Direct Elimination Podcast
The Fencing Podcast of All Fencing Podcasts.
Hosted by Ari Simmons and Stephen Ewart, two elite U.S. fencers chasing Olympic dreams, Direct Elimination goes beyond the strip to uncover the stories, ups and downs that shape athletes. Each episode brings you conversations with fencers, Olympians, and sports leaders who share the mental battles, personal growth, and cultural shifts behind their journeys.
This isn’t just a fencing podcast. It’s about resilience, mindset, and purpose. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan of Olympic sports, or simply someone chasing excellence in life, you’ll find stories here that resonate.
🎙️ Topics we explore:
The mindset of world-class athletes
Failure, resilience, and comeback stories
NCAA & Olympic fencing insights
The role of social media, culture, and community in sports
Why athletes do what they do — and what keeps them fighting
📌 Subscribe for episodes that deliver real talk, laughs, and lessons — straight from the fencing strip to your headphones.
Direct Elimination Podcast
Latest Episodes
Seth Kelsey: World Champion Fencer on Going All-In, Olympic Heartbreak, and Investing in the Process | Direct Elimination Ep. 22
Building Freedom and the Leap of Faith that Changed Everything for Adam Metwally | Direct Elimination Ep. 21
Keeth Smart: From Olympic Heartbreak to Silver Medal Redemption | Direct Elimination Ep. 20
Michael Aufrichtig: From Accidental Fencer to Columbia University's Championship Coach | Direct Elimination Ep. 19
From NFL to Life After: Asmar Bilal on Identity, Purpose & Transition Out of Sport | Direct Elimination Ep. 18