- 11
- Episodes
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Gym Shorts
Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. These stories offer honest reflections on how we can all work together to create happier, healthier, and more inclusive futures for every student.
- Publisher
- Ophea
- Category
- education · health & fitness
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 11 Mar 2026
- Latest episode
- 20 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
11 episodes in the feed.
20 Oct 2026
How I learned the language of coaching
On this episode, we meet Jennie, a longtime French educator who discovered a passion for coaching upon moving to Canada. Originally from the UK, Jennie’s relationship to physical education drastically changed when she was assigned an H&PE class in an elementary school. Jennie shares how her students supported building her confidence, helping her to grow as an educator, coach, and parent. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/). Resources & Links: Play for All: Strategies for Inclusive Intramurals (https://ophea.net/play-all-strategies-inclusive-intramurals?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_campaign=GSPS2) H&PE Elementary Resources (https://ophea.net/hpe-elementary-resources?utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=GSPS2) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=FeaturedPL&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
13 Oct 2026
Why Should I Choose Between Theatre and Sports?
On this episode, we meet Andrea, who shares her experience growing up as both a performer and an athlete. Forced to choose between her physical and creative interests, Andrea thinks of a world where students can explore and find balance between all their interests, while caring for their physical, mental and emotional health. Resources & Links: Healthy Schools Recognition Project (https://healthyschools.ca/?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_campaign=GSPS2) Engaging Students in Healthy Living Through Drama (https://ophea.net/engaging-students-healthy-living-through-drama?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_campaign=GSPS2) Play for All: Strategies for Inclusive Intramurals (https://ophea.net/play-all-strategies-inclusive-intramurals?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_campaign=GSPS2)
19 May 2026
When the Star Athlete Steps off the Track
On today’s episode we hear from Deniece, a teacher, academic, and athlete who shares her reflections on finding her identity outside of high-performance recognition and awards. She highlights the importance of building connections and educators getting to know their students, to support their relationship with physical activity moving forward. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Gender-Inclusive Physical Education and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-gender-inclusive-physical-education-and-sport) Stop, Start, Consider!: Disrupting Anti-Black Racism in Physical Education and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/disrupting-anti-black-racism-physical-education-and-sport) Emotional Safety (https://safety.ophea.net/tools-resources/emotional-safety) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
12 May 2026
How a Pandemic Shaped my First Teaching Community
On today’s episode, we hear from Niviesha, who recounts leaving her office job for a career in teaching and how she lost, and regained, her community along the way. She shares her lessons learned from an influential high school Phys Ed. teacher who shaped her approach to teaching in today’s world. This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy in Health and Physical Education (https://ophea.net/culturally-responsive-and-relevant-pedagogy-health-and-physical-education) H&PE Online Learning (https://ophea.net/hpe-online-learning) 50 Fitness GIFs (https://ophea.net/50-fitness-activity-gifs) Ready, Steady...Balance! (https://ophea.net/product/ready-steadybalance) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
5 May 2026
Why Do I Have to Ask to Be Included?
On this episode, we hear from Jacob, a youth advocate for disability-inclusion in sports. Needing to advocate for his own inclusion in the gym from a young age, Jacob shares the importance of educators listening to their students and actively making space for students who would otherwise stay on the margins. This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education (https://ophea.net/disability-centred-movement-supporting-inclusive-physical-education) Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Disability-Centred Physical Education (PE) and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-disability-centred-physical-education-and-sport) Disability-Centred Safety (https://safety.ophea.net/tools-resources/disability-centred-safety) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
28 Apr 2026
Why Can't the Girls Play?
On today’s episode, we hear from Yumi, a Health and Physical Education (H&PE) teacher candidate who shares her journey in creating her own path to physical activity that centers on belonging, respect, and inclusion. She explores the importance of disrupting gender dynamics, prioritizing marginalized students, and refusing to accept the status quo. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. Gym Shorts was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Gender-Inclusive Physical Education and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-gender-inclusive-physical-education-and-sport) Emotional Safety (https://safety.ophea.net/tools-resources/emotional-safety) Queer Skate Toronto (https://www.queerskatetoronto.com/) York Skateboarding Academy (https://www.yorkskateboarding.ca/home) Impact Skateboard Club (https://www.impactskateclub.com/) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
21 Apr 2026
How I Survived My First Time Teaching "Gym"
On today’s episode, we hear from Rowan, who recounts his experience as a new teacher leading a Physical Education class for the first time. Rowan questions the “why” behind practices, noting that teaching is an ongoing process that is most impactful when it is shaped by student voice and engagement This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. Gym Shorts was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy in Health and Physical Education (https://ophea.net/culturally-responsive-and-relevant-pedagogy-health-and-physical-education) Ophea H&PE Elementary Resources (https://ophea.net/hpe-elementary-resources) Ophea H&PE Secondary Resources (https://ophea.net/hpe-secondary-resources) The Ontario Physical Activity Safety Standards in Education (OPASSE) (https://safety.ophea.net/) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in Health & Physical Education. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
14 Apr 2026
What if Your Teacher Was Your Bully?
On today’s episode, we hear from twins George and Anna, who share their experiences and perspectives, reflecting on moments where expectations and inclusion felt challenging to them. They highlight the importance of physically and emotionally safe spaces that address the interests and abilities of each student and are led by respectful and caring educators. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Play for All: Strategies for Inclusive Intramurals (https://ophea.net/play-all-strategies-inclusive-intramurals) Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education (https://ophea.net/disability-centred-movement-supporting-inclusive-physical-education) Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Disability-Centred Physical Education (PE) and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-disability-centred-physical-education-and-sport) Disability-Centred Safety (https://safety.ophea.net/tools-resources/disability-centred-safety) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=ShowNotes&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
7 Apr 2026
How One Size Fits All Didn’t Fit Me
On today’s episode, we hear from Tammy, who recounts her experience as a high-achieving student who struggled in a gym class that celebrated performance and contributed to negative feelings about her body. Finding her way back to physical activity for the community, she highlights the importance of educators getting to know each student and creating spaces for every student to thrive. This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Emotional Safety (https://safety.ophea.net/tools-resources/emotional-safety) Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Gender-Inclusive Physical Education and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-gender-inclusive-physical-education-and-sport) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=FeaturedPL&utm_medium=Web&utm_campaign=GymShortsEmail)
31 Mar 2026
How a Playground Visit Changed the Way I See Accessibility
On today’s episode, we hear from Andrea, who shares how her experience as a parent shaped her teaching practices. Centering open-mindedness and individual differences, Andrea shows that an inclusion mindset can make gym class a space for every student. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education (https://ophea.net/disability-centred-movement-supporting-inclusive-physical-education) Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Disability-Centred Physical Education (PE) and Sport (https://ophea.net/stop-start-consider-student-centred-practices-hpe/doing-disability-centred-physical-education-and-sport) About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox! (https://confirmsubscription.com/h/r/ADFE79FC5ABA51522540EF23F30FEDED?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Ep1&utm_campaign=GymShorts)
11 Mar 2026
Introducing Gym Shorts: Stories from Gym Class
Introducing Gym Shorts, a new podcast from Ophea! 🎧 Join us to explore the powerful, personal, and sometimes uncomfortable stories behind early experiences in Health and Physical Education. In each episode, hosted by Ophea staff, Andrea Haefele or Tammy Shubat, a different guest shares their gym class memories and how these shaped their attitudes towards physical activity as adults. 📅 Season 1 drops March 31 with new episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe through your podcast platform or sign up for our email list (https://bit.ly/GymShortsEmails) to get episodes straight to your inbox! Gym Shorts is currently available in English only. Gym Shorts is produced by Mike Meehan (https://mikemeehanmedia.com/). The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly (https://soundcloud.com/nicemosaics). The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang (https://fredgalang.com/), a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario.
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