In this raw and vulnerable episode, Kristi checks in with us now that the Olympic Games have concluded. She reflects on her own performance and how she is processing a disappointing outcome. She also shows her resilience - although she may not know what the future holds, she doesn’t stay knocked down for long. In her final episode, she signs off with hope. Don’t miss this inspiring and heartfelt episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 16, 2024•14 min
While Kristi’s away at the Olympics, we kick off this episode with a conversation between producer Christine O’Donnell and world rowing commentator Colleen Saville about Kristi’s races in Paris. Then we dive into her interview with Rudy Winkler, American track and field athlete who competes in the hammer throw and weight throw. Rudy is the current American Record Holder in the hammer toss with a distance of 82.71m. He has finished in the top 8 at his last 4 World Championship and Olympic finals,...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min
It’s go time! Kristi answers some of our burning pre-Olympics questions as she heads to Paris for the Summer 2024 Games where she is competing in the women’s double sculls. Some questions get deep (has being on Team USA made her more of a patriot?), some…not so much (is she going to try a chocolate chip cookie croissant?). She tells about how visualization and meditation help her get ready for her races, would she do it all over again if she knew what she knows now, and the most important questi...
Jul 26, 2024•25 min
In our last episode before the Olympics begin, Kristi talks to Team USA Field Hockey player Ally Hammel. Ally tells us about the fascinating ways field hockey is always evolving, the differences and similarities between its sister sport on the ice, and how it transforms from high school to collegiate and international levels. Having competed everywhere from India to Chile, Ally shares what it sounds like in a stadium when you’re playing a team in their home country. We also hear how her team’s c...
Jul 19, 2024•43 min
This week Kristi chats with two of her old friends, Ben Weatherwax and Michael Fairley, lightweight Harvard Rowing and Saratoga alumni who just won their race at IRAs. The guys take us back to the beginning of their rowing careers (in fourth grade!) to high school rowing (including winning Nationals) and through their unconventional roads to Harvard. We hear about how they helped turn their less-than-stellar program to into one of the top programs in the nation, and learned the lesson that more ...
Jul 12, 2024•46 min
Get ready to get pumped up! In this week’s energetic episode, host Kristi Wagner chats with Mary Whipple, the former Team USA coxswain for the Women’s 8, 2x Olympian with two gold and one silver medal, 5x world champion, and current coach and commentator. Mary tells Kristi about how she came to love coxing after first being disappointed at not being selected as a rower, how not buying into limitations gave her an edge over her competitors and why she started The 9th Seat, which provides resource...
Jul 05, 2024•56 min
This week we have the impressive Olivia Reeves, a Team USA Olympic Weightlifter in the Paris 2024 Games, gold medal winner at the 2024 IWF Championships and 2023 Pan Am Championships, and US women’s record holder. Since Olympic Weightlifting is a new topic for us on the podcast, Olivia explains how the sport works and what a training routine and competition look like. She also tells us about how growing up in her family’s CrossFit gym led her to a passion for weightlifting, and her journey to fi...
Jun 28, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Happy Father’s Day! As promised, Kristi sits down with one of her biggest champions: her self-proclaimed “Rowing Dad,” Steve Wagner. The father-daughter duo talk about Steve’s unique ability to help Kristi through difficult and disappointing events, his best and worst memories of her rowing career (so far), how he supported her in making the leap to full-time athlete, and what it feels like to watch your child qualify for the Olympics. A month out from the games (!!!) Steve shares what he's most...
Jun 21, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 62
You’re in for quadruple the fun this week as host Kristi Wagner interviews the Team USA women’s 4x rowers: Lauren O’Connor, Teal Cohen, Grace Joyce and Emily Delleman. The ladies share with us how they prepped for their Olympic qualifying race (which they won), how it feels for all four of them to be going to their first Olympics, and the importance of celebrating the little wins along with the big ones. They also sing the virtues of sports psychology and spill on an Olympian tradition: team tat...
Jun 14, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Meet the unstoppable Molly Reckford, Kristi’s fellow Team USA rower (and successful financial analyst) about her unconventional journey to becoming a two-time Olympian in the women’s lightweight doubles competition. She talks about her struggle to be taken seriously and given a chance as a rower, and how she overcame those hurdles with determination and seizing opportunities. We also hear about how she quit rowing for finance but got drawn back in, and after only 18 months back in the boat she w...
Jun 07, 2024•45 min
Fresh off her gold medal win (!!!), Kristi answers your questions about the rowing World Cup 2. She tells us about how she handles pre-race nerves, manages attitudes and expectations in high pressure situations, and reveals whether or not she was actually smiling during the race. Celebrate Kristi’s win with us in this episode - but winning the women’s double at the World Cup is just a prelude to her next stop: the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris! Watch Kristi’s winning race at the World Cup 2: Wor...
May 31, 2024•20 min
This week Kristi chats with elite athlete Skyler Samuelson. Skyler was a Division I rower at Columbia and Stanford Universities and is now a Team USA athlete as a guide for a visually impaired cyclist. She's won medals at the World Championships twice and is a two time Parapan American champion. Skyler talks to Kristi about how she went from rowing to cycling, the rewards and challenges of tandem cycling, and the special quirks of track cycling - like having no breaks! Skyler also tells us why s...
May 24, 2024•47 min
This week, Kristi chats with two of her fellow members of the US Rowing Team, Men’s Pair rowers Oliver Bub & Billy Bender. The guys tell us about what drew them to Dartmouth College, where they met - Oliver is a 2020 graduate of Dartmouth and Billy is currently a student there set to graduate in 2025. We also hear about how they got into rowing, the day they found out they were going to the Olympics, the benefits of “coaching by committee”, and how an irrational belief in oneself will carry ...
May 17, 2024•34 min
Happy Mother’s Day! In this episode, we’re celebrating with - who else? - Kristi’s mother Patti Wagner. They discuss Patti’s goals and guiding principles in raising her kids, the value of letting them choose their own interests and hobbies, and how exercise can keep a family close. You’ll also find out where Kristi gets her penchant for pre-dawn workouts, why she was never allowed to go to sleepovers, and that she was *that kid* who brought fruit to kindergarten on her birthday instead of cupcak...
May 10, 2024•33 min
You have to see it to be it. This week host Kristi Wagner welcomes Jayna Hefford, five time gold medalist from the Canadian Women’s Hockey team and the current SVP of Hockey Operations for the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Jayna talks us through her impressive career, and the passion that’s fueled it, including her time at the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association and her Dream Gap tour for girls aspiring to be hockey players. Jayna and Kristi touch on how to sustain a long and h...
May 03, 2024•42 min
Wave the white flag! In this episode, join host Kristi Wagner for a lively chat with champion rower Megan Lee. Megan is a student and athlete at Cambridge University in the UK, whose rowing team just triumphed over the Oxford team in the 78th Women’s Boat Race in London. Megan gives us the play by play of the race itself, including a near collision with the other boat, and the longest four minutes of her life waiting for the umpire to name the winner. Plus we hear hilarious stories of the media ...
Apr 26, 2024•44 min
What does it take to transition from a dedicated athlete to a high-performance coach? Kristi is joined by former competitive rower and now coach, Steve Whelpley. After a 19 year career that included three national teams, Steve made a major career transition and is now the head coach of the Craftsbury Green Racing Project. Steve tells us about his journey as an athlete and what inspired him to make the switch. In this powerful conversation, he shares insights he’s learned along the way, like how ...
Apr 19, 2024•51 min
What does it feel like to be going to the Olympics - again? This week’s episode of "The Other 3 Years" is a conversation with Kristi and her boyfriend, returning guest Ian Accomando. The couple dives into how Kristi really feels about making the 2024 Olympic rowing team, what’s changed - and what hasn’t- about her training and mindset the second time around, and, of course, her favorite bagel sandwich. And you won’t want to miss Kristi’s take on Caitlin Clarke and the elevation of women’s sports...
Apr 12, 2024•52 min
Join host Kristi Wagner as she sits down with Sophia Vitas, a remarkable athlete who shares her journey to making the Olympic rowing team for the United States. From early mornings on the water to representing her country on the world stage, Sophia's story is about determination, resilience, and the pursuit of greatness. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the relentless pursuit of athletic success. 🌟 Keep up with Kristi's Podcast - https://www.theother3years.com/ Get live updates on K...
Apr 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 51
Our host Kristi Wagner is going to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics!! Tune in as she dishes out the news and her reaction. Guest Sara Hendershot joins Kristi. Sara’s illustrious career saw her achieve a remarkable fourth place finish in the women's pair at the 2012 Olympics in London. In this insightful conversation, Sara sheds light on the various pathways to Olympic qualification in the world of rowing and delves into the intricate selection procedures that govern the sport. As an integral figur...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 50
We are sliding into the journey of Ben Wanger, who represented Team Israel in baseball at the Tokyo Olympics. Ben shares his unique path, which is marked by dedication, resilience, and adaptability. With a journey spanning three different colleges, each specializing in baseball, Ben's story unfolds amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He provides insights into the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped his Olympic dream, offering a glimpse into the intensity and camaraderie of competing ...
Mar 22, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Get ready for a heart-to-heart as Kristi sits down with her brother, Joe Wagner. From childhood antics to navigating life's twists, join these siblings on a journey through their shared past. They laugh as they reminisce about growing up together and discover the unbreakable bond that held them tight, especially when Kristi took the spotlight at the Tokyo Olympics. Hear Joe's story and how their competitive spirits fueled their connection. Kristi and Joe share what it's like for them as siblings...
Mar 15, 2024•36 min•Ep. 48
Kristi and ARION teammate Katy talk about Katy’s unconventional journey into rowing, how she keeps advancing, and the parallels she sees between her first sporting love of hockey and rowing. Kristi also shares a funny story about their coach Eric Catalano, also known as Cat. Katy started rowing as a club athlete when she began college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), she then joined ARION while in college and skyrocketed her way through the ranks in the sport, eventually competing on t...
Mar 08, 2024•47 min•Ep. 47
Kristi dives into her top picks across various categories, from mouthwatering food choices to must-have rowing gear. She’s covering food, clothing, cultural spheres, favorite books, television shows, and music. We’re even finding out what underwear and socks are essential! Do you need a recommendation for mindfulness? Kristi has her favorite app for that. Tune in to discover Kristi's eclectic mix of favorites, ranging from foodie delights to tech essentials, and get inspired to explore your pass...
Mar 01, 2024•14 min•Ep. 46
Considered the greatest diver in history, Greg Louganis is the only male to win gold medals on both 3 meter springboard and 10 meter platform in consecutive Olympic Games. In this episode, Greg dives deep into the waters of his athletic career, discussing the highs and lows that come with pursuing excellence in the world of sports and beyond. Greg Louganis shares his remarkable journey, shedding light on the challenges he faced, both in and out of the pool. From his early entry into diving to th...
Feb 23, 2024•42 min•Ep. 45
Colleen Saville is back for this is Part 2 of a two part interview, so be sure to catch up from last week's episode where they share more personal funny stories and the professional side of rowing. Follow Colleen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colleen62687/?hl=en Keep up with Kristi's Podcast - The Other 3 Years Get live updates on Kristi's Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 16, 2024•41 min•Ep. 44
From coxswain to rowing commentator, Colleen Saville has traveled and seen many experiences in the rowing world. Join her and Kristi as they share their rowing journeys, discussing the complexities of college recruitment and how they have changed SO much in just a decade. From Kristi's ties to Northeastern to Colleen's reflections on the evolving dynamics of recruiting, the conversation delves into the challenges, decisions, and humorous moments that shaped their experiences. Gain insights into ...
Feb 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 43
Olympian host Kristi interviews her boyfriend, Ian Accomando, in this charming episode of "The Other 3 Years." Ian is the Associate Head Coach of Men’s Lightweight Rowing at Harvard University. Join the couple as they share laughs and insights into pop culture, specifically their thoughts on Taylor Swift's celebrity relationship, if it’s ‘for real’, and how it could be benefiting the NFL. The episode takes a dive into Ian's world as a rowing coach, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at ...
Feb 02, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and ten-time US rowing national team member, Meghan Musnicki, shares insights into her comeback for the Paris Olympics. Meghan highlights the challenges of training at 40 and adjusting to the new rowing system. Both Olympians discuss the importance of managing recovery, dealing with pressure, and adapting training approaches as an athlete ages. Meghan also reflects on the dynamics of the team, the impact of the new training system, and the valuable lessons learned ...
Jan 26, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Kristi sits down with Nick Baumgartner, the 42-year-old snowboarding sensation and oldest gold medalist, gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics. They discuss Nick's new book, "Gold from Iron," exploring his late start in snowboarding at 15, his journey to Olympic gold, and his passion for inspiring children. Discover Nick's mindset, support system, sacrifices, and the ongoing challenge of balancing his athletic career with being a dad. Join us for the untold stories of resilience and ambition t...
Jan 19, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 40