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Explore how coaches and teachers shape your mindset, motivation, and growth. Tsvetelina shares real experiences in leadership that build you up—or break you down—and how to find mentors who truly make a difference.

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina speaks with the team behind Fencers Do Good, a movement dedicated to making a difference in the communities.

They share the story of how Fencers Do Good began, the impact it’s having on fences around the United States, and how teamwork, compassion, and purpose drive their mission. We discuss how fencing builds character, how athletes can make a difference in their communities, and why giving back matters as much as winning.

Key Topics:

• The origin and mission of Fencers Do Good
• How fencing fosters leadership and service
• Stories of athletes making a difference
• Theo’s vision for the future of fencing with purpose

Find out more about Fencers Do Good:
Website: https://www.fencersdogood.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fencersdogood

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Ziad Elsissy’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Egypt to making history as the first Egyptian fencer to win an individual World Championship medal, his story is a testament to chasing a dream even when the world doesn’t expect it of you. In this conversation, Ziad opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and moments that shaped him — not just as an Olympian, but as a human being. This episode is a reminder that greatness isn’t found at the destination, but in the courage, faith, and heart it takes to stay on the journey.

Ziad Social: https://www.instagram.com/ziad_elsissy/

Z1 Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/z1fencing/

Z1 Fencing Website: https://www.z1fencing.com/

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Premier Fencing Foundation was created to give every athlete a chance to fence, regardless of background. In this episode, Kristiyan and Tsvetelina Hristov share how they built a national nonprofit that supports youth athletes through funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn how Built by Blades, their athlete-run apparel brand, helps power the foundation while teaching leadership and business skills.

You’ll hear how passion for fencing grew into a movement shaping the next generation of athletes.

Learn more or get involved:

Premier Fencing Foundation – www.premierfencingfoundation.org

Built by Blades – www.builtbyblades.com

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina and Kristiyan Hristov sit down with Eli Dershwitz — a three-time Olympian, Junior and Senior World Champion, Pan American Champion, NCAA Champion, and Harvard graduate — to explore his inspiring path from elite athlete to mentor and leader.

Eli shares how his fencing career shaped his mindset, the lessons he’s learned from years of competition, and what it means to return to his roots as the owner of Zeta Fencing, the club where it all began. He reflects on the joy of giving back to the next generation, the power of staying grounded while chasing greatness.

This conversation dives deep into discipline, resilience, and leadership — reminding us that true success isn’t just about medals, but about the impact you leave on others.

🎧 The Joys of the Journey celebrates athletes, leaders, and dreamers who find purpose in growth and meaning in every step of their path.

Eli's social media: https://www.instagram.com/eli.dershwitz/

Zetag Fencing: https://www.instagram.com/zeta_fencing

Zeta Fencing Website: www.zetafencing.net

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, we explore the powerful balance between an athlete's effort and a coach's energy. True progress doesn’t come from motivation alone — it’s built on mutual discipline, understanding, and purpose.

We discuss why coaches need their athletes’ energy to be effective, how genuine effort from both sides leads to lasting success, and why parents must embrace their dual roles as supporters and mentors. From controlling your game rather than rushing through it to finding your personal “why,” this conversation dives deep into what separates temporary achievement from lifelong growth.

If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent striving for real results — this episode will remind you that success isn’t a one-way street; it’s a shared journey.

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Lee Kiefer—three-time Olympic champion, world champion, and the first American woman ranked No. 1 in foil—joins The Joys of the Journey to share her path from childhood dreams to Olympic glory. She reflects on the toughest mental battles, lessons from her longtime coach, and the balance of competing alongside her husband, Olympic medalist Gerek Meinhardt. Lee also talks about leadership, resilience, and the legacy she hopes to leave for the next generation of athletes.

Lee's social media www.instagram.com/leetothekiefer

KM Fencing www.km-fencing.com

KM Fencing Social www.instagram.com/kmfencingllc

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n this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Kris Hristov sits down with Coach Isaac Mburu Wanyoike, founder of TSAVORA™, Kenya’s premier fencing brand and club. We explore his inspiring journey into fencing, how his past and childhood shaped his big moves today, and the story behind the name TSAVORA™. Coach Isaac shares how the club is breaking barriers in Kenya, creating opportunities for young athletes, and helping fencers grow beyond the sport. He also reveals his vision for TSAVORA™ on the international stage and what he hopes to be known for.

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or simply curious about fencing in Africa, this conversation is packed with insight, discipline, and inspiration. Discover the future of fencing in Kenya and the legacy Coach Isaac is building.

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World No.1 and World Champion Nouran “The Terminator” Gohar joins the show to share her journey to the top of women’s squash. She discusses handling pressure, pre-match rituals, being a role model for women in sports, her goals ahead, and life with Olympic fencer Ziad El-Sissy. A powerful, inspiring conversation for athletes and fans alike.

Check Nouran's social media www.instagram.com/nourangohar

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In this episode, we sit down with Richard Schreiber, a fencing strength and conditioning coach who has built a reputation for helping fencers unlock peak performance. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical and science-backed strategies that every athlete can implement.

Listeners will hear his expert tips on injury prevention—from smart warm-ups to building resilience through strength training. He also dives into nutrition essentials tailored for fencers, breaking down how to fuel your body for training, recovery, and competition days. Finally, we explore the critical topic of mental health, where he highlights ways athletes can manage stress, avoid burnout, and maintain balance on and off the strip.

Find out more about Richard's services at www.usafencingstrength.com and Instagram www.instagram.com/usafencingstrength

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In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Massialas, one of the most decorated foil fencers in U.S. history. A four-time Olympian, Alexander made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning silver in individual foil and bronze in team foil, followed by another team bronze at Tokyo 2020. He is also a World Champion, multiple Grand Prix winner, NCAA champion at Stanford, and currently serves as the head coach of Stanford fencing.

We discussed beyond the medals to explore the mindset and resilience required to stay at the top of the sport for over a decade. Alexander shares how he:

• Stays mentally strong when the pressure is highest.
• Recovers and recharges after intense international competitions.
• Prevents burnout while balancing a long athletic career.
• Transitions into leadership as both an athlete and a head coach.
• Continues to find motivation and excitement after years of competing.
• Hopes to be remembered as both an athlete and a person.

This conversation gives rare insight into the mental toughness, discipline, and balance that define one of fencing’s modern legends. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of Olympic sports, this episode offers inspiration and lessons you can apply both on and off the piste.

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In today’s powerful episode, we’re diving into a truth most athletes quietly face: What if you don’t win that Olympic medal or world championship? Less than 1% of athletes reach that level—but that doesn’t mean your story ends. In fact, it might just be beginning.

This episode is all about embracing the next chapter. Your competitive career gave you more than wins and losses—it gave you discipline, grit, confidence, and a mindset that sets you up for success in life. Whether you're a young athlete questioning your future, a retired competitor, or someone simply navigating the “what’s next” moment, this motivational talk is for you.

We explore how the life lessons from sports—like resilience, leadership, and pushing through adversity—can help you build a future that’s even bigger than your athletic dreams. This episode is a reminder: your identity is not tied to medals. It’s built through the process.

Perfect for athletes, entrepreneurs, students, coaches, and anyone chasing growth.

#Motivation #Podcast #AthleteLife #SelfGrowth #Mindset #LifeAfterSports

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Daily motivation. You Have to Climb to See The Best Views - To Achieve Your Goals, You Will Have Difficulties

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Car Ride With Kris Discussing Women's Makeup, Target Shopping and More

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In this episode, we discussed reality shows, relationships, and more.

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Who is Your Biggest Competition - Overcome This to be Successful
Home, this podcast helps you understand what stays between you and your success story.

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Join us as we navigate the digital landscape, examining social media's positive and negative impacts on our mental health. Discover strategies for mindful usage, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and find out how to foster a more supportive online environment. 

Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a concerned parent, or simply curious about the digital world's influence on our minds, "Social Media Impact" offers valuable insights and practical advice for a healthier, more balanced online life.

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Balancing Family, Life, and More
We explore the art of balancing the demands of family, career, personal growth, and everything in between. Join us as we dive deep into our lives with ways we juggle responsibilities while maintaining a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Whether you're a busy parent, a career-driven individual, or someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode is your guide to navigating the complexities of modern living with grace and purpose.

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On today's episode, we dive into a deep conversation with Christopher Gorog, Ph.D., CISSP.  He is a CTO at BlockFrame Inc., Author, Inventor, Leading Cybersecurity & Privacy Industry Expert, Host of "New Cyber Frontier," and Chair of the IEEE Digital Privacy Initiative.

Chris's Company https://blockframetech.com/
Podcast https://newcyberfrontier.podbean.com/

He has plenty of titles and experience, and this podcast was very valuable to me. This was actually the very first podcast I (Tsvetelina) recorded. Thank you, Chris, for joining this new venture my husband and I started. 

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Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Two Decades Together," where we dive into the rich tapestry of lessons learned from nearly 20 years of marriage. In this episode, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, and the growth and understanding of sharing two decades of life with someone.

Whether newlywed or nearing your 20th anniversary, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights and anecdotes. Join us for a journey through the heart of a long-lasting marriage, where every challenge is a lesson and every moment a memory in the making.

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Join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through our life in Bulgaria before we moved to the United States. In this video, we dive into our personal experiences living in Bulgaria.

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