First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast

USA Fencing
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Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!

  1. Corwin Duncan on Why You Fence Great in Practice but Struggle in Competition

    FEB 2

    Corwin Duncan on Why You Fence Great in Practice but Struggle in Competition

    Guest: Corwin Duncan is a mental performance coach, former national champion and world team member, and a longtime fencing coach and referee. He works with fencers of all levels to build concrete, in-the-moment skills for managing pressure, emotions, and focus — on and off the strip. What we cover: Why tournaments feel different than practice: familiarity, “safety,” routine disruption, and expectations How spirals start (and how to interrupt them before they snowball) The “5-second reset” breathing technique you can use between actions Using time wisely on strip (shoe tie, blade straighten, creating a moment to think) A parent’s role: supporting without adding pressure, and managing your own stress “Losing to weaker fencers”: how expectations can lower intensity — and what to do instead Reframing a bad result so it doesn’t define you When it’s time to consider a mental performance coach (including “I’m not enjoying fencing anymore”) Building a mental warm-up and why routines should be consistent, not rigid Why Corwin cares about skills that transfer beyond fencing (the “doctor’s shot” story) Links mentioned: SharperMind Training: https://sharpermindtraining.com/ -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    37 min
  2. Peter Grandbois on Starting a Collegiate Fencing Program from Scratch

    JAN 26

    Peter Grandbois on Starting a Collegiate Fencing Program from Scratch

    GuestPeter Grandbois — Head coach of Denison women’s varsity fencing; coach of Denison men’s club team (transitioning to varsity in 2026). English professor and creative writing instructor. Veteran competitor and longtime coach. What you’ll hear in this episodeHow Denison fencing dates back to at least 1941 — and why college clubs often rise and fall with student energy The real grind of launching a program: recruiting on campus, building participation, and finding the “tipping point” Why Denison elevated the women’s team to varsity in 2019, and what helped make the case The role of culture: “work hard” and “have fun,” creating a team people want to join Budget and equipment realities — and how to educate decision-makers on what fencing actually needs Coaching challenges: building three-weapon coaching capacity, learning sabre, and finding additional coaching support The administrator pitch: enrollment, diversity, academic profile, and cost-benefit Grandbois’s origin story: starting fencing in college because of a flyer — and why that matters How competing as a veteran helps him coach better Fencing and creative writing: risk-taking, discomfort, failure, and persistence Recruiting lightning round: Best email subject lines for recruits Results vs. being a great teammate What coaches watch when scouting The ideal parent role What surprises most fencers about college fencing (strength & conditioning) Quote-worthy moments“Patience and persistence are the two biggest hallmarks of trying to start a fencing program.” “We can always grow a fencer, but it’s harder to make them great teammates.” “Creativity happens in the unknown — in fencing and in writing.” -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    39 min
  3. DoGood on Turning Tournament Weekends Into Community Impact

    JAN 19

    DoGood on Turning Tournament Weekends Into Community Impact

    GuestsTheo Lin — Founder & Head of Community Engagement Catalina Berrios — Head of Social Media Ryan Katz — Head of Communications Ava Kwon — Trainee (future Communications & High School Engagement) Lucas Suba — Head of Registration & Onsite Project Management What this episode coversWhy Theo founded DoGood after missing school service days for NAC travel How DoGood finds and books volunteer projects in each host city Favorite project types: animal shelters, food pantries, Ronald McDonald House, homeless shelters Telling the story the right way: gratitude and joy, not “look at us” Getting the word out: local media, USA Fencing e-blasts, and an on-site NAC table The logistics: having a leadership point person at every project The switch to GivePulse and how it makes registration + tracking easier Service hours: verification, certificates, and tracking (plus who to email) Succession planning: training the next leaders so DoGood doesn’t disappear after graduation The big vision: DoGood as the “ketchup to French fries” of volunteering at fencing events — and eventually beyond fencing Quick linksDoGood website: fencersdogood.org Instagram: @fencersdogood Service hours verification: highschool@fencersdogood.org Call to actionGoing to your next NAC? Sign up for a DoGood project and spend a couple hours giving back — you’ll leave the city with more than just bout results. -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    33 min
  4. Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach

    JAN 5

    Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach

    Title: Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach Season 2, Episode 20 In this episode, Bryan talks with Rob Charlton — head coach of Wellesley College and a club coach at Five Points Fencing Academy — about why many more fencers are “good enough” to fence in college than they realize, and how to navigate the NCAA landscape without getting overwhelmed. In this episode, you’ll learn: The most common misconception Rob hears: “Am I good enough?” — and why the answer is often yesWhy there’s no universal “cut line” for NCAA fencing (and why it depends on the school, weapon and year)How coaches build rosters across four years — and how study abroad, injuries and attrition affect recruiting needsWhat Division I vs. Division III can look like in training time, travel and season structureHow athletic scholarships actually work (and why Division III schools can’t offer them)The value of looking at the full financial picture: merit aid, need-based aid and total costThe walk-on/tryout path — and why Rob still recommends engaging the recruiting process earlyKey recruiting rules for Division III: when coaches can meet prospects in person and on campusWhat makes a strong first email to a college coach (and what reads as generic/copy-paste)How college coaches structure Summer Nationals: meetings, rules around competition days, and what they’re reallywatching forWhy the new NCAA Women’s Fencing Championship is meaningful for women’s-only programsFind First to 15 on our YouTube channel, too! -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    43 min
  5. Jen Oldham and Jeff Kallio on Expanding Fencing’s Global Reach

    12/15/2025

    Jen Oldham and Jeff Kallio on Expanding Fencing’s Global Reach

    Season 2, Episode 19 Guests: Jen Oldham & Jeff Kallio — Forge Fencing Academy (North Carolina); Jen also coaches at Cleveland State What we cover How the Kenya initiative began: an international coaching program connection and a promise to “do something” Working with Coach Eliakim (“Coach Jack”), a Kenyan Taekwondo coach and sports protection coach What fencing looks like in Kenya: blank slate in Kakuma; early club development in Nairobi and East Africa The logistics: gathering donations, packing equipment, and getting it across the world Trust and teaching: adapting communication, consent/check-ins, and collaborating with local organizers Kakuma realities: why sport matters when basic needs and stability are under pressure Staying connected after returning: WhatsApp, videos, online support, and rapid learner progress Creative problem-solving: homemade training weapons, limited resources, and surprising ingenuity Perspective shift: how the trip changed how they view complaints, effort, and empathy back home How listeners can help: gear drives, coaching support, donations, and creating new bridge connections Links Forge Fencing blog post: https://forgefencing.com/global-connections-forge-fencing-initiative-in-kenya-and-kakuma/ Timestamps 0:00 — Why fencing matters when it’s brand new in a community 1:12 — The Kenya initiative: where it came from 3:24 — What fencing looks like in Kenya vs. the U.S. 5:02 — Getting started on the ground: teach, adapt, connect 6:27 — The equipment challenge: donations, packing, logistics 8:26 — Early moments and why fencing “fit” socially 10:05 — Staying connected through tech: videos and feedback loops 11:26 — Homemade training weapons and creative problem-solving 12:53 — Culture shock: water, shoes, safety norms, and perspective 14:04 — “Empathy scale” after returning home 15:43 — Trust-building and the refugee camp tour 17:40 — Kakuma context and why sport is a lifeline 24:14 — How listeners can help right now 27:15 — Doing this as a couple: teamwork and logistics 30:58 — Lessons brought home for athletes and students 32:21 — Leadership, gratitude, and widening perspective through sport Quotable “They don’t get down when there’s an obstacle—they get excited and creative.” — Jeff Kallio “This thread is far greater than one person. It’s a huge connector.” — Jen Oldham Call to action Want to help? Read the full story and updates here: https://forgefencing.com/global-connections-forge-fencing-initiative-in-kenya-and-kakuma/ And if you have a relevant connection (schools, nonprofits, adaptive sport, international programs), reach out—bridges are built one introduction at a time. Credits Host: Bryan Wendell • Guests: Jen Oldham & Jeff Kallio -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    35 min
  6. Courtney Hurley OLY & Chris Ferrara on Building College-Ready Scholar-Athletes

    12/08/2025

    Courtney Hurley OLY & Chris Ferrara on Building College-Ready Scholar-Athletes

    Season 2, Episode 18 Guests: Courtney Hurley OLY — Three-time Olympian (team bronze), Head Coach, Duke City Fencing; program lead at Menaul School Chris Ferrara — Assistant Head of School & Upper School Director, Menaul School (Albuquerque, NM) What we cover Courtney’s transition from Olympian to coach: passing on elite habits, culture-building, and motivation The liberal-arts lens (Chris): teaching how to think, not what to think; “high challenge, high support” academics Why daily, in-school training matters: Menaul’s 70–85 minute fencing block every day, plus after-school lessons and club bouting Time management that works: block schedules, LMS support on travel days, concrete checkpoints from advisors/homeroom The parent role: authoritative (not authoritarian); building habits and internal drive without a pressure cooker Competition as fuel: why early meets accelerate learning and buy-in Building a regional pipeline: growing Albuquerque’s fencing scene—and why a smaller state can be a strategic advantage The three-weapon vision: adding dedicated foil/saber coaches, strength training, and an NCAA-style structure Scholar-athlete outcomes: how varsity-level sport correlates with college success—and how fencing fits college admissions Links Learn more about Menaul School’s fencing program (with Duke City Fencing): https://www.menaulschool.org/fencing-find-your-edge/ Timestamps 0:00 — Two perspectives, one goal: student-athletes who thrive 1:17 — Courtney: fencing was “who I am”—why coaching was the natural next step 2:30 — Chris: the liberal-arts case for scholar-athletes (mind–body–spirit) 4:57 — Using fencing strategically in college planning 5:24 — Courtney’s scholar-athlete path: school support + travel reality 7:21 — Western travel culture & flexible academics (LMS on the road) 8:36 — Teaching time management: high challenge, high support 10:16 — Coach’s role: priorities, buy-in, and aligning goals 11:30 — A week in the life: daily fencing block (70–85 min), block classes, after-school lessons 14:55 — Culture shift in ABQ: from hobby to competitive 16:18 — Why daily training compresses learning curves 17:12 — The three-to-five-year plan: three weapons, S&C, university-style structure 18:26 — Why athletics belong in school: GPA + varsity sport = college success 20:45 — Life skills from fencing: perseverance, interviews, careers 22:09 — The parent balance: building habits & ownership 26:26 — Making fencing the best part of the day (present-moment focus) 27:55 — What Courtney gets from coaching: a new challenge, new results 30:07 — Fit questions for families considering Menaul 33:00 — Why boarding + fencing can unlock opportunity 34:51 — Putting Albuquerque on the map—competitively 36:36 — A small-state advantage in college admissions Quotable “You’re a club before you’re a team—culture keeps kids showing up. But daily reps inside the school day? That’s what accelerates progress.” — Courtney Hurley “The #1 predictor of college success is GPA; the #2 is participation in varsity-level sports.” — Chris Ferrara Call to action Curious about the school-day fencing model? Explore Menaul’s program and how it pairs with Duke City Fencing: https://www.menaulschool.org/fencing-find-your-edge/ Credits Host: Bryan Wendell • Guests: Courtney Hurley OLY & Chris Ferrara -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    39 min
  7. Eric Nassos on the Joys of Collegiate Club Fencing

    11/17/2025

    Eric Nassos on the Joys of Collegiate Club Fencing

    Season 2, Episode 17 Guest: Eric Nassos — Head Coach & former president/captain, Marquette University Fencing (Collegiate Club) What we cover Paths after high school if there’s no NCAA team: local clubs, campus clubs, and how to mix both Starting (or reviving) a club: student sign-ups, admin petition, storage, safety-compliant gear, and budgeting Funding in the real world: dues, university reimbursements (gas/housing), refereeing local HS events, and why you still need cash up front Recruiting interest when you’re new: tabling, flyers, dorm hustling, “make some friends,” and simple marketing that works What to expect at practice: flexible structures, coach + student leaders, mixed experience levels (walk-ons → Cs/Es by graduation) Parents’ role: researching clubs, DM’ing teams, campus tour questions, where to help — and where to step back Evaluating clubs: Instagram responsiveness, recent posts, campus name recognition, replies to email/DM, continuity signals Keeping clubs healthy year to year: positive culture first, competitive goals second, a coach or alumni bridge third Competition ladder: local meets → regional conferences (e.g., Midwest Fencing Conference) → USACFCnationals Fielding weapons creatively: start with what you have (epee-only? fine), partner with nearby schools to cover other weapons Setting expectations: where RYC/JO-experienced fencers fit, how walk-ons progress, and why club fencing builds career-ready skills Practical takeaways Green flags: active social accounts, replies to outreach, visible campus awareness, published practice times, clear officers Budget hacks: learn your school’s reimbursement rules; join USACFC for perks and connectivity; partner with nearby clubs/schools Practice idea: pair experienced fencers with beginners in simple drills to accelerate skill transfer and community Lifelong pipeline: club alumni become local-club members, parents of fencers, and future volunteer leaders Timestamps 0:00 — Club fencing: real team, real coaching, real flexibility 1:49 — Paths if there’s no NCAA program 2:47 — Funding reality: dues, refs, reimbursements 4:00 — If your school has no club (or dormant gear) 5:36 — Finding the first 40 names: “time to make some friends” 7:39 — What experienced fencers can expect (and leadership roles) 9:04 — Walk-on success stories and day-one curriculum 10:59 — Parents’ role: research & outreach that actually helps 12:34 — Comparing clubs: online presence and responsiveness 14:53 — Coaching models & practice structure at Marquette 17:20 — Longevity: culture → competition → coach/alumni bridge 19:35 — How Marquette found the broader ecosystem 22:36 — The competitive ladder: conferences & USACFC 25:42 — Fielding weapons with limited roster (and partnerships) 26:59 — Skill levels: where a JO/RYC background fits 28:55 — What a club trip weekend looks like 30:31 — Time & money expectations (realistic, flexible) 33:15 — Walk-on to rated fencer: a case study 36:00 — Quick hits: lifelong fans, green flags, drills, budget hacks, door sign Quotable “You’re a club before you’re a team. Culture keeps people showing up.” — Eric Nassos “Within the freedom — and the funding gaps — you get a real-world education.” — Eric Nassos Call to action Share this with a high-school junior/senior (and their parents). If your campus club needs a hand getting started or connected, Eric says he’s happy to help — reach out at swordandquill.en@gmail.com Credits Host: Bryan Wendell • Guest: Eric Nassos -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    43 min
  8. Ken Gauvey and Michael Hughes on Being Clubmates Who Each Donated Their Kidney

    11/10/2025

    Ken Gauvey and Michael Hughes on Being Clubmates Who Each Donated Their Kidney

    Season 2, Episode 16 Guests: Ken Gauvey — Attorney; Vet épée fencer (DC Fencers Club) Michael Hughes — Lifelong fencer, teacher & coach; Vet épée fencer (DC Fencers Club) What we cover Origin stories: late start (Ken) vs. 50 years in the sport (Michael) — and discovering the Vet community Why donate? Ken’s family emergency; Michael’s NPR drive-time moment and the “why not me?” mindset Expectation vs. reality: testing, surgery, different recovery timelines — and the role of baseline fitness Returning to fencing: “listen to your body,” track metrics, celebrate small wins, and rebuild with intention Mindfulness & reset: pre-bout rituals, visualization, practicing resets at practice, staying present DCFC culture: coaches who coach the whole person, morning vet sessions, multigenerational mentorship Living donation 101: anonymity choices, chains that unlock multiple transplants, practical benefits & follow-up Practical takeaways Comeback advice (Ken): listen to your body; rest is training; track sleep/HR/recovery; don’t rush the timeline you wish you had Mindset (Michael): be present — in conversations, in practice, in each touch; practice your reset like any other skill Vet community tip: find or build training windows that fit real life (e.g., DCFC’s morning sessions) If you’re curious about donation Start with a reputable org (e.g., National Kidney Foundation) or your local transplant center Understand match/chain programs: one donation can trigger many transplants Expect thorough screening and ongoing medical follow-up after donation Timestamps 0:00 — Two donors, one club; two comebacks 1:09 — Ken: from martial arts dad to vet épée podiums 2:15 — Michael: 50 years in the sport; discovering Vet fencing 3:57 — Ken’s decision: a family emergency and a fast timeline 5:28 — Michael’s decision: NPR, stats, and “why not me?” 8:44 — Expectation vs. reality: surgery, testing, recovery 10:43 — Getting back on strip: timelines, protection, green/red lights 15:05 — First tournament back: Ken’s Southern silver & what it meant 16:35 — Mindfulness and the reset habit (practice it at practice) 19:18 — Visualization under a tree (and in a parking lot) 20:05 — What makes DCFC special: coaches, mornings, mentorship 22:58 — Cincinnati NAC: the full-circle moment 24:29 — Advice for any comeback: rest vs. stubbornness; joy vs. pressure 27:40 — Donation info: practical benefits, chains, where to start Quotable “Fencing teaches you how to live a life. Be present in the moment.” — Michael Hughes “I wasn’t hitting anybody, so I visualized hitting people.” — Ken Gauvey Call to action Share this episode with a vet fencer—or a friend curious about living donation. If you’re considering donating, talk to your medical team and visit a trusted resource (e.g., the National Kidney Foundation) to learn more. Credits Host: Bryan Wendell • Guests: Ken Gauvey & Michael Hughes -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    33 min
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Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!

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