The Mettleset Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟Ever thought about doing a triathlon but didn’t know where to start? In part one of this two-part series, Melina Timson-Katchis, long distance swimmer, triathlete and coach, shares her journey from signing up for a full Ironman on a whim to racing all over the world. Now, she’s helping others step into the sport she loves.In this episode, Melina breaks down:Triathlon distances: From Super Sprint to Ironman, plus a look at ultra & adventure races.Getting started: How to prioritize training, plan around your schedule, tackle swimming, and decide whether to build up gradually or dive into a big race.The power of coaching: Why guidance can make all the difference.Finding your “why”: Staying motivated and making time for rest to avoid burnout.Whether you’re new to fitness, curious about triathlon, or planning your first race, this episode is packed with practical advice, insights, and inspiration to help you cross the finish line.Follow Melina on Instagram: @tk_melina Listen to Melina’s first appearance on the podcast 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-Katchis 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

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast!For our Summer Series, we're helping you jump into a new sport, and this week, we're leaping into the world of running. And who better to guide us from zero to 5K than the incredible Dr. Sara Talia.  She's not just a family medicine doctor; she's also a New Balance Run Club Coach in Doha and a former competitive middle-distance runner who even tackled the steeplechase.  This is Part 1 of our essential running guide.Sara takes us behind the scenes of running’s global boom – did you know run club participation shot up by a whopping 59% worldwide last year? She shares her own journey, revealing how she balanced competitive athletics with a demanding medical career and why she's now so passionate about coaching others.If you've ever felt intimidated by running, this episode is for you. Sara cuts through the noise, reminding us that running truly is for everyone. You’ll learn how to frame your mindset, set powerful intentions (not just goals!), and why consistency is your secret weapon.We dig into the practical stuff too: how to take those crucial first steps, gradually build your mileage, and prepare for your first 3K or 5K. Plus, Dr Sara breaks down the must-do strength training exercises that will keep you injury-free and moving stronger, no matter your pace.Ready to lace up and transform your running journey? Tune in now!Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha🌍 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. Sara Talia 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

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re diving into the world of freediving with Saudi record-holder and instructor, Nada Alrasheed as part of our Summer Series focused on helping more women try new sports.Nada holds multiple national records and an Arab women’s record for reaching 65 meters in the constant weight bifin category at the CMAS World Championship. Her journey didn’t begin with records or rankings, it started with a simple love for the ocean.In this Part 1 of our two-part conversation, Nada shares how she went from exploring marine life to pushing physical and mental limits underwater. She breaks down the basics of freediving, how to get started, and why it’s not just for elite athletes. We also talk about fears, breathwork, and what happens to your body during a deep dive.Whether you’re curious about the sport or drawn to the ocean, this conversation offers an inspiring look at exploring the 70% of our planet we rarely explore. Follow Nada on Instagram: @nada_underwater🎧 Listen to Nada’s first appearance on The Mettleset Podcast 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: Nada AlrasheedEditor: 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

Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we’re joined by Stephanie Rogers, Executive Vice President of Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers,  one of the NFL’s most storied and valuable franchises.Stephanie takes us inside the 49ers’ global brand strategy, sharing how a legacy team balances tradition with forward-thinking innovation, from data-driven marketing to fan engagement that spans millions of people worldwide.We dive into Stephanie’s impressive career across the PGA Tour, NHL, and now NFL, and how the world of sports marketing has evolved from the early days of digital content to today’s always-on, global-first strategy. She shares the mindset behind her leadership philosophy - why “innovation is the baseline” - and how it continues to shape how teams connect with fans in deeper, more meaningful ways.We also talk about the 49ers’ first-of-its-kind activation in the UAE, marking a major milestone as the first NFL team to engage in the region under the league’s Global Markets Program. Stephanie reflects on the energy, appetite, and opportunities she witnessed during the team’s time in Dubai, and what’s next for the 49ers in the Middle East.Packed with storytelling, strategy, and practical advice for anyone looking to work in sport, this episode offers a front-row seat to the business behind one of the world’s most iconic sports brands.🏈 More on the 49ers: https://www.49ers.com/ 49ers Arabic on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/49ersar/ 🌍 Stay Connected with – and support – The Mettleset📥 Newsletter: Sign up here 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: Stephanie Rogers Editing Assistant: 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