The Mettleset Podcast

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• 114. "Losing is Never the End" - 🇹🇳 Dr. Sarra Lajnef-Taylor, Olympian & 5x Guinness World Record Holder 09.07.2026 1ชม. 7นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance and Dr.stretch. Dr Sarra Lajnef-Taylor made history as the first Tunisian woman to qualify for the Olympics in swimming, competing at London 2012. Since then, she's refused to be defined by one sport, becoming a six-time FINA Masters World Champion, a five-time Guinness World Record holder, a UAE rowing champion, and a medalist in triathlon and obstacle course racing. In this episode, recorded at the Khalifa International Bowling Center at Zayed Sports Center in Abu Dhabi, Sarra opens up about leaving Tunisia for France at 15, the punctured lung that nearly cost her the London Games, the mental toll elite sport rarely talks about, and why she's now pushing for athlete safeguarding on the world stage.This is the first of what we hope will be a series of conversations with Sarra, stay tuned for round two.Follow Sarra on Instagram: @sarralajnefofficial🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr. Sarra Lajnef-TaylorEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 113. "Riyadh Is The New NYC" — Jay3lle Founder Johan Lindeberg on Intuition, Community and Changing Golf from Saudi Arabia 16.06.2026 1ชม. 14นาที

  This episode is brought to you by New Balance and Dr.stretch. What does it take to see something others don't?In this episode, host Dawn Barnable sits down with visionary designer, entrepreneur and brand builder Johan Lindeberg, whose influence has shaped the worlds of fashion, sport and culture for more than three decades.From helping build Diesel into a global phenomenon to redefining golf style through J.Lindeberg, Johan has built a career on challenging convention and trusting his intuition long before others could see what he saw.Today, he's embarking on a new chapter with Jay3lle, a luxury golf and lifestyle brand being built from Riyadh alongside CEO Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud. Together, they're reimagining what golf can become through the lenses of fashion, luxury, wellness and community, while drawing inspiration from the energy and ambition shaping modern Saudi Arabia.In this conversation, we discuss:Why intuition has been the guiding force throughout Johan's careerThe leap from Sweden to Italy and knocking on Diesel's doorBuilding one of the most influential fashion brands in golfWhy community is at the heart of every successful brandSaudi Arabia's emergence as a global hub for sport, creativity and cultureThe vision behind Jay3lle and why Johan chose Riyadh for his next chapterGolf as a lifestyle, a creative canvas and a vehicle for connectionEntrepreneurship, risk-taking and seeing opportunities before others doWhether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, creative or simply someone navigating your next chapter, this conversation offers a fascinating perspective on vision, courage and trusting your instincts.More about Jay3lle:https://www.jay3lle.com/https://www.instagram.com/jay3lle/Learn more about the Aramco Championship via The Mettleset 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: https://themettleset.com/subscribe/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themettleset/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themettleset/Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Johan LindebergSocial Media: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 112. “Go For It”: The UAE’s First Pro Female MMA Fighter - Zamzam Al Hammadi & PFL MENA GM Jerome Mazet 06.05.2026 15นาที

  This episode is brought to you by Dr.stretch and New Balance.At just 18 years old, Zamzam Al Hammadi is already making history. The Emirati athlete is set to become the first Emirati woman to compete for a major regional MMA promotion when she steps into the cage at PFL MENA: Pride of Arabia in Dubai on May 24.In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we sit down with Zamzam ahead of her professional debut to talk about pressure, purpose, representation, and the mindset required to compete at one of the highest levels of combat sport. A Youth MMA World Champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout, Zamzam opens up about growing up in a family of fighters, the influence of her mother and coach, and why she hopes this moment inspires the next generation of girls in the UAE to step into sport.We’re also joined by Jerome Mazet, GM of Professional Fighters League, who discusses the rise of MMA across the GCC, the UAE’s growing pipeline of talent, and the increasing presence of women both inside the cage and in the crowd. From Saudi Arabia’s Hattan Alsaif to Zamzam’s debut in Dubai, this episode explores how women’s MMA is becoming one of the region’s most exciting emerging sports stories.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Zamzam Al Hammadi & Jerome MazetEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 111. “We Don’t Stop. I Don’t Give Up.” – Lebanese Triathlete Lindzi Nader on Samla, suffering, and staying in the race 16.04.2026 1ชม. 3นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Lindzi Nader has built her career in triathlon the hard way, without infrastructure, without consistent funding, and often against the realities of living and training in Lebanon.But what she does have is consistency. And resilience.We sat down with one of Lebanon’s leading triathletes to talk about what it really takes to compete at an elite level - not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and logistically.From visa rejections that blocked world championship starts to racing 20 times in 13 months, Lindzi shares what it means to keep going when the system isn’t built for you.Her story spans more than a decade - from starting in swimming to discovering triathlon in 2014, to now competing internationally and closing the gap to the top tier.We also go inside Samla, one of the toughest endurance races in the region, where finishing alone is an achievement. Lindzi placed in the top 10, navigating sand, heat, technical terrain, and a race that demands far more than physical preparation.Alongside competing, she’s building something bigger, coaching and developing the next generation of Lebanese triathletes through her academy.This is about more than results. It’s about performance, persistence, and pushing forward, even when everything around you makes it harder.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Lindzi NaderEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 110. “When It’s Easy, I Find It Boring” - Pro Golfer Carlota Ciganda Live From the Aramco Championship, Las Vegas 06.04.2026 17นาที

  This episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New BalanceRecorded at the Aramco Championship, part of the PIF Global Series at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, this episode features one of the most consistent and respected players in the game, Carlota Ciganda.With 11 professional wins across the LPGA and LET, two Solheim Cup wins and seven appearances, and over 15 years on tour, Carlota shares a candid look at what it really takes to compete at the highest level in golf today.From navigating one of the toughest courses in the world to the mental discipline required to stay present shot after shot, this is a conversation that goes deep into the realities of elite performance. Carlota reflects on starting the game at just five years old, finding her path through the U.S. college system, and building a career defined by consistency, resilience, and a love of the challenge.She also opens up about life on tour, the loneliness, the routines, and the importance of having the right team and environment around you, as well as how the women’s game has evolved into a more athletic, data-driven, and competitive landscape.We also touch on the growing investment in women’s golf, including the impact of PIF and Golf Saudi, and what that means not just for the sport, but for the next generation of players coming through.Carlota shares her approach to mindset, from working with a mental coach to staying focused in an increasingly noisy, social media-driven world, and why the difference at the top ultimately comes down to the mind.She reflects on career highlights, including her Solheim Cup win in Spain, and looks ahead to what’s next - with one clear goal still in sight: winning a major.And at the heart of it all is a simple truth that defines her approach to the game, if it’s easy, it’s not worth chasing.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Carlota CigandaEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 109. “Go Get the Milk. Then Get the Bread.” — UAE Swimmer Maha AlShehhi’s Olympic Mindset 17.03.2026 1ชม. 5นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance What do you do when you get a call telling you you're going to the Olympics… with six weeks to go?For 18-year-old Emirati swimmer Maha Alshehhi, you put your head down, block out the noise, and mentally break a 200m freestyle into a ‘grocery run’.Host Dawn Barnable sat down with Maha to trace her journey from beach fun to the pool lanes of Paris 2024 - four years ahead of schedule. Maha opens up about growing up as one of three sisters all representing the UAE National Team (yes, including a twin), and the habits that got her through one of the most electric sporting arenas on the planet.We also get into the bigger picture: what it means to be a pioneer for Emirati women in open-water swimming, the surge of female swimmers now emerging from the GCC, and why LA 2028 - with all three Alshehhi sisters on the start line is very much the goal.Follow Maha on Instagram: @mahaalshehhii🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maha AlshehhiEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 108. “Golf Is a Crazy Sport”: Marianne Skarpnord on Life on Tour and the Evolution of Women’s Golf 11.03.2026 35นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟What does life really look like after more than two decades competing at the highest level of professional golf?Recorded live in Riyadh at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, host Dawn Barnable sits down with Ladies European Tour veteran Marianne Skarpnord to talk about life on tour, the evolution of women’s golf, and what keeps athletes competing year after year.Marianne reflects on turning professional in 2005, spending as many as 300 days a year on the road, and the mental pressure that comes with competing in one of the world’s most demanding individual sports. She also looks back at one of the biggest moments of her career -defeating Dame Laura Davies in a playoff - and shares how the game has transformed since she first stepped onto tour.The conversation also explores the rapid rise of women’s golf globally, the impact of events like the PIF Saudi Ladies International, and Marianne’s work as a Golf Saudi ambassador helping inspire the next generation of players in the region.Along the way, we also get into Norway’s sporting culture, the challenges of life on tour, and why - after more than 20 years in the sport - Marianne’s biggest goal this season is simple: go out, relax, and enjoy playing golf again.Follow Marianne on Instagram: @mskarpnord🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Marianne SkarpnordEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 107. Muni "Lily" He at the PIF Saudi Ladies International - On Golf, the Grind & Why She Loves F1 Academy 03.03.2026 15นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟How does one of the most followed golfers on the planet handle the grind golf is known for when her life looks like a permanent highlight reel?To kick off 2026, The Mettleset was live from Riyadh at the PIF Saudi Ladies International. Host Dawn Barnable sits down with LPGA star Muni “Lily” He to talk about the reality of life on tour.Lily gets real about the mental grit needed to stay at the top, the massive shift in women’s golf prize purses, and how she sets boundaries with 1.3 million followers watching her every move. We also get into her F1 crossover: why she and her fiancé - F1’s Alex Albon - share a sports psychologist, the story behind that Hello Kitty F1 Academy look, and what it’s like when one of the world's best drivers decides to become a "golf WAG" for the weekend.Follow Lily on Instagram: @lilymhe🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Muni “Lily” HeEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 106. “Do It Scared” - 🪂 Olga Naumova, Guinness World Record breaking skydiver, ultra runner & fitness coach 17.12.2025 58นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Ever wondered what it feels like to sky surf over Mount Everest or leap from 21,000 feet with nothing but a parachute and your courage? On this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, Olga Naumova - Guinness World Record skydiver, ultra runner, and fitness coach - shares the highs, the fear, and the mental grit that keep her pushing limits.We dive into what it takes to face fear head-on, chase extreme challenges, and stay mentally and physically unstoppable. From skydiving to ultra-running, Olga reveals how she turns scary moments into life-changing triumphs - lessons every athlete, adventurer, and dreamer can use. Follow Olga on Instagram: @skyumka🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Olga NaumovaEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 105. Maryam Al Farsi - A Rising UAE Star On Stepping Onto Sport’s Biggest Stage 02.12.2025 52นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Happy Eid Al Etihad! 🇦🇪Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast takes us trackside with Maryam Al Farsi, one of the UAE’s youngest Olympians. From picking up sprinting just five years ago to running the 100m at Paris 2024, Maryam’s journey is full of grit, laughs, and a few moments that will make you feel like you’re right there on the starting blocks. She opens up about the ups and downs of training, balancing school and elite sport, breaking personal records, and what it felt like stepping into the Olympic Village surrounded by her heroes.Whether you’re a sports fan or just love an inspiring story, this episode is packed with honesty, determination, and a glimpse of what it really takes to chase your dreams on the world stage.Enjoy!Follow Mariam on Instagram: @maryamalfarsi1🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🌐Website: TheMettleset.com Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maryam Al FarsiEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 104. 🇵🇭🇦🇪 Bowling, Belonging, and UAE Pride with Sarah Ociones 🎳 25.11.2025 13นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟Today, we roll into a story about community, connection, and a love of the game. 🎳In collaboration with Zayed Sports City, we spotlight the athletes and grassroots groups shaping Abu Dhabi’s women’s and community sports scene. And there’s no better example than the Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club, more than a league for nearly four decades, it’s a second family for generations of Filipinos in the UAE.Recorded at the Khalifa International Bowling Center at Zayed Sports City, we chat with Sarah Ociones, a long-time resident, former UAE National Team bowler, and central figure in the club. She shares how bowling went from a fun family activity to international competition, how the club has grown, and the ways it brings people together - through tournaments, charity, and sheer love of the game.Whether you’re a bowler or just curious about how sport creates community, this episode is full of laughter, inspiration, and stories that make Abu Dhabi feel like home.Full feature linked here. Enjoy!Follow Abu Dhabi Filipino Bowling Club on Instagram: @adfbc.uae🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🌐Website: TheMettleset.com Credits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Sarah OcionesEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 103. Women in Sport Myth-Busting with Dr. Mariana Kessler 18.11.2025 14นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟One of the biggest myths in sport?That women experience stress more intensely than men, and cope less effectively.In this episode recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, sports psychologist and researcher Dr. Mariana Kessler breaks down why that long-held belief simply isn’t true. Drawing from years of research into stress, coping, wellbeing, and gender differences in athletes, Dr. Mariana explains what the science actually shows, and why women’s experiences in sport often feel more stressful for reasons that have nothing to do with biology or ability.She dives into the real issue: the systemic barriers women face every day in sport. From microaggressions to under-representation to male-dominated research frameworks, Dr. Mariana highlights how the environment shapes stress far more than individual traits.We also unpack the four areas in sport where the gender gap remains most visible, research, representation, media visibility, and funding, and what needs to change to close those gaps.Follow Dr. Mariana on LinkedIn: Dr. Mariana Kaiseler🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr.Mariana KaiselerEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 102. Avoiding the RED-S Card - Dr. Margo Mountjoy on Energy, Health & Equity in Sport 11.11.2025 13นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟This week, we’re joined by Dr. Margo Mountjoy, sports physician, clinical professor at McMaster University, and one of the world’s leading experts on RED‑S - Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport.Recorded live at the Emirates Sports Medicine Conference, Dr. Mountjoy breaks down what RED‑S really means, how it affects both women and men, and why it often hides in plain sight behind fatigue, injury, or performance dips.She explains how low energy availability impacts the body, from bone and reproductive health to mental focus, and why recovery starts with something deceptively simple: eating enough to meet your training load.We also dive into the cultural and psychological layers around food and body image in sport, the importance of educating young and endurance athletes early, and how awareness and individualized care can prevent long-term health consequences.Beyond physiology, Dr. Mountjoy reflects on gender equity in sport, from medical research to leadership, and her hope for a more inclusive, athlete-centered future.A must-listen for athletes, coaches, parents, and anyone who believes high performance and health should go hand in hand. 🎧Follow Dr. Margo on Instagram: @drmargomountjoy🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr.Margo Mountjoy Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset
• 101. “Work Hard and Luck Will Chase You” - Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and The Mettleset’s very own on the road to LA28 03.11.2025 55นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟This week, we’re turning the mic inward to one of our own, Nourelhoda Arafa, Egyptian national rower and record holder, and Olympic hopeful.At 13, she picked up rowing for the first time. By 15, she was chasing Olympic dreams. Then came a sudden stop, no boats, no water, no access. For seven years, Nourelhoda couldn’t row outdoors. Most people would’ve given up. She didn’t.Alongside her longtime coach Motaz, she kept training indoors, building strength, discipline, and belief. That commitment led to Egypt’s first-ever World Indoor Rowing gold medal in 2020, followed by multiple medals on the world stage.Now, she’s back on the water, training for LA 2028, and sharing what she’s learned along the way, from managing setbacks,rebuilding after illness, learning to listen to her body, and what it means to live up to her name, Nourelhoda, “a guiding light.”Her story is about what happens when you refuse to give up, and how, sometimes, luck really does chase the ones who keep going. 🎧Follow Nourelhoda on Instagram: @nourelhoda.arafa🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Nourelhoda AraEditor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 100. "Treat it like a business, not a charity” - Alexis Ohanian on Women’s Sports, Live from the Sport Industry Forum 21.10.2025 1ชม.

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟We’re taking you straight to Abu Dhabi for a conversation that had everyone talking.Recorded live at the Sport Industry Forum 2025 (October 1–2, Yas Marina Circuit), this special episode features Alexis Ohanian - entrepreneur, investor, and, as we like to call him, women’s sport’s biggest hype man - in conversation with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport at Dubai Eye 103.8.The Reddit and 776 co-founder, Angel City FC backer, Chelsea FC Women investor, and founder of Athlos, Ohanian shares why he believes sport is the ultimate “anti-AI bet” - a human story that can’t be automated, commodified, or replicated.He explains why women’s sport is not a charity play but a massively undervalued asset class, with billion-dollar potential hiding in plain sight. From turning Angel City FC into a $280 million success story to launching a new global track-and-field league built like a tech startup, Ohanian reveals how he’s using data, community, and storytelling to prove the doubters wrong — and why connection, not comparison, is driving the next wave of growth.As a girl dad and relentless builder, he’s betting on what makes us most human, sport itself.If you weren’t a believer before, you might just be after this one. 🎧🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn🎙️ CreditsHost: Dawn BarnableSpeakers: Alexis Ohanian & Chris McHardyRecorded live at: Sport Industry Forum 2025, Abu DhabiProduced by: The Mettleset's Diya Vergis 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 99.2 The GCC at UTMB: Karis M Brown Shares Her Story - Part 2 17.09.2025 40นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟In this episode, we head back to Chamonix for Part 2 of our UTMB special with Karis Miriam Brown, former lawyer, podium-finishing ultra trail runner, and certified coach.This summer, Karis lined up at the CCC 100K, one of UTMB’s toughest races. Her journey is raw and real: battling a meniscus tear, reshaping expectations mid-race, and leaning into the “why” that fuels her training and racing.Karis also shares:Lessons from training with elites on Réunion IslandHow to reset when your race plan falls apartWhy community, challenge, and her daughters drive her forward🎧 Inspiring, honest, and packed with takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of testing themselves on the trails.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits: Host: Dawn Barnable Guests: Karis Miriam Brown Editor: Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn
• 99.1 The GCC at UTMB: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain & Sharifah AlQattan Share Their Stories - Part 1 17.09.2025 21นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we dive into UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s most iconic trail running festivals.We sat down with three remarkable women from the region who took on the UTMB World Series Finals, sharing their journeys of pushing limits, chasing personal bests, and soaking in the magic of Chamonix.Featured Athletes:Ivana Kolaric – Returned post-pregnancy to finish top 30 and 2nd in her age group at the 61K OCC.Fatema Husain – Bahrain’s ultra trailblazer and first GCC woman to complete the 100-mile UTMB, sharing her journey through injury and breathtaking mountain views.Sharifah AlQattan – Ultra trail runner, coach, and Boom Ultra Challenge race director, talking mindset, preparation, and the pride of crossing the finish line.✨ Don’t miss part two featuring Karis M. Brown. 🎧 Listen to Fatema’s previous episode here. 🎧 Listen to Ivana’s previous episode here.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain, Sharifah AlQattanEditor: Diya VergisA Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports.We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn
• 98. ⚽ Maria Khan 🇵🇰 : From Backup Keeper to Pro Footballer at 32 09.09.2025 1ชม. 18นาที

  Join us as we chat with Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, about her incredible journey from an early love of football (or soccer) as a kid in the U.S. to signing her first professional contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia. Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong team leadership.We also dive into the challenges female athletes face around fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies, alongside the exciting growth of women’s football and the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation.Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter:Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maria KhanEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 97. 🇦🇪 Emirati Women’s Day - Celebrating Incredible Emirati Women in Sport 28.08.2025 20นาที

  Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟At The Mettleset, we exist to celebrate and empower women in sport, and what better occasion than Emirati Women’s Day to spotlight six incredible athletes who embody courage, resilience, and pride.In this special episode, you’ll hear their journeys: the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that make them proud to be Emirati women in sport. We asked them to share their biggest accomplishments, and one powerful message for Emirati Women’s Day.Featured Athletes:Mariam Bahlooq – Ultra-runner and founder of The Running Society in Abu Dhabi, building a supportive community of women discovering running and the city together.Areej Al Hammadi – UAE Women’s National Team footballer and two-time Guinness World Record holder.Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi – 18-year-old adventurer from Abu Dhabi on a mission to climb the Seven Summits after summiting two. Danah Al Ali – Trailblazing adventurer who made history as the first Emirati to summit Everest and Lhotse within just 24 hours.Hana Al Nabulsi – Triathlete, the youngest Emirati woman to complete a 70.3 Ironman, and the first to qualify for the Asian Games in triathlon. Amenah Al Muhairi – At just 17, the UAE’s first snowboarder to compete internationally and the first Emirati woman to represent the nation at the Youth Winter Olympic Games.These stories remind us that sport is more than competition, it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Mariam Bahlooq, Areej Al Hammadi, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, Danah Al Ali, Hana Al Nabulsi, Amenah Al MuhairiProducer, Writer & Editor:  Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn
• 96. 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️How to Train for a Triathlon as an Experienced Athlete, with Coach Melina Timson-Katchis - Part 2 25.08.2025 56นาที

  Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟We’re closing out our Summer Series with Melina Timson-Katchis, triathlete and coach, sharing expert advice for experienced athletes stepping into triathlon.In this episode, Melina dives into the key lessons for transferring your existing athletic skills to triathlon: why the swim is often underestimated, why triathlon should be treated as one continuous sport, and how to balance strengths and weaknesses through focused training blocks. She also explains why consistency beats intensity, how to listen to your body to avoid overtraining, and the small but crucial race-day choices that make a big difference.From practicing nutrition ahead of time to prioritizing comfort over expensive gear, Melina covers all the essentials to help you perform at your best.If you missed Part One, go back and start there, then join us as we wrap up the Summer Series with these insights for experienced athletes ready to take their triathlon journey to the next level.Follow Melina on Instagram:  @tk_melina 🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE.🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedInCredits:Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Melina Timson - Katchus Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports.I hope you enjoy the episode!Dawn