde, Germany and Romania. SUMMER OF NOSTALGIA We’re having a Summer of Nostalgia at our site where we’re sharing never-before-seen photos and videos from our escapades at Beijing 2022, Paris 2024, and Milano Cortina 2026. Relive those memories with us by becoming a patron or purchasing the Summer of Nostalgia collection at . For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Shocks in the Olympic World!
07/09/2026
Shocks in the Olympic World!
We're back from a recording hiatus, and boy, do we have a lot of Olympics news to catch up on! First, released its final report, and we go between the lines to suss out its venue delivery expectations, celebrity initiative, and a major issue they should have figured out earlier--as in, during the bid process. has made a ton of announcements over the last few weeks, so we have the latest on: The Paralympic schedule Ticket drop #2 Cycling routes Volunteer applications Modern pentathlon's new obstacle course licensing Hospitality house updates And more! We also say au revoir to French Alpes 2030 and bonjour to (which we most certainly will mangle), along with its new logo and venue plan (to each Games its own Tahiti). Alpes 2030 finalized its sport program, and the changes have been shocking. Great new events come onto the Olympic program, and an OG Winter Olympic discipline gets the boot. In Doping News, we're still talking about medal reallocations from London 2012. International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry's Fit for the Future platform is creating big change, including: Olympic Charter changes that affect political neutrality (hello, Russia) and make it easier to change the entire sports program Defining the differences of "sport," "discipline" and "event" when it comes to the Olympic program Paying athletes - a new Olympic grant program makes waves after Coventry's first big press gaffe And more! We also have an announcement about our 2026 Book Club selections, which you can get at our (affiliate link) Summer of Nostalgia: We've been cleaning out the files and found a treasure trove of never-before-seen photos and videos! All summer long we're sharing them on our Patreon platform. Relive great moments from the last three Olympics and Paralympics in Keep the Flame Alive style (and you know that means we focus on the weird stuff)! Join as a patron or buy the collection outright - check out today! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Cross-Country Skiing's New Era
06/25/2026
Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Cross-Country Skiing's New Era
In our year-long look back at the Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 Winter Olympics, we head to the cross-country skiing stadium (built with filming in mind) where we're in the early years of the Hakulinen-Jernberg Era. Finland's Veikko Hakulinen and Sweden's Sixten Jergberg were the dominant forces in cross-country skiing, and their performances at Cortina 1956 were no exception! However, the Soviet Union wanted to make a statement during its first appearance at a Winter Olympics, and its athletes found the podium time and time again, ending a Scandinavian hold on the sport in both the men's and women's competitions. Find out who won, who lost, what the press said about the female competitors (it's not pretty, unlike their lipstick), and who was blinded by the light. Plus, we have a report from the snack table! For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, visit: . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons via Picryl with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2026, these episodes explore the 7th Winter Olympic Games at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy in 1956. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Merch: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: X: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Javelin with 4x Olympian Kara Winger
06/18/2026
Javelin with 4x Olympian Kara Winger
It's another installment of our People Who Throw Things series! This time we're talking javelin with 4x Olympian Kara Winger. Kara spent 15 years as a professional athlete, and in that time she competed at Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 (where she was also elected for Closing Ceremony flagbearer). She stays involved with the throws community as a coach, official and ambassador for the sport. We talk with Kara about how javelin works. Kara breaks down the makeup (and cost) of a javelin, the physics involved with the event, the approach, the throw and follow-through. Plus, we get some insight on her Olympic experiences and what she's up to today! Everything you want to know about javelin is right here! Follow Kara on social: @karathrowsjav and check out her for more. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Bobsled
06/11/2026
Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Bobsled
We're traveling back in time to the Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics to hear all about the bobsled (or bobsleigh) competition. These Games saw some big changes: New rules about weight and new types of sleds. Cortina 1956 was the first Olympics for Italian Eugenio Monti, whose results put him on the road to becoming a local hero and one of the best bobsled drivers of all time. Bobsled also featured some sibling rivalry, royalty and the last American medal before a decades-long dry spell. Weather impacted the bobsledders in a bad way. Did Mother Nature have something against the Swiss? Come along on a wild ride through the icy bobsled track of Cortina. Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more . For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, visit: . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** with hosts Jill Jaracz & Alison Brown is released monthly. In 2026, these episodes explore the 7th Winter Olympic Games at Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy in 1956. Look for our regular episodes every week, with daily editions during the Olympics and Paralympics. Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Merch: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: X: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Coxswain: The Hardest Position in Rowing
06/04/2026
Coxswain: The Hardest Position in Rowing
Paralympic silver medalist Jenny Sichel joins us to talk all things coxswain: What the position does, how vital they are to the success of the boat, and what they carry in their coxswain bag. Jenny has competed as a coxswain in both able-bodied and para rowing. We talk with her about how she got into coxing and discovered para rowing. Plus, we talk about her Paralympic experiences at Rio 2016 and the heartbreaking circumstances around the boat's silver medal. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thank you to our ongoing contributors and patrons! This show thrives because of our listeners. Want to give back? Learn more . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Jenny Sichel. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Paralympian Jenny Sichel on Training at the Elite Level While Managing OCD
05/21/2026
Paralympian Jenny Sichel on Training at the Elite Level While Managing OCD
For Mental Health Awareness Month, we welcome back Jenny Sichel to talk about her experiences with being an elite athlete while managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Jenny is a coxswain who competed with both able-bodied and para rowing crews. We talked with her about being misdiagnosed for years, the work that went into taking control of her condition, and how it affected her as an elite athlete. You can learn more about OCD at the International OCD Foundation: . Find Jenny on , , and . Also on the program: The Interntional Ski & Snowboard Federation had plenty of thoughts about how the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics went. Plus, the Milano Cortina Organizing Committee may have more budgetary issues with the ice hockey arena. LA 2028 announced its Cultural Olympiad. We try to find the actual news within its press release. French Alps 2030 chose a venue in the Netherlands to host the speed skating events. Guess how far away that is from everything else. The International Olympic Committee Executive Board met recently, and President Kirsty Coventry is getting the organization "Fit for the Future." We delve into all the ways you could see change at upcoming Games, whether the Youth Olympic Games will return, and if anyone at the IOC knows how a sport gets onto the Olympic program. In news from Team Keep the Flame Alive, we hear from: Fencers and Former luger Former figure skater Filmmaker - to get tickets to "The Games in Black & White," visit . For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Jenny Sichel. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Alpine Skiing's New Hero
05/14/2026
Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Alpine Skiing's New Hero
In our year-long look back at the Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 Winter Olympics, we take to the slopes of the Tofane in the Dolomites to explore the Alpine skiing competition. With three events for men and women alike, athletes thrilled spectators on the slopes. The clear hero of Alpine skiing--and of these Olympics--was Austrian Toni Sailor. Hear how experts discounted his talents and how he almost didn't make a competition. On the women's side, hear how a pharmacy student surprised everyone in the slalom. Plus, Japan wins its first-ever Winter Olympic medal. Find out who raced to national glory and made the podium! All this, plus more amazing stories from the seventh Winter Olympic Games. For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons via Picryl. Public Domain. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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U.S. Center for SafeSport Explainer with CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley
05/07/2026
U.S. Center for SafeSport Explainer with CEO Benita Fitzgerald Mosley
The U.S. Center for SafeSport was created in 2017 by the U.S. Congress in the wake of the Larry Nasser scandal to address abuse and misconduct in American Olympic and Paralympic sports. On this episode, we talk with Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, who became the organization's new chief executive officer in February 2026. Benita is an Olympic champion herself, winning gold in 1984 in the 100 meter hurdles. She's also a mother of children who have their own competitive athletic journeys. These experiences combine to give her insight as to how to lead an organization whose mission is to protect young athletes. Our conversation, which took place during her first week on the job, gets into the differences of the inappropriate behavior she saw during her time as an athlete, the measures the U.S. Center for SafeSport is taking today, and her hopes for what the center can achieve in the future. Also on this episode, Alison reviews her experience at Stars on Ice, which includes insight on how influential Alysa Liu has become in our culture. Plus, there are rumors that the International Olympic Committee has said game over to esports and has thoughts about the sports programs for French Alps 2030 and Brisbane 2032. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. All year long, cultural institutions and the Olympic Park will have events to celebrate these Games. The fun will culminate in a big 50th anniversary celebration on August 1. Find out what's going on here: The best event will be The Great Nadia Gathering in honor of the impact Nadia Comaneci had on baby names. If you're a Nadia of a certain age (born 1976-1978), this contest is for you: For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of U.S. Center for SafeSport. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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LA28 Olympic Hospitality with On Location's Paul Caine
05/01/2026
LA28 Olympic Hospitality with On Location's Paul Caine
To be a spectator at the LA28 Olympics, you can buy tickets directly from the Organizing Committee, or you can book a hospitality package through On Location, the Games' official hospitality provider. Paul Caine, president of On Location joins us to talk all things Olympic hospitality, from how the company did at Paris 2024 and Milano Cortina 2026, to what they're planning for once-in-a-lifetime experiences related to the LA 2028 Olympics. Find out more about LA28 packages at . Learn more about On Location and its other events (they’re gearing up for World Cup) at . Going to the Paralympics? Don’t worry - there will be hospitality packages for the Paralympics too - more info will be released in the future. We have a ton of Games News to share - from an Olympic trials pool up for sale to Milano Cortina's instant budget shortfalls and legacy issues. For you that means the slidingnovela is back! We have the information we most definitely are not shocked to hear. LA28 has announced that ticket drop #2 will take place in August. If you haven't signed up for the ticket lottery, do so here: What's the likelihood of snagging some $28 tickets? We've got some interesting stats from the first ticket drop that may surprise you. Plus, French Alps 2030 is having trouble finding a place to hold the ice hockey tournament, but never fear, Paris and Lyon would like to step up and host those events. Also, the World Games 2029 sport program is out, and it's a doozy! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of On Location. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Utah 2034 Update with Catherine Raney-Norman
04/23/2026
Utah 2034 Update with Catherine Raney-Norman
While we still have Winter Olympics and Paralympics on the brain, we take a look at what's going on with Utah 2034 with Catherine Raney-Norman, Utah 2034's vice president development and athlete relations. Catherine is a 4x Olympic speed skater who transitioned into development work after retiring from competition. Given that Utah 2034 can't go after sponsorship deals until after LA28, it has created an innovative funding program called Podium 34. For the first time in Olympic history, private donors are stepping up to help fund the Games. Catherine talks about the program and how it's changing Games funding for the future. To learn more about Podium 34, visit: In LA28 news, Santa Monica is making plans to host a Nations Village during the Games. Also, if your event tickets take you to a venue at USC, you may want to build in some travel time. Plus, if you're in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, this summer, check out the Tread of Pioneers Museum's free weekly Olympic Heritage tour! Olympian Ben Berend will lead this series, which runs from June 2 through Sept. 9. Find out more at the museum's . For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of Utah 2034. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Female Athlete Protection and LA28 Updates
04/16/2026
Female Athlete Protection and LA28 Updates
The International Olympic Committee has released a new policy on the protection of the female (women's) category in Olympic sport, which calls for gene screening for all female athletes. We talk about what this entails, what it could mean for sports, and whether or not we, as two women, feel protected. If you want to read the policy for yourself, you can find it here: The UN's response is here: Here's the Time article we referenced: And geneticist Andrew Sinclair's thoughts on SRY gene screening: Also, LA 2028 has released its "look of the Games," which is called "." Inspired by the California Superbloom phenomenon, the look features colorful graphics. Typography is inspired by signage found throughout the city of LA. Overall, the look caused us to have different--and surprising--reactions. Listen on to find out more! Ticket sales have also started for the LA28 Olympics. Aren't those two years away? Yes, but there's no time like the present to create some hype (and FOMO). We've got word on how the first ticket drop is going, and what you can do if you haven't gotten tickets yet (spoiler alert: time is on your side). USA Fencing is working on an exhibit for LA28 and is looking for fencing-related movie/TV artifacts. If you have an item of interest, let them know: Plus, we have a new Olympic and Paralympic travel segment, which features exhibits, events and more. On this episode, we feature Georgia Tech's new exhibit about its legacy with Atlanta 1996. Find out more about that here: And USA Gymnastics announced the location for its 2028 Olympic trials, which will be in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more here: For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Torch Relay and Opening Ceremony
04/09/2026
Cortina 1956 Winter Olympics: Torch Relay and Opening Ceremony
Step back in time to Cortina 1956! We're back with another Olympics history episode, looking at the torch relay and Opening Ceremony for the Cortina d'Ampezzo 1956 Winter Olympics. These two events were vastly different than what we saw at Milano Cortina 2026, and we compare 1956's short torch relay (partly on wheels and never in Greece) and short Opening Ceremony that for the first time was broadcast to the world on TV--and featured a major gaffe. Listen to find out what went down and the surprises we learned from the 1956 Winter Olympics. For a transcript and complete list of sources used in this episode, visit: . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo: Jill Jaracz *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: The Listeners Speak!
03/19/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: The Listeners Speak!
The Milano Cortina 2026 cauldron might be out, but our community still has a lot to say about these Games! Hear what the listeners thought about a spread out Paralympics and the amazing sports that we watched. And there might be a feed beef or two. Plus, Alison gives an update on her friend Eric Heiden, and Jill reports on the late 1980s downhill skiing scene in Northern Indiana. Thank you for being part of this podcast and community and for making the Olympics and Paralympics more fun than we could have ever imagined! Until next time, keep the flame alive! *** For a transcript of this episode, please visit . *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 9
03/16/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 9
The Paralympic flame has been extinguished, and sadly, the Games of are over. However, there was still plenty of action on the final day of competition! Thanks to your support of our Grande Finale 150 campaign, we went to Milano to watch the para ice hockey medal games, both of which were the icing on the cake (especially in terms of record attendance) of a great Paralympics. Sports on today’s program: Para Alpine skiing Para cross-country Para ice hockey Finally, the Closing Ceremony in Cortina at the curling stadium may have been in a small venue, but it included beautiful and poignant performances around the theme of memories. The cauldron may be out, but we're still keeping the flame alive! We have multitudes of memories from Milano Cortina 2026, and we hope you do too! Share them with us this week as we have two call-in shows. Alison will record on Tuesday, March 17 from 8-9pm ET. Jill will record at the same time on Wednesday, March 18. Here’s the . It works best with Chrome or Edge. It doesn't like Firefox. Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive!
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 8
03/14/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 8
We're at the penultimate day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, and it was our last day in Cortina. Time to say good-bye to many friends we've met and fit in one last cultural moment. In terms of sports, we some some exciting competitions. In para Alpine skiing, the women battled rain and shifting light conditions to finish out their Paralympics with the slalom competition. We also saw most of the gold medal wheelchair curling match, which went down to the wire and had a nail-biting finish. In para cross-country, the relays took place, with an exciting come-from-behind win for Team USA (3/4 of which was from TKFLASTAN). The International Paralympic Committee is also looking into a potential podium protest by Germany during the women's sprint classic visually impaired class, which was won by RUS Anastasiia Bagiian and guide Sergei Siniakin. Silver medallists Linn Kazmaier and Florian Baumann from Germany who kept their hats on during the anthem and did not turn towards the flags. Sports on today's program: Para Alpine skiing Para cross-country Para ice hockey Wheelchair curling We want to hear what you thought of the Paralympics! We're hosting two call-in shows next week: Alison: Tues Mar 17 8-9pm ET Jill: Wed Mar 18 8-9 pm ET Join us online at our studio: For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: IOS Photos *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy Friends of Eric Heiden merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 7
03/13/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 7
Coming to you from Piazza Roma in Cortina d'Ampezzo, it's Day 7 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics. Alison went to para snowboard to see TKFLASTAN crush it in the banked slalom. Jill had a cultural moment (and a blood pressure check) and saw some wheelchair curling before going up to Tofane to watch para Alpine. On that ride up the mountain, she made a big mistake. Meanwhile, Alison got to celebrate some medals with Team USA athlete families and got some good intel along the way. Plus, she attended the latest International Paralympic Committee press conference, which had our Craig Spence dancing (literally). Sports on the day's program: Para Alpine skiing Para biathlon Para ice hockey Para snowboard Wheelchair curling GRAND FINALE 150! Help us end our coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on a high note by covering our train fare to the para ice hockey medal matches. Please get back to Milano to give para ice hockey the coverage it deserves! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo credit: OIS Photos *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 6
03/12/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 6
It's Day 6 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, and the snow is holding up for a few more competitions. Jill went to para Alpine skiing for the women's giant slalom, while Alison went to wheelchair curling for mixed team play. Luckily, their time in Cortina allowed for a little cultural exploration because what they each stumbled upon was really good. Plus, we recap the rest of the day's sports action, and Jill finds that Giacomo in the Morning takes a surprising turn. Suprise! A new day and time is coming for para snowboard! Sports on today's program: Para Alpine skiing Para ice hockey Wheelchair curling GRAND FINALE 150! Help us end our coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on a high note by covering our train fare to the para ice hockey medal matches. Please get back to Milano to give para ice hockey the coverage it deserves! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo: OIS Photos *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 5
03/11/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 5
It's Day 5 of the Winter Paralympics, and the running theme of the Games seems to be, "It's getting hot," as the snow gets slushier in the heat. Athletes are using coded language (and sometimes not-so-coded) to express just how tough the snow conditions are, and how hard it is to compete under them. Jill and Alison went up to Cortina today for the medal round of mixed doubles wheelchair curling, which had amazing gameplay in both matches. Did Team Keep the Flame Alive's Steve Emt and Laura Dwyer beat the ice, or did the ice beat them? Para cross-country skiing was also on the docket today, and it featured several TKFLASTANIs climbing the podium. Who had a great day? Meanwhile, Jill opted for a culture morning and found something shocking at the post office. GRAND FINALE 150! Help us end our coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on a high note by covering our train fare to the para ice hockey medal matches. Please get back to Milano to give para ice hockey the coverage it deserves! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of OIS Photos. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 4
03/10/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 4
It's Day 4 of the Winter Paralympics! Alison survives another Giacomo in the Morning experience to get to para Alpine skiing for (part of) the combined event. She also watched TKFLASTAN's Steve Emt and Laura Dwyer battle Korea in the semifinals of the mixed doubles wheelchair curling tournament. They've made it to the medal rounds, but what color are they playing for? Meanwhile, Jill had the six-hour commute to watch two periods of para ice hockey, but they were good ones, as the USA faced China, and we got the answer to what China's goal song is! Plus, TKFLASTAN has a great day at para cross-country skiing! Sports on today's program: Para Alpine skiing Para cross-country skiing Para ice hockey Wheelchair curling GRAND FINALE 150! Help us end our coverage of Milano Cortina 2026 on a high note by covering our train fare to the para ice hockey medal matches. Please get back to Milano to give para ice hockey the coverage it deserves! For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 3
03/09/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 3
Day 3 of the Paralympics was a struggle in transportation. Jill scored a massive win by getting to the para Alpine competition, but thanks to the not-well-thought-out transportation schedule, saw 1.5 of 6 classes. Still, it was a massive achievement for Keep the Flame Alive that we've finally made it to a Para Alpine competition! Things got better at the last round robin session of wheelchair curling, where Steve Emt and Laura Dwyer gave Team China its first loss of the tournament. Meanwhile, Alison went back to Milano to see para ice hockey and spent more time on the train than in the rink. Hear how that went down and what Milano looks like two weeks later. Sports on today's program: Para Alpine skiing Para ice hockey Wheelchair curling We'd like to give a big shout out to our donors who got us to Milano Cortina, as well as our patrons who keep our flame alive throughout the Olympic and Paralympic quad. If this show helps you enjoy the Games more, please consider sending a financial contribution to ensure the show can continue through LA 2028. Find out more at . If you'd like to become a patron, you'll get exclusive bonus content throughout the Games. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! Photo courtesy of OIS Photos. *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 2
03/08/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 2
It's Day 2 of the Paralympics, and we head back up to the mountains for the finals of para snowboard, then into Cortina for some wheelchair curling. Plus we got an up-close look at several medal ceremonies, which meant we got an up-close look at the podium people outfits, and we have thoughts. Did Alison survive the bus ride? How did our fearless podcasters fare on the janky stairs at the para snowboard park? Hit play to find out! Sports on today's program: Para biathlon Para snowboard Wheelchair curling We'd like to give a big shout out to our donors who got us to Milano Cortina, as well as our patrons who keep our flame alive throughout the Olympic and Paralympic quad. If this show helps you enjoy the Games more, please consider sending a financial contribution to ensure the show can continue through LA 2028. Find out more . If you'd like to become a patron, you'll get exclusive bonus content throughout the Games. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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MIlano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 1
03/07/2026
MIlano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 1
Day 1 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics starts off with a wild (and nauseating ride) that does not end well for Alison, but she does get to an exciting day of wheelchair curling. Meanwhile, Jill made a questionable choice going up into the mountains, but got some interesting intel and took a gondola ride (and we know that gondola rides can end badly). Sports on today's program: Para Alpine skiing Para biathlon Para ice hockey Para snowboard Wheelchair curling We'd like to give a big shout out to our donors who got us to Milano Cortina, as well as our patrons who keep our flame alive throughout the Olympic and Paralympic quad. If this show helps you enjoy the Games more, please consider sending a financial contribution to ensure the show can continue through LA 2028. Find out more at . If you'd like to become a patron, you'll get exclusive bonus content throughout the Games. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 0
03/06/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day 0
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics is officially underway! We've got the scoop from the Opening Ceremony from our inadvertent live show, complete with guests! We'd like to give a big shout out to our donors who got us to Milano Cortina, as well as our patrons who keep our flame alive throughout the Olympic and Paralympic quad. If this show helps you enjoy the Games more, please consider sending a financial contribution to ensure the show can continue through LA 2028. Find out more at . If you'd like to become a patron, you'll get exclusive bonus content throughout the Games. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day -1
03/05/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day -1
It's Day -1 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics, and we've made it up to the mountains! We've got the details of our trek to Cortina d'Ampezzo and our first foray to the Cortina Curling Stadium (which also involves a case of "Accesso Denied" and a surprise blood pressure check) to see TKFLASTANI Steve Emt and teammate Laura Dwyer in their second match of the wheelchair curling mixed doubles tournament. Plus, we tool around Cortina to see what the scene will be like once the Paralympic cauldron is lit. We'd like to say a big shout out to our donors who got us to Milano Cortina, as well as our patrons who keep our flame alive throughout the Olympic and Paralympic quad. If this show helps you enjoy the Games more, please consider sending a financial contribution to ensure the show can continue through LA 2028. Find out more at . If you'd like to become a patron, you'll get exclusive bonus content throughout the Games. For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day -2
03/04/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics: Day -2
We're back in Italy and ready for the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympics to start! Between the Games, Alison went back to the States for some much-needed rest. Jill went to Lausanne, Olympic city, where she spent some time at the Olympic Museum and explains why it's a must-visit. After a long and surprising travel day, Jill made it to Venice, where TKFLASTAN House will be for the Paralympics. She also got to visit the Team USA processing center, which is a magical experience for their Paralympians. Alison arrived in Italy just in time to catch the Paralympic flame celebration happening in Venice, and we share the highlights of that adventure. Plus, wheelchair curling got underway today. We have the results from the first round of mixed doubles, featuring TKFLASTANI Steve Emt. Keep our Flame Alive! We podcast about the Games all year. If you appreciate the independent voice that we provide, please consider supporting us today. Go to to learn about our one-time and ongoing patronage options (as well as the bonus content for our patrons). For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics: The Listeners Speak!
02/26/2026
Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics: The Listeners Speak!
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic cauldron might be out, but we're still keeping the flame alive! We talk with listeners about their favorite moments from these Winter Olympics. Don't forget that the Paralympics are coming up soon! Daily coverage starts Wednesday, March 4. Keep our Flame Alive! We podcast about the Games all year. If you appreciate the independent voice that we provide, please consider supporting us today. Go to to learn about our one-time and ongoing patronage options (as well as the bonus content for our patrons). For a transcript of this episode, please visit . Thanks so much for listening, and until next time, keep the flame alive! *** Keep the Flame Alive: Obsessed with the Olympics and Paralympics? Just curious about how Olympic and Paralympic sports work? You've found your people! Join your hosts, Olympic aunties Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz for smart, fun, and down-to-earth interviews with athletes coaches, and the unsung heroes behind the Games. Get the stories you don't find anywhere else. Tun in weekly all year-round, and daily during the Olympics and Paralympics. We're your cure for your Olympic Fever! Call us: (208) FLAME-IT. *** Support the show: Bookshop.org store: Become a patron and get bonus content: Buy merch here: Hang out with us online: Facebook: Insta: Facebook Group: Newsletter: Sign up at VM/Text: (208) FLAME-IT / (208) 352-6348
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