"Behind every gold medal is a story worth telling."
Hosted by Olympic champion Sarah Hughes, Good as Gold features intimate, inspiring conversations with the world's greatest athletes — Olympic gold medalists. Each episode explores the untold journey behind the medal: training, setbacks, triumphs, and the lasting legacy of sport. With warmth, humor, and insider perspective, Sarah connects with fellow champions across every discipline, uncovering the human side of Olympic excellence.
Perfect for sports fans, aspiring athletes, and anyone chasing greatness — this is the ultimate Olympic storytelling podcast.
The conversation covers the experiences of life after the Olympics and the impact of figure skating on personal growth. It delves into the challenges and triumphs of post-Olympic life and the profound influence of figure skating on the development of character and resilience.
The conversation covers themes of resilience, legacy, and life after winning, as well as the challenges of parenting and life choices. It also delves into the importance of remembering the past, the lessons learned from figure skating, and the significance of being true to oneself.
Additionally, it explores the challenges of navigating celebrity and life in the public eye.
Takeaways
Life after the Olympics
The impact of figure skating on personal growth Resilience
Legacy
Chapters
00:00 Life After the Olympics
23:02 The Impact of Figure Skating on Personal Growth
28:27 The Pressure of Competition
29:49 Life After Winning
33:01 Parenting and Life Choices
39:02 Remembering the Past
43:37 Lessons from Figure Skating
49:00 Being True to Yourself
51:02 Navigating Celebrity and Life
3 Feb 2026
Stoned Cold - John Shuster
In this engaging conversation, John Shuster shares his journey from a small-town curling enthusiast to an Olympic champion. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of his curling career, including the emotional highs of winning a bronze medal and the struggles faced during the 2010 Olympics. Shuster reflects on the importance of teamwork, the impact of sports psychology, and the evolution of curling as a competitive sport. He also shares insights into the upcoming film about his life and the significance of his experiences for future generations of curlers. In this engaging conversation, John Shuster shares his experiences as an Olympic curler, discussing the unique challenges faced during competitions, the importance of camaraderie among athletes, and the emotional journey of winning a gold medal. He reflects on the logistics of curling stones, the significance of Olympic trials, and the evolving competitiveness of the sport. Shuster also touches on his aspirations for the future, including the possibility of competing alongside his children.
28 Oct 2025
Half Pipe Dreams - Kelly Clark
In this episode, hosted by 2002 Olympic figure skating champion Sarah Hughes, we dive deep into the incredible career of Kelly Clark, Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding. Kelly talks about her remarkable journey from discovering snowboarding as a child in Mount Snow, Vermont, to becoming the first American woman to win gold in snowboarding at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. She shares insightful anecdotes about her experiences in multiple Olympics, the evolution of snowboarding as a sport, and the challenges she faced along the way. Kelly also reflects on her transition from competitive snowboarding to her current life, emphasizing the importance of investing in others and the lasting influence of motherhood. Join us for this captivating conversation filled with laughter, tears, and invaluable life lessons.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:57 Snowboarding Career and Medals
06:52 Early Life and Snowboarding Beginnings
11:31 Olympic Journey and Achievements
22:30 Snowboarding's Evolution and Scoring Systems
26:39 Judging Criteria in Snowboarding
27:55 Personal Growth and Retirement Decision
29:58 Challenges in Sochi Olympics
33:38 Adapting to Difficult Conditions
39:18 Reflecting on Olympic Achievements
45:47 Transitioning from Competition to Retirement
50:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections
53:01 Torch or Tin: Quickfire Questions
14 Oct 2025
Balancing Act - Carly Patterson
In this episode of Good As Gold, host Sarah Hughes, the 2002 Olympic figure skating champion, sits down with Carly Patterson, the iconic American gymnast who won the all-around gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics at just 16 years old. Carly shares her inspiring journey from discovering gymnastics at a cousin's birthday party to overcoming injuries and achieving Olympic glory. She discusses the pressures of competing on the world stage, the impact of her victories on future generations of American gymnasts, and how she applies the lessons learned from gymnastics to her current roles as a mother, motivational speaker, and leader in her sport. Tune in to hear about Carly's experiences, the importance of mindset, and the joys and challenges of parenting three young children. Don't miss this in-depth and inspiring conversation! 00:00 Balancing Act - Carly Patterson 01:00 Casual Conversation and Background 01:43 Olympic Journey and Experiences 04:29 Medal Memories and Display 07:50 Pre-Competition Routine and Superstitions 10:01 Spectator Experiences at the Olympics 18:06 Gymnastics Beginnings and Training 24:21 Rise to Prominence and Olympic Preparation 30:41 The Broken Elbow: A Setback Before Worlds 31:21 Competing with an Injury: The Worlds Experience 32:30 Post-Worlds Surgery and Recovery 36:17 The Road to the Olympics: Trials and Tribulations 39:51 The Olympic Experience: Competing in Athens 54:47 Life After Gymnastics: Parenting and New Challenges 58:01 Reflecting on Legacy and Future Aspirations 01:05:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell
7 Oct 2025
Running on Ice - Sheila Young
Join Olympic champion Sarah Hughes as she delves into the incredible story of Sheila Young, a legendary figure in speed skating and track cycling. In this episode of Good As Gold, Sheila shares her journey from humble beginnings in Detroit to becoming a world-class athlete, her rigorous training regimens, and the challenges she faced along the way. Sheila also reflects on her experiences as an Olympic mom and offers insights on the evolution of speed skating over the past 50 years. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with personal anecdotes, Olympic memories, and reflections on a lifetime of athletic achievement. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:42 Guest Introduction and Innsbruck Anniversary Plans 01:31 Choosing and Competing in Speed Skating Events 04:34 Olympic Medals and Memories 06:22 Training and Superstitions 10:30 Early Years and Family Influence 14:55 Competitive Spirit and Achievements 17:28 Cycling and Cross-Training 23:30 Olympic Reflections and Connections 26:58 Upcoming Event with Dorothy and Peter 27:23 Reflecting on the 50-Year Journey 27:55 Life After the Olympics 30:38 Parenting and Coaching Challenges 33:41 Changes in Speed Skating Over the Years 39:14 Becoming a Teacher 42:39 Family and Legacy 43:55 Looking Forward to the Future 46:58 Torch or Tin: Fun Game 53:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell
30 Sept 2025
Row and Behold - Caryn Davies
In this episode of Good As Gold, host Sarah Hughes interviews Caryn Davies, a three-time Olympic medalist and one of rowing's most decorated athletes. Caryn shares her incredible journey encompassing not only her Olympic successes, including two gold medals, but also her academic achievements from Harvard, Columbia Law School, and Oxford. They discuss the discipline and teamwork integral to rowing and Caryn's experience balancing an elite sports career with academic pursuits. Caryn also reflects on her attempts to return to Olympic competition, the challenges of reintegrating into the training team, and the invaluable lessons she learned about focus, community, and personal growth. Touching on her role as President of the US Olympic and Paralympic Alumni Association, Caryn emphasizes the importance of community and supporting former athletes. The episode includes candid conversations about the highs and lows of elite competition, the significance of team dynamics, and Caryn's commitment to self-improvement and helping others. 00:00 Caryn Davies - Row and Behold 00:52 Discussing Olympic Journey and Medals 03:27 Pre-Competition Routines and Warmups 05:58 Memorable Olympic Moments 08:05 Getting into Rowing 10:44 A Day in the Life of a Rower 13:55 Returning to Competitive Rowing 22:46 Challenges and Team Dynamics 33:49 Reflections on Olympic Selection and Stroke Seat 41:20 The Olympic Experience vs. Other Competitions 43:20 Winning the Olympic Gold Medal 43:57 The Reality of Winning a Gold Medal 45:20 Marketability and Sponsorship in Rowing 45:20 Considering Competing for Great Britain 45:20 The Torch or Tin Game 53:42 The Challenges of Big Law 01:04:35 Parenting and Life Lessons 01:04:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
23 Sept 2025
Thrown For a Loop - Meagan Duhamel
In this episode of Good as Gold, host Sarah Hughes, Olympic champion in figure skating, talks with Meagan Duhamel, a Canadian figure skating legend. Meagan shares insight into her illustrious career, including her superstitions, the heartbreak of the Sochi Olympics, and her redemption in Pyeongchang. She discusses balancing motherhood and coaching, staying injury-free, and her thoughts on pair skating's technical demands. The conversation also touches on Meagan's experiences with reality TV, her views on the evolution of figure skating, and the importance of adaptability in both sports and life. With candid stories of resilience, perseverance, and both professional and personal growth, this episode offers an in-depth look at the journey behind achieving Olympic dreams. 00:00 Thrown for a Loop - Meagan Duhamel 00:51 Introduction and Greetings 01:02 Olympic Journey and Inspirations 03:15 Pre-Competition Rituals and Superstitions 05:37 Memories and Reflections on Medals 07:16 Family and Skating Legacy 11:50 Early Skating Days and Inspirations 13:58 Transition to Pairs Skating 16:14 Training and Competing at Elite Levels 17:08 Olympic Experiences and Turning Points 20:52 2014 Sochi Olympics and Lessons Learned 23:11 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and Achievements 36:57 Torch or Tin: Fun Segment 38:56 Battle of the Blades Experience 43:32 Staying Injury-Free as an Athlete 46:19 Raising the Next Generation of Skaters 49:25 The Evolution of Figure Skating 52:57 Traveling and Competing with Kids 58:28 The Future of Skating Competitions 01:13:16 Building a Skating Community 01:14:57 Final Thoughts and Goodbyes
16 Sept 2025
Rowdy Behavior - Rowdy Gaines
In this episode of Good As Gold, host Sarah Hughes, the 2002 Olympic champion in figure skating, delves into the inspiring journey of Rowdy Gaines. Despite being cut from five different sports, Rowdy rose to become an Olympic champion swimmer. He shares memories from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, his passion for drowning prevention, and his work to ensure every child learns to swim. Rowdy reflects on the importance of storytelling in sports, the dedication required for Olympic success, and his experiences calling events at multiple Olympic Games. The episode also touches on the significance of parental support in children's sports, the evolution of athlete mental health awareness, and the importance of swimming lessons for child safety. 00:00 Rowdy Gaines - Rowdy Behavior 01:57 Olympic Memories and Fan Moments 02:46 Discussing the Winter and Summer Olympics 04:14 Rowdy's warmup 05:11 Gold Medals and Olympic Experiences 06:50 Pre-Competition Routines and Superstitions 07:55 Swimming and Skating as Lifelong Passions 08:23 Commentating and Broadcasting Career 12:23 US Dominance in Swimming 27:44 Personal Journey into Swimming 34:48 Struggles in High School Swimming 35:39 First Coach and Early Training 37:11 College Swimming and the 1980 Boycott 39:39 1984 Olympics and Winning Gold 43:16 Challenges and Changes in Swimming 45:42 Supporting Current Swimmers and Future Plans 57:20 Drowning Prevention and Swim Lessons 01:04:34 Fun and Reflections on Swimming 01:11:55 Final Thoughts and Farewell
11 Sept 2025
Good as Gold: Highlights
In this highlight reel, Sarah Hughes brings together unforgettable moments from Rowdy Gaines, Caryn Davies, Meagan Duhamel and Carly Patterson. From the grind of training to the thrill of victory, these Olympic champions share the stories you won't hear anywhere else.
25 Aug 2025
Good as Gold: Trailer
Olympic champion Sarah Hughes introduces Good as Gold, a new podcast featuring intimate conversations with Olympic gold medalists. In this trailer, Sarah shares her own journey behind the medal — from the early mornings and heartbreaks to life after the podium — and sets the stage for stories that go far beyond the headlines.
Each episode will reveal the grit, setbacks, triumphs, and surprising paths of the world's greatest champions. Whether you're a lifelong Olympic fan or someone chasing a dream of your own, this is your invitation to go beyond the podium and discover the truth behind the gold.
"Behind every gold medal is a story worth telling."
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
6 ratings
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