The Archery Parent Podcast

Doping Control Demystified: ITA Educator Mikel Thomas on Testing, TUEs, Whereabouts, and Clean SportHave You Ever Wondered What Happens When a Doping Control Officer Shows Up at an Archer’s Door? This episode is going to demystify the Doping Control process and hopefully answer some of those burning questions. Manisha interviews ITA Athlete Educator and three-time Olympian Mikel Thomas about Doping Control and Clean Sport. During his 15+ year career in Athletics and Bobsleigh for Trinidad and Tobago, Mikel has been tested more times than he can remember. Now, as an athlete-to-athlete educator, he walks listeners through the process from notification through to sample collection, privacy, minor safeguards, and an athletes’ rights. He covers who can be tested, Registered Testing Pool (RTP) requirements, Whereabouts, and how missed tests and “fail to comply” can lead to violations. Manisha and Mikel also discuss the risks of buying supplements and medications from another country and cannabis rules in sport.Mikel emphasizes the responsibilities of an athlete for substances used in and on their body, declaring medications/supplements, using Global DRO, and obtaining Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE). The conversation also links sport integrity to athlete branding, highlighting Mikel’s “Off Track” project and Athlete Brand Playbook, and how he helps athletes build monetizable brands through authentic storytelling, NIL awareness, and IP ownership.00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:36 Meet Mikel Thomas01:56 Who is the ITA (International Testing Agency)02:27 DCOs & Chaperones04:08 Testing Basics05:25 Who is Eligible for Doping Control08:27 Random Testing Reality10:35 A Step-by-Step Process13:59 Medications & TUEs16:37 Minors & Safeguards18:39 Applying for a TUE21:51 Declaring Supplements23:50 Whereabouts & Avoiding Whereabouts Violations27:53 Fail to Comply Explained29:23 Buying Medications & Supplements While Traveling30:04 Cannabis Rules32:53 Clean Sport and Branding37:56 Owning Your Athlete IP40:06 Follow-up and Resources41:39 Travel Tips and Wrap UpAdditional References & ResourcesBookmark these sites immediately to keep you and your Archer in the know:Global DRO: GlobalDRO.com – Type in a medication name and country to see instantly if it is legal, banned, or requires a TUE. There are variations from sport to sport and in-competition/out-of-competition.International Testing Agency: ita.sport/athlete-hub – Access clear, athlete-to-athlete educational webinars and toolkits.Sport Integrity Canada: sportintegrity.ca – The newly updated home for Canadian clean sport standards, therapeutic exemptions, and athlete rights.Mikel Thomas Branding: Reach out to Mikel directly to explore the Athlete Brand Playbook, digital presence building, and how to secure corporate sponsorships. Instagram and Threads: @mikel_thomasA Cinematic Look at Doping ControlIf you want to visually understand the mechanisms, pressures, and flaws of the global anti-doping system, add these titles to your next movie night:Icarus (2017): An absolute must-watch. An amateur cyclist and film maker attempts to self-experiment with performance drugs to see if he can bypass standard testing, only to accidentally stumble into exposing a massive, state-sponsored doping conspiracy. It perfectly illustrates how easily sample security can be compromised when systems fail.The Ben Johnson Story : Mikel explicitly noted this project. It re-examines the infamous 1988 Seoul Olympics scandal that forever altered the cultural landscape of "anti-doping" terminology and sports media scrutiny.Check out the accompanying blog post for additional resources, an FAQ, and a run-down of this episode with Mikel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sporty Eleanor: Panic, Perseverance & PodiumsIn this episode of The Archery Parent Podcast, host Manisha talks to Eleanor Rodriguez, also known as Sporty Eleanor. Eleanor shares her journey in Archery, including her struggles with target panic, her approach to overcoming it, and how a new coaching perspective can change everything. She discusses the impact of parental pressure on young archers and provides advice for parents to support their children effectively. Eleanor also talks about her unique path to gaining sponsorships through social media, the challenges women face in the sport, and her future plans in archery and coaching.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:25 Understanding Target Panic02:26 Personal Experience with Target Panic04:12 Overcoming Target Panic07:23 Support and Coaching11:26 Parental Pressure and Archery15:13 Resilience in Archery19:26 Social Media and Sponsorship27:51 Realizing the Potential of Sponsorships28:15 Listing and Discussing Sponsors28:52 Responsibilities with New Equipment31:45 Social Media Obligations33:23 Advice for Parents of Young Archers36:44 Staying Authentic on Social MediaEleanor’s story is a testament to resilience - showing that setbacks are part of every archer’s journey, and with patience and support, it’s possible to come back stronger than ever. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or coach, this episode offers hope and practical insights for anyone facing their own battles with performance anxiety.Connect with Eleanor Rodriguez (aka Sporty Eleanor):Instagram: @Sporty_EleanorWebsite: ArcheryByEleanor.comLinktree: Sporty_EleanorResources: Social Media TipsConnect with Manisha, Host & Producer of the Archery Parent Podcast:Instagram: @archeryparentpodcastYouTube: @archeryparentpodcastWebsite: ArcheryParentPodcast.caLinkPop: ArcheryParentPodcastATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden FlowersMUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas RecordsINSTAGRAM: @giantmetalcrickets @michalmenertWEBSITE: https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: @giantmetalcrickets2020 FACEBOOK: Giant Metal CricketsListen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Organizing International Archery Events: Insights from Adam TaylorHello Archery Family! This is Episode 7 of the Archery Parent Podcast. Manisha interviews Adam Taylor, former National Team member for Archery Ireland and the Director of Aimwell Events. For 2025, Adam is the head organizer for the Central Florida World Cup, being held from April 8-13, 2025, in Auburndale, Florida. This is the chance to learn what it takes to put on an event that brings the world's best Archers together, Stage 1 of the World Cup series.In the episode, Adam shares his journey from a thirty-something couch spectator watching the London 2012 Olympic Games to becoming an international Archer, his role in organizing the Central Florida World Cup, and the logistics of coordinating a large-scale international event on behalf of the Hyundai World Archery World Cup series.He emphasizes the importance of volunteers, the challenges of balancing athlete needs with putting on a great show, and advises parents and young Archers on how to navigate the sport. To volunteer at the Central Florida World Cup:Sign up at ArcheryWorldCupAmerica.com or Email volunteers@aimwellevents.comComprehensive Recap + Transcript00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Adam Taylor's Archery Journey02:54 Archery Accessibility in Ireland04:32 Organizing the Central Florida World Cup08:10 Challenges and Experiences in Event Planning19:13 Opportunities for Involvement and Volunteering21:59 Balancing Athlete Needs and Spectator Experience24:15 Central Florida's Appeal for Archery Events24:47 Creating a Special Experience for Archers25:35 Balancing TV Schedules and Local Flavour26:49 Technology and Logistics in Archery Events28:07 Environmental Sustainability Efforts30:11 Shaping the Future of Archery31:28 Advice for Young Archers and Parents40:16 The Importance of Volunteers42:48 Final Thoughts and Call for Volunteers45:42 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events------------------------ATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden FlowersMUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas RecordsInstagram: Giant Metal Crickets & Michal Menert ‪Website: https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: ‪@giantmetalcrickets2020‬Listen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms:Wooden Flowers - Goldtrails Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting Your Archer: Insights from Coach Jody WacowichIn this episode of the Archery Parent Podcast, Manisha welcomes Jody Wacowich, a coach for Jim-Bow’s Juniors and Ignite Archery in Alberta.Jody shares her journey into coaching through her daughter's interest, discusses her experiences at the Canada Winter Games and World Archery events, and offers valuable insights on supporting Archers, goal setting, and the importance of mental wellness. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of Archery as both an individual and team sport, along with practical tips for Archery parents.00:00 Welcome to the Archery Parent Podcast00:40 Meet Coach Jody Wacowich01:07 Jody's Coaching Journey02:01 Coaching Team Saskatchewan03:09 Media Access at Archery Events05:57 Supporting Your Archer During the Drive Home09:35 Archery as a Team Sport14:25 Goal Setting for Future Competitions18:45 Travel Tips for Archery Competitions18:56 Competing Against Your Own Archer28:35 Mental Wellness and Taking Breaks31:47 Final Thoughts and FarewellATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden Flowers.MUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas RecordsINSTAGRAM:  @giantmetalcrickets @michalmenert  WEBSITE: https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: @giantmetalcrickets2020 FACEBOOK: Giant Metal CricketsListen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms: https://open.spotify.com/track/0ixurL...Wooden Flowers - Goldtrails: https://michalmenert.bandcamp.com/alb... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Archery Parent Podcast, host Manisha welcomes Crystal Gauvin, a distinguished compound Archer and coach. Crystal shares her journey into Archery at age 28, going from a beginner to a two-time World Champion and World Cup Champion. Crystal touches on the realities of sponsorship and how to balance Archery with other life aspects. Crystal's website and social media provide additional resources for training plans and coaching.Comprehensive Recap + Transcript.00:00 Welcome to the Archery Parent Podcast01:26 Crystal's Archery Journey Begins06:26 From Local Tournaments to World Stage14:27 Coaching and Motivational Speaking17:42 The Importance of Training Plans31:08 Balancing Archery and Life37:26 The Importance of Fun in Sports40:29 Weather Preparation for Archers51:57 Sponsorship Realities in Archery01:00:19 Creative Fundraising Ideas01:09:00 Future Plans and Final ThoughtsATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden Flowers.MUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas RecordsINSTAGRAM: ‪  / giantmetalcrickets    / michalmenert  WEBSITE: https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: ‪@giantmetalcrickets2020‬Listen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms:Wooden Flowers - Goldtrails:https://michalmenert.bandcamp.com/alb... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we interview Vanessa Lee, former Canadian national team Archer and current member of the World Archery Communications Team.The conversation moves from Vanessa's initial inspiration and training experiences in Korea, to her transition to a correspondent for World Archery, highlighting her unique contributions to the Archery community. Vanessa offers insights into the mental and emotional aspects of the sport and underscores the importance of life lessons learned along the way.This was recorded before the 2024 Paris Olympics.For a transcript of Vanessa's episode, click here.00:00 Welcome to the Archery Parent Podcast01:10 Vanessa's Archery Journey04:28 Training in Korea08:13 Support Systems for Archers14:00 Transitioning to a New Role16:12 Behind the Scenes at World Archery Events26:52 Final Thoughts and FarewellATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden FlowersMUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas Records‪  / giantmetalcrickets    / michalmenert  https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: ‪@giantmetalcrickets2020‬Listen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms:https://open.spotify.com/track/0ixurL...Wooden Flowers - Goldtrails:https://michalmenert.bandcamp.com/alb... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.