Flame Bearers

Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio. We tell stories via video production, podcasts, and live events and have supported just shy of 400 world-class athletes from 52 countries.In a landscape where 85% of coverage is dedicated to men and the remaining 15% often highlights a narrow segment of women athletes, we broaden the lens to highlight diverse voices. Why? Because we’re here to inspire the next generation of athletes, centering their stories on their terms. Our mission is to spark a movement that lights up women athletes worldwide, inspiring girls to see their dreams within reach. Watch our episodes on YouTube to see our conversations. Tune into all podcast episodes, wherever you get your podcasts including: -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sLW663... -Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0... -Castro: https://castro.fm/podcast/f31308b5-4c... Learn more about Flame Bearers here: flamebe

Flame Bearers is a sports podcast hosted by Founded by Jamie Mittelman, with 197 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Founded by Jamie Mittelman hosts Flame Bearers, a sports show with 197 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Flame Bearers

  There’s More to Wheelchair Basketball Than You Think | Emily Oberst

  Sep 9, 202630 min

  In this episode of Flame Bearers, host Toccara Renee speaks with Paralympic silver medalist and Team USA wheelchair basketball powerhouse Emily Oberst on transitioning into adaptive sports following a life-altering cancer diagnosis, dismantling systemic barriers for young girls, and pushing global sports media to change the narrative on para athletes. As we look ahead to the IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships and the long runway to the LA Paralympics, Emily breaks down the intense tactical chess match of wheelchair classifications, channels the fire of Team USA’s legendary rivalry with the Netherlands, and reminds us that true success comes from falling in love with the sport.

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  Flame Bearers

  The Culture Behind Puerto Rican Women’s Basketball | Arella Guirantes

  Sep 2, 202628 min

  In this episode of Flame Bearers, host Toccara Renee speaks with WNBA talent, overseas standout, and Puerto Rican national team star Arella Guirantes on honoring her family's Puerto Rican roots on the global stage, pushing for stronger media coverage and equity for international athletes, and finding ultimate peace in the game by focusing on character over accolades. As we look to this week’s FIBA World Cup where Arella will be representing PR, she shows what world-class, purpose-driven basketball looks like, advocates for greater synergy between U.S. and overseas sports markets, and reminds us all that true success comes from how deeply you touch people's lives along the journey.

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  Flame Bearers

  How a 2026 Wimbledon Champ Learned to Adapt | Yui Kamiji

  Aug 26, 202623 min

  In this episode of Flame Bearers, guest host Dana Mathewson speaks with Japanese wheelchair tennis superstar, world number one, and newly minted Career Golden Slam winner Yui Kamiji on capturing her elusive first Wimbledon singles title, adapting to an increasingly powerful era of tennis, and finding mental clarity under intense pressure. Fun fact: To get pumped up before a big match, Yui listens to Eminem's "Not Afraid," and considers staying in high-grade tour hotels one of her favorite parts of traveling. She shows us that true championship performance stems from deep gratitude for your team and holding onto the simple joy of the game.

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  Flame Bearers

  What Makes a Wimbledon Champion? | Aniek van Koot

  Aug 19, 202625 min

  In this episode of Flame Bearers, guest host Dana Mathewson chats with Dutch wheelchair tennis player Aniek Van Koot, former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles. The two friends and former competitors reminisce about past tournaments, break down the differences between the U.S. Open, Wimbledon and more. Aniek reveals what helps her keep a positive, healthy mindset, and why she hopes more people will not only learn about wheelchair tennis, but also fall in love with it the way she she did. -------- Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, championing extraordinary athletes and driving conversations around equality, leadership, and high performance. We’ve collaborated with 450+  Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries—including Hilary Knight, Sue Bird, Caster Semenya, and Amber Glenn— and have earned 28 international awards for capturing raw human journeys of resilience, confidence, and mental health. Through video, podcasting, events, and social media, we spotlight the athlete’s story behind the scoreboards, in her own words.

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  Flame Bearers

  Studying Literature Made Me a Better Cyclist | Elisa Balsamo

  Aug 12, 202621 min

  In this episode of Flame Bearers, guest host Dana Mathewson speaks with Italian pro cycling superstar, former road world champion, and multi-stage Giro d'Italia Women winner Elisa Balsamo on navigating the Tour de France Femmes, and what it's like to keep your mind steady when your bike is going full speed. Fun fact: Elisa studied literature in college, and finds both solace and motivation in her favorite books. She shows us that true endurance comes from mental resilience, trusting your team, and cultivating a full life beyond the bike. -------- Flame Bearers is a women's sports storytelling studio, championing extraordinary athletes and driving conversations around equality, leadership, and high performance. We’ve collaborated with 450+  Olympians and Paralympians from 55 countries—including Hilary Knight, Sue Bird, Caster Semenya, and Amber Glenn— and have earned 28 international awards for capturing raw human journeys of resilience, confidence, and mental health. Through video, podcasting, events, and social media, we spotlight the athlete’s story behind the scoreboards, in her own words.

  ListenShow Notes

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