Podcasts are available on tablet and desktop for now.
Go home
Hosted by Jackie Bauer
A podcast for those striving to become better athletes, teammates, leaders, and human beings. Leadership, mindset, and current events in the world of roller derby! www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle. Instagram: @Power4thWhistle E-mail power4thwhistle@gmail.com Logo art by Liz Mac Intyre
201 - Gotham Roller Derby 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
May 19, 2026 · 1:02:57
We're continuing the road to WFTDA North America Northeast Regional Playoffs in Lansing Michigan and are joined by four voices from Gotham Roller Derby: Yeti Or Not Here I Come (Captain) and Kill Valentine from the All Stars and Lone Scar "Tex" (Captain) and Real Quick from the B team, the Wall Street Traitors. Gotham Roller Derby opens up about what it really takes to keep elite roller derby alive in New York City. From the massive roster turnover that reshaped Gotham after 2019 and losing their home practice space during the pandemic to the rise of aged-up junior skaters and rebuilding their competitive culture from the ground up. The league now rotates between multiple practice venues across boroughs, with skaters commuting two hours each way for a single session — all while effectively losing five months of on-skates training every winter and operating on a shoestring budget. The team reflects on their recent breakthrough win over Montreal and how years of trust, resilience, and rebuilding have shaped this new era of Gotham roller derby. The league’s “hive mind” mentality has evolved, and this version of Gotham feels more cohesive than any team they’ve fielded in years. Watch out, the Gotham All Stars have their eyes set on Champs. Follow Gotham Roller Derby @gothamderby and https://www.facebook.com/gothamderby Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
200 - Minnesota Roller Derby 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
May 15, 2026 · 1:00:57
Minnesota Roller Derby is heading into the 2026 WFTDA Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan with a rebuilt leadership core, a roster stacked with veteran wisdom and rising stars, and one goal in mind: “We want to go to Malmö.” This week, we’re joined by captains Primm Reaper and Lexi Cuter alongside longtime MNRD veteran Hurtrude Stein for a deep dive into one of roller derby’s most iconic leagues. We also dive into the benefits (and challenges) of the legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium, their super power “Great Wall of Saint Paul” defense, their "situationship" rivalry with Windy City, Detroit, and Boston, and Minnesota’s philosophy of pursuing joy and derby/life balance while staying fiercely competitive. Follow Minnesota Roller Derby @the_mnrd and https://www.facebook.com/MNRollerDerby Photo by Ethan Trewhitt @courtarro This episode was sponsored by Straps by Crash. Find @StrapsbyCRASH on Instagram and Facebook at StrapsbyCRASH Email: Strapsbycrash@gmail.com DM to order or ask about custom options Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
199 - Arch Rival Roller Derby 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
May 12, 2026 · 1:02:36
This episode dives deep into the culture, chemistry, and competitive fire behind Arch Rival Roller Derby on the road to the 2026 WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan coming up May 29th-31st. I’m joined by Cloak N’ Dragher (“Draggie”) and Annie Swanson — two longtime pillars of the team who have skated together since 2014 — to talk about the Revenge Tour era, what it took to finally conquer Rose City at Tinsel Town Showdown, surviving Covid as a team, and why “sparkles” might secretly be the foundation of sustained success. They may not be perfect, but they aim to "touch perfect" as often as possible (and aim to touch the Hydra trophy too). Follow Arch Rival Roller Derby @archrivalrollerderby and Arch Rival All Stars @archrivalallstars and check out their Starch Rival tees! Photo by Shear-Ra Powers This episode was sponsored by Straps by Crash. Find @StrapsbyCRASH on Instagram and Facebook at StrapsbyCRASH Email: Strapsbycrash@gmail.com DM to order or ask about custom options Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
198 - Detroit Roller Derby 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
May 5, 2026 · 41:28
It's tournament season! Let's continue on the road to the 2026 WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan coming up May 29th-31st. In this episode, we head to Detroit to dive deep into the grit, growth, and heart behind one of roller derby’s most resilient teams. In this interview with Hawaiian Blaze and longtime leader Jenn Price, this conversation explores what it really takes to build and sustain a competitive roster in a working-class city—and why Detroit continues to rise. Detroit has well known veteran players that have competed in every post season playoff along with several transfers and dual enrolled skaters from the past couple years joining up to form a new blend of strength. We hear stories of memorable games from the past two seasons, how Detroit has addressed challenges along the way, and their goal to win a medal. Follow Detroit Roller Derby @detroitderby Photo by Emily Rose Bennett This episode was sponsored by Straps by Crash. Find @StrapsbyCRASH on Instagram and Facebook at StrapsbyCRASHEmail: Strapsbycrash@gmail.comDM to order or ask about custom options Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
197 - Black Rose WHO? 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
Apr 28, 2026 · 1:09:44
It's tournament season! In this episode, we preview the road to the 2026 WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan coming up May 29th-31st with a deep dive into the Black Rose Rollers. The Black Rose Rollers aren’t supposed to be here—at least not by conventional standards. Hailing from a small Pennsylvania borough instead of a major derby hub, they’ve fought their way into WFTDA Playoffs with a climb that’s been anything but accidental. In this episode, Olive Havoc, Tree, and D-Wrex share the story behind that rise: a shift to intentional, strategy-driven coaching, a roster built on commitment (even when it means hours-long drives to practice), and a culture that thrives on trust, accountability, and checking egos at the door. “Black Rose Who?” may have started as a running joke, but it has become a team identity—and a challenge to anyone still asking. From their “Mom’s Spaghetti” mindset to the moments that defined their breakthrough, this conversation offers a glimpse into how a tight-knit team from an unlikely place turned belief into results. They’ve got one shot. One opportunity. Listen to hear how they got here—and what they plan to do next. Follow Black Rose Rollers @blackroserollers Photo by Andrew Keyes Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
196 - Boston Roller Derby, 2026 WFTDA Playoffs Preview
Apr 21, 2026 · 55:14
It's tournament season! In this episode, we preview the road to the 2026 WFTDA North America Northeast Playoffs in Lansing, Michigan coming up May 29th-31st with a deep dive into Boston Roller Derby. Coming off the Altitude Adjuster tournament in Denver a month ago, Boston is battle-tested with a mix of longtime veterans and rising stars. I talk with jammer Mare and coach Rager about roster continuity, the challenges of maintaining a top-tier team in the Boston area, and the team's greatest attributes. We get into key results from the past two seasons, emerging talent on the roster, and the rivalries that continue to shape Boston’s path—especially against Windy City and Minnesota. Plus, what it’ll take to turn a close playoff loss from 2024 into a medal run this year. Can Boston execute, adapt, and make a deep push? Tune in for insight, stories, and a preview of what to watch this postseason. Boston Roller Derby Roll-Chambeau Tournament - Saturday April 25th and Sunday April 26thWatch live on Twitch: https://m.twitch.tv/bostonrollerderby/home Follow Boston Roller Derby @bostonderby Photo by @jsams.photo Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
195 - Handle Hard Better
Apr 14, 2026 · 38:33
In this episode, we dig into a powerful mindset shift inspired by Duke basketball coach Kara Lawson: it never gets easier—you just get better at handling hard. Watch Kara Lawson: Handle Hard Better full video: https://youtu.be/oDzfZOfNki4?si=5XSrviqaS000MKqM From rookie clinics to high-level gameplay, we break down what “handling hard better” really looks like in roller derby. Whether you’re planning events, pushing through tournaments, or battling your way back from injury, the challenge doesn’t go away—it evolves. And so do you. We talk about why passing basic skills is just the beginning—not the finish line—and how the real challenge comes with learning to take hits, get back up, and keep going again and again. As you grow in the sport, the mental load increases with strategy, rules, and gameplay, all while performing under pressure, fatigue, and uncomfortable conditions. Ultimately, earning trust, responsibility, and more track time comes from proving that you can handle hard. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for things to feel easier, this episode is your reminder: meaningful pursuits aren’t supposed to be easy. They’re earned by those who show up, push through, and prove—over and over—that they can do hard things. Lace up, lean in, and let’s get stronger together. The book mentioned was Everything Your Coach Never Told You Because You're a Girl: And Other Truths about Winning by Dan Blank Photo by Meagen Kopacki - Photographer Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
194 - STOP Spiraling!!
Apr 7, 2026 · 57:13
Your thoughts aren’t always telling you the truth—and when you believe every negative one, it’s easy to spiral. Which can be a real distraction in team sports like roller derby. In this episode, we break down what’s really happening when your mind jumps to worst-case scenarios, from “What if I fail?” to “What if I don’t belong?” to "I can't do this!" These thoughts feel real, but they’re often just hypotheses—not facts. And when we don’t challenge them, they can snowball into full-blown mental tornadoes that are hard to escape. You can’t eliminate negative thoughts—but you can change your relationship with them and strengthen your resilience to their effects! Photo by Darren Stehr Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious To find about more about the Fast Five Skate Race at K1 Speed in Traverse City, Michigan, go to this link: https://www.tcrollerderby.com/events-2-1/fast-five-skate-at-k1-speed Or follow Traverse City Roller Derby on socials: @tcrollerderby https://www.facebook.com/tcrollerderby Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
193 - Neurodivergence in Roller Derby with Miss Tea Maven and Merry Khaos
Mar 31, 2026 · 1:47:03
In this episode, we’re joined by special guests, Miss Tea Maven from Denver Roller Derby and Merry Khaos from Harrisburg Area Roller Derby. Both are members of the Divergence Roller Derby Collective team and dive into the realities, challenges, and strengths of neurodivergence in roller derby. We explore how teams can create more inclusive, effective environments not just built for golden retrievers, but also for chihuahuas! We get into the nitty-gritty of communication styles on and off the track, from practices to high-pressure game day moments. We talk about sensory overload and how different brains process strategy, feedback, and coaching. What does supportive coaching actually look like? How can teams adapt drills, feedback methods, and expectations to meet skaters where they are? Whether you’re a skater, coach, official, or derby fan, this conversation offers insight into building stronger teams through understanding, adaptability, and respect. Strap in—it’s thoughtful, vulnerable, honest, and just the right amount of chaotic! Find Merry Khaos @khaostheoryderby on IG and https://khaostheoryblog.wordpress.com/ Find Miss Tea Maven @missteamaven on IG and https://www.missteamaven.com/ Follow Divergence Roller Derby @divergencerollerderby Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious To find about more about the Fast Five Skate Race at K1 Speed in Traverse City, Michigan, go to this link: https://www.tcrollerderby.com/events-2-1/fast-five-skate-at-k1-speed Or follow Traverse City Roller Derby on socials: @tcrollerderby https://www.facebook.com/tcrollerderby Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle
192: Start Mattering
Mar 24, 2026 · 1:16:03
What if the real secret to a strong team isn’t talent—but mattering? In this episode, we break down how making people feel seen, valued, and appreciated can transform leagues, teams, and organizations from the inside out. From supporting officials and volunteers, to rethinking training structures, to creating meaningful moments of recognition—this is a deep dive into the culture shifts that actually make people stay and thrive. You’ll learn: • Why focusing only on top performers hurts long-term growth • How to make everyone feel like they belong and contribute • Practical ways to build connection, trust, and buy-in • How small gestures can create lasting impact If you’re building a team—or trying to rebuild your own sense of purpose—this episode will challenge you to ask: Where do I feel valued? And where am I adding value? Photo by Jason Lome @lomeranger Podcast logo by Liz Mac Intyre @lizzyluscious To find about more about the Fast Five Skate Race at K1 Speed in Traverse City, Michigan, go to this link: https://www.tcrollerderby.com/events-2-1/fast-five-skate-at-k1-speed Or follow Traverse City Roller Derby on socials: @tcrollerderby https://www.facebook.com/tcrollerderby Follow our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/powerthru4thwhistle Follow us on Instagram: @Power4thWhistle