Ice Talk artwork

Ice Talk

139 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 115 ratings

Welcome to Ice Talk -- the show where we travel together throughout the skating season, sharing the highs and lows and all the stories in between.

Join host Tara Nichols and expert skating analyst Jackie Wong each week for news and notes from the latest competitions on the ice. Plus, hear directly from special guests throughout the season as we work our way towards Bejing 2022.

Sports olympics figureskating iceskating sports teamusa wintersports
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

A Week of Wonder: 2022 World Championships Recap

April 02, 2022 22:01 - 1 hour - 82.2 MB

Tara catches up with Jackie this week to breakdown all the excitement in France last week at the World Championships. So many moments, so little time! To round out this super-sized episode, Camden Pulkinen joins Tara to share his excitement about his own Worlds wins, including a free skate small medal!

France Welcomes the World: a World Championships Preview | Pt. 2

March 23, 2022 03:52 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB

This week, Tara and Jackie take one last preview look at the World Championship events for the men and the ice dancers. Without the likes of Nathan Chen or Yuzuru Hanyu, who will skate into a World title? And for some, this is their last hoorah on competitive ice -- one final chance to share their competitive fire. What enduring memories are we about to watch be created?     

France Welcomes the World: a World Championships Preview | Pt. 1

March 17, 2022 17:15 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MB

After a week away, Tara is back and joine once again by Jackie Wong to look ahead to the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships. The Women and the Pairs will kick off the competition... and the rosters look very different than those we saw just a month ago in Beijing. Who will step into the moment and earn a World title? 

A Joy-filled Reflection on Beijing

March 03, 2022 20:54 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MB

This week, host Tara Nichols sits with Olympic medalist ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue to reflect on their journey to (and in) Beijing.   

The Olympic Finale

February 26, 2022 17:44 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MB

This week, Tara Nichols is joined again by Jackie Wong to wrap up the Olympic Games - featuring the electric Pairs competition that acted as a stunning finale in Beijing.   

A Stunning Week in Beijing

February 18, 2022 23:11 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MB

The Figure Skating world was rocked this past week with scandal, heartbreak, and hundreds of unanswered questions. Not quite the stuff athletes dream about finding in the headlines covering their Olympic experience. And yet, but the ice dancers and the women of this Olympic Games persisted and gave us heartfelt moments that will live on for all who watched.  This week on Ice Talk, Tara chats with Jackie who brings perspective on the doping scandal from Beijing, and both find moments to cel...

Nathan Chen Golden Again!

February 10, 2022 19:26 - 55 minutes - 50.4 MB

American Nathan Chen did what he set out to do in Beijing - have fun, and win gold. This week on Ice Talk, Tara chats with Jackie Wong to recap a remarkable men's competition that had all the highs and lows the Olympic Games can bring.  And yes, the Games began with the Team Event competition... which has become the talk of the town, since the medal ceremony was postponed indefinitely due to an ongoing legal issue reportedly involving the Russian Olympic Committee team who finished the compe...

Let The Games Begin - Men's Preview

February 02, 2022 21:43 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

The Team Event kicks things off, but shortly after that, the men take center ice. This week, Tara and Jackie talk about the intense protocols in Beijing, what to expect from the electric field of medal-contending men, and how things have shifted for the Team Event expectations since last week.  Then, Olympic Team Event alumni (and bronze medalist!) Adam Rippon stops by to share what it's been like helping Mariah Bell achieve her own Olympic dreams. 

Beijing Bound!

January 27, 2022 05:08 - 1 hour - 58 MB

With the final ISU Championship event before the Olympics complete, the total Beijing picture is beginning to fill in.  This week, Tara and Jackie recap the highlights from Four Continents, and then dive right into the Olympic previews with the Team Event.  And speaking of Four Continents... Ice Dance gold medalists Caroline Green and Michael Parsons join the show and talk about their week in Estonia and more!

A Stop in Estonia

January 19, 2022 22:42 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MB

In an unusual turn of events, both the European and Four Continents Championship events are taking place in Estonia this season - one last weekend, one upcoming. And, both events have the potential to significantly impact the Olympic Games just a few short weeks away.  In this Episode, Tara talks with Jackie about the European results, some changes to the event planning in Beijing, and what to watch for as Four Continents gets underway.  Then, Tara sits down with US Olympic Team members ...

Your 2022 Olympic Team Is...

January 13, 2022 20:38 - 1 hour - 59.1 MB

After a week of incredible Nationals moments across North America, Tara and Jackie sit down to recap the drama and the dreams coming true in both the U.S. and Canada. There were breakout stars, a few heartbreaks, and lots of standing ovations. Plus, they discuss how the Olympic Teams were named... and if the selection criteria got it right!  

Nationals in Nashville

January 05, 2022 06:00 - 1 hour - 68.3 MB

It's time! We've arrived at the US Championships week (as well as Canadian Nationals) and Jackie Wong joins Tara live from Music City for a supersized preview of the competition landscape this weekend.  Plus, Scott Hamilton stops by to talk about bringing the event to Nashville with less than two years to plan, and about how different an Olympic season nationals feels to everyone involved.   

Merry Nationals, Happy Olympic Teams!

December 30, 2021 20:13 - 50 minutes - 46 MB

Nationals season continues! This week, Tara chats with Jackie Wong to recap moments from Russia and Japan Nationals, including the magnificent return of Yuzuru Hanyu, quad axel (almost) in hand!  They discuss the Europeans teams named after the championships in Russia, and the Olympic teams made official in Japan.  Plus, Jackie gives us just a hint at much more to come with US and Canadian Nationals next week!

On to Nationals!

December 16, 2021 19:27 - 51 minutes - 47 MB

After what turned into a very important weekend at Golden Spin, it's onto national championships season! Tara and Jackie take a look at some upcoming championship events that carry significant weight heading into the Olympic Games.   And, Golden Spin gold medalists Audrey Lu and Misha Mitrofanov stop by with some insight into their steady progress so far this year. 

Playing the Numbers Game

December 10, 2021 03:21 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

With the Grand Prix Final officially postponed, Tara and Jackie discuss the implications of the world's best missing the chance to compete one more time ahead of Beijing. Then, they do a deep dive into the numbers that make up the  sport's final scores to explain the mystery of Grands of Execution.    Plus, Tara chats with 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lyscaek about the Grand Prix Final postponement and what he thinks makes an unforgettable Olympic moment. 

Ep. 15: Frank Carroll

December 02, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 55.4 MB

In this episode, Allison Manley talked with coach Frank Carroll about his skating career, his life as a coach and his view on how figure skating has evolved. 

The Final Tally

December 01, 2021 23:53 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MB

We made it, skating fans! While plans in Japan are in limbo at the moment, Tara and Jackie recap some big moments at Rostelecom Cup that helped filled in the last few entries for the Final... if it's held.  Plus, Mariah Bell joins the show to share her approach to music selection and program layouts in this all-important Olympic season. 

So many competitions, so little time!

November 24, 2021 06:08 - 55 minutes - 51.1 MB

It was a busy week around the figure skating landscape, and Tara and Jackie are ready to break down the highlights. And of course, they'll talk all things Grand Prix Final qualifications, with just one event to go.  Plus, Madison Chock and Evan Bates join the show to share their approach to this Olympic season programs, and they even share some of their very best relationship advice!

Piecing Together the GP Final

November 17, 2021 17:57 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MB

With four Grand Prix events completed, it's time to start crunching some numbers. This week, Tara and Jackie look back at NHK Trophy and ahead to Internationaux de France to start filling in the Final puzzle.  Plus, Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc join the show to share their perspective on how they've grown and improved in the last year, and how that is propelling them towards their season goals. 

Halfway Home

November 10, 2021 22:35 - 44 minutes - 80.6 MB

The Grand Prix series is halfway completed, after a weekend of unpredictable competition in Italy.  This week, Tara and Jackie sort through the results from Torino, before looking ahead to NHK Trophy - where things are already getting complicated! Plus, Michael Parsons stops by to share his experience in Canada and Italy with his partner, Caroline Green. 

From Canada to Italy

November 03, 2021 17:58 - 52 minutes - 96.6 MB

Grand Prix week two is in the books, and Tara and Jackie have plenty to discuss from Skate Canada!  Plus, Skate America men's champion Vincent Zhou joins Ice Talk to share his perspective on the Olympic season so far.  And then, it's off to Italy! But what should we be paying attention to in the third stop on the Grand Prix series? Jackie Wong has all the details. 

What Happens in Vegas...

October 27, 2021 21:12 - 47 minutes - 87.4 MB

The Grand Prix season is underway, after an incredible week of competition in Las Vegas. This week, Tara Nichols and Jackie Wong look back at the season opener, then ahead to the weekend competition at Skate Canada.  Plus, Jimmy Ma joins the show fresh off of his experience at Skate America where he skated to a 3rd place finish in the Short Program... using music that might have been unexpected!

Let The Olympic Season Begin!

October 20, 2021 02:50 - 13 minutes - 25.6 MB

Ice Talk is back, and it's time to officially kick off the Olympic season!  Join host Tara Nichols on the journey through the competition season for analysis, stories, and LOTS of special guests.  The Grand Prix kicks off in Las Vegas this weekend, and we're kicking off the new season with a familiar voice returning to the airwaves... 

AAPI Heritage Month: Role Models and Representation

May 20, 2021 05:24 - 31 minutes - 17.8 MB

Mirai Nagasu and Tara Wellman wrap up this season of Ice Talk with a look back at the season that was. Then, Mirai shares her thoughts on AAPI Heritage Month and the figure skating role models who once gave her own Olympic dream its wings!

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

May 06, 2021 07:38 - 41 minutes - 23.6 MB

Mirai and Tara take a few minutes to chat about the World Team Trophy competition, before being joined by Josh Babb (coach of the Skyliners) to take the teamwork idea to a different level. The world of synchronized skating is blossoming and evolving and we are here for it! Hear from Babb what it's like to pull together different elements for different people and make them all look as precise as possible! 

World Championships Recap

April 15, 2021 21:58 - 34 minutes - 19.7 MB

With a few weeks to process all the happenings of the World Championships, Mirai and Tara reconvened to talk through the impact moments of the event, including the wild and wonderful Ladies event and Nathan Chen's mind boggling Free Skate comeback.  Then, Mirai sat down with 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist Evan Lysacek to catch up on his life post-skating, reflect on his decorated career, and get his thoughts on Nathan Chen's momentum headed toward Beijing 2022. 

The World Figure Skating Championships

March 24, 2021 20:31 - 37 minutes - 21.6 MB

They're here! The World Championships are officially underway. Before the Team USA skaters left, Mirai caught up with a few National Champions to find out more about training through the uncertainty of the past season, and preparing for the unusual circumstances of competition week in Sweden.

The Women Who Inspire Us

March 12, 2021 17:08 - 36 minutes - 21.1 MB

The world is full of remarkable women. This week, Mirai and Tara hear from Team USA athletes about the women who inspire them to be strong, brave, and confident.  Then, Mirai sits down with Olympic Champion Meryl Davis to discuss her history-making skating journey, as well as her continuing efforts to make the world a better place for girls and women of all ages. 

Black History Month: Learning from Skating's Legacies

February 26, 2021 20:57 - 37 minutes - 21.5 MB

The sport of figure skating was changed for the better by the barrier-breaking efforts of people like Mabel Fairbanks. This week on Ice Talk, Mirai and Tara continue the conversation with Tai Babilonia and Starr Andrews about the impact of Fairbanks and other BIPOC athletes, as well as the continuing efforts to confront the issues of race and inequality on and off the ice. 

Getting Up and Moving Forward

February 11, 2021 17:07 - 35 minutes - 20.5 MB

In February, we celebrate U.S. Figure Skating's Get Up Campaign, and who better to speak to the value and the challenge of getting up after every fall than Scott Hamilton?  Plus, host Mirai Nagasu catches up with Yaroslav Paniot who turned heads at the U.S. Championships with an Elvis-themed free skate that landed him on the podium... and in the Olympic Team conversation. But it's been an interesting road for the 2017 Ukranian men's champion -- one that includes a particularly entertaining...

The Bubble Championships

January 24, 2021 20:52 - 47 minutes - 27 MB

After another competition week inside the figure skating bubble in Las Vegas, four national champions were crowned and World Teams were named. Host Mirai and Producer Tara break down what happened, what didn't, and how it all stacks up in light of an unconfirmed World Championships schedule.    Plus, Mirai catches up with now five-time U.S. men's champion Nathan Chen to talk about the pandemic altered season, what it means to join the likes of the sport's biggest legends in the history b...

National Championship Season

January 07, 2021 20:53 - 34 minutes - 19.6 MB

Over the holidays, both Japan and Russia hosted their own national championships, and the 2021 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships are just days away. Mirai and Tara revisit the highlights from Japan and Russia, before looking forward to Las Vegas.  Confidence is key on the biggest stage, and with so much uncertainty surrounding the competitive scene this season, each athlete will have to find new sources of confidence and support to help them be at their best on the ice. Mirai talks ...

International Travel and Life in Quarantine

December 24, 2020 07:18 - 36 minutes - 20.9 MB

This time of year is typically headlined by travel home for the holidays for Team USA athletes. In 2020, though, that is just one more thing that is NOT business as usual.  Just ask Madison Hubbell, Zach Donohue, and Jason Brown what it's like trying to travel internationally -- even within North America -- during a pandemic! Non-essential travel is simply not in the cards. But what has life been like functioning within the ever-changing health and safety restrictions in Canada? How will i...

Shop Talk - Tools of the Trade

December 10, 2020 16:27 - 34 minutes - 19.5 MB

Between the ice dance debut of Daisuke Takahashi and the curious boot choices of Mana Kawabe, the Grand Prix's finale at NHK Trophy created plenty to talk about.  Plus, Brian Boitano joins the show to dig deeper into the challenges and changes of skating equipment through the years. Then, a true skate expert in Jonathan English stops by to explain the art of caring for the most important equipment of all -- boots and blades. 

Off Ice Impact

November 29, 2020 01:43 - 35 minutes - 20.3 MB

On this episode of Ice Talk, Mirai and Tara look back at a wild weekend at Rostelecom Cup featuring an impressive win by The Empress -- and fellow triple axel queen -- herself, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva.  Later in the show, off-ice expert Kat Arbour joins the show to talk about how what skaters do off the ice impacts what they can do on it... even when ice time is at a minimum, like this year. 

All That Glitters

November 12, 2020 20:35 - 39 minutes - 22.4 MB

This week, Host Mirai Nagasu and Producer Tara Wellman revisit some highlights from Cup of China, and then talk "packaging" - not boxes and tape, but sparkles and makeup!  The aesthetic element of figure skating sets it apart, but how important is it to the athletes? ...or to the judges?  But, not all that glitters is golden. U.S. Champion and Olympic Team Member Rachael Flatt joins Mirai later in the show to talk about the mental and physical challenges facing athletes in a world full o...

Skate America and a Choreography Lesson

October 29, 2020 04:00 - 37 minutes - 21.3 MB

Over the weekend, Mirai Nagasu took in the competition at Skate America in Las Vegas while Tara Wellman watched from home. But, which programs stood out no matter the viewing experience? And how do programs like that come to be? Mirai talks to former competitor and aspiring choreographer Alex Johnson to find out the process of choreographing for Grand Prix competitors.

Virtual Competitions, Cardboard Fans, and Skate America

October 15, 2020 15:39 - 37 minutes - 21.7 MB

Host Mirai Nagasu and Producer Tara Wellman welcome you back to a new season of (modified) international competition ahead of the scheduled Grand Prix season kickoff event -- Skate America in Las Vegas.

New Season, New Show!

October 14, 2020 20:00 - 1 minute - 756 KB

Ice Talk is back for another season of figure skating content. With the new season underway, meet our new host -- Mirai Nagasu!

Season Wrap Up with Hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel

March 25, 2020 15:14 - 1 hour - 43.7 MB

Listen as hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel wrap up the 2019-2020 figure skating season. 

Worlds Update: Montreal Cancelled; Nathan Chen, Mariah Bell, Piper Gilles React

March 12, 2020 17:18 - 14 minutes - 8.4 MB

On the heels of the announcement that the World Championships won't take place next week, hosts Nick McCarvel and Jackie Wong discuss the situation. Plus, reaction from Nathan Chen, Mariah Bell and Piper Gilles. 

World Championships Time! Recap Junior Worlds with Jackie Wong's Tallinn Takeaways and Preview the 2020 ISU World Championships Men's and Pairs Disciplines

March 11, 2020 15:03 - 38 minutes - 22.3 MB

Hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel recap the 2020 ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships. They also preview the men's and pairs discipline of the 2020 ISU World Figure Skating Championships set for Montreal.  

Ice Talk Is Back After Our Winter Hibernation! Featuring Alexa and Chris Knierim, Andrew Torgashev, and Ted Barton.

March 03, 2020 23:34 - 1 hour - 36.8 MB

Hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel are back at it again, after a brief winter hibernation! Hear from Alexa and Chris Knierim following Chris's announcement on his skating future. Preview the World Junior Figure Skating Championships, and hear from U.S. men's skater Andrew Torgashev. Lastly, we check in with Ted Barton!  

Wrapping up Four Continents

February 13, 2020 18:18 - 54 minutes - 30.9 MB

Hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel talk all things Four Continents in this episode, including a big weekend for 16-year-old Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama. Plus, they discuss Yuzuru Hanyu, Jason Brown, Rika Kihira, Sui/Han, Chock/Bates and many more, as well as where the Canadian Worlds team spots now stand.

Previewing Four Continents, Catching up with Calalang/Johnson

February 05, 2020 16:13 - 55 minutes - 31.7 MB

It's already time for Four Continents! Nick McCarvel and Jackie Wong give you a full preview of the major international event, set for this weekend in Seoul. Plus, Nick talks to Jessica Calalang and Brian Johnson, the U.S. pairs team that won silver in Greensboro two weeks ago.

Looking Back at a Memorable 2020 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Greensboro

January 29, 2020 15:37 - 1 hour - 43.1 MB

Hosts Nick McCarvel and Jackie Wong have a wall-to-wall episode to talk all things 2020 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships, as they recount the weekend that was in Greensboro. Hear from national champs Nathan Chen, Alysa Liu, Alexa and Chris Knierim as well as Madison Chock and Evan Bates. Also featured: Jackie's interview with Kimmie Meissner, which he conducted for the Memorial Fund breakfast during nationals.

Previewing U.S. Championships; Checking in with Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko

January 21, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 32.7 MB

With the 2020 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships set for this coming week, it's a full preview on just that from hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel. Also, Jackie chats with ice dance duo Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, who set a big-time goal for their performance in Greensboro.

Previewing Canadian Nationals and European Championships; Catching Up with Kaetlyn Osmond

January 14, 2020 21:00 - 55 minutes - 31.5 MB

In this episode, Nick McCarvel is joined by Jackie Wong to preview the Canadian National Championships this coming week, as well as the European Championships next week. Plus, Nick catches up with 2018 world champion Kaetlyn Osmond as she heads to nationals as an athlete ambassador.

Recapping Russian, Japanese, South Korean Nationals, Hear From Gracie Gold

January 09, 2020 15:44 - 58 minutes - 33.7 MB

Hosts Jackie Wong and Nick McCarvel break down a very busy month of figure skating, ahead of the new year. The two look back at the dramatic finishes at National Championships around the globe. Then, hear from American Gracie Gold as she prepares to return to the U.S. National Championships in Greensboro later this month.

Bonus Episode! Ben Agosto and Katherine Hill Discuss New Cirque Show, 'AXEL'

December 19, 2019 15:29 - 19 minutes - 11 MB

In this special bonus episode, host Nick McCarvel sits down with Olympic ice dancing medalist Ben Agosto and his creative teammate, Katherine Hill, to discuss their work on the new Cirque du Soleil show on ice, 'AXEL', which makes its world premiere Dec. 19 in Montreal.