Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

About Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

Welcome to Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario. Tune in to hear Pj Kwong interview your favourite skaters, coaches, alumni and more!

Publisher

Skate Ontario

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Jul 2025

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Let's Talk About It: Piper Gilles

   My guest today is one of Canada’s most accomplished ice dancers. Piper Gilles has represented Canada on the world stage with distinction, earning multiple national titles and international medals alongside her skating partner, Paul Poirier. Known for her creativity, artistry, and powerful performances, Piper has become a fan favourite and a leader within the sport. From overcoming challenges to reaching the podium at the highest levels of competition, her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and a passion for excellence. Please welcome Canadian champion, Olympic and World medallist Piper Gilles.

2. 

   29 Jul 2026

   Let's Talk About It: Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud

   This episode of Let’s Talk About It should start with: Wow! Look what you can do! Few teams in Canadian figure skating have risen as quickly as Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud. Since forming their partnership in 2022, the duo has steadily climbed the international ranks, but the 2025-26 season marked a true breakthrough. In their Olympic debut at Milano-Cortina, the Canadian national champions delivered a stunning performance to sit third after the short program before finishing eighth overall and helping Canada place fifth in the team event. Just weeks later, they elevated their skating to another level, capturing the bronze medal at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague with personal-best performances in both programs. Their meteoric rise is a testament to their talent, determination, and the remarkable chemistry they have developed, establishing them as one of Canada's and the world’s most exciting pairs teams.

3. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Let's Talk About It: David & Mitchell Islam

   On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, we get to hear from a well-known father/son coaching team. David Islam: From his earliest days on the ice, David Islam has built a career defined by dedication, leadership, and a deep passion for the sport. As both an athlete and coach, he has contributed to the development of countless skaters, bringing a thoughtful approach to training and a strong commitment to fostering excellence at every level. His journey offers valuable insight into the evolution of Canadian figure skating and the importance of mentorship in building the next generation. Mitchell Islam: An accomplished ice dancer and Olympian, Mitchell Islam represented Canada on the world stage with grace, precision, and competitive success. Alongside partner Alexandra Paul, he captured national titles and competed at the highest levels of the sport, including the Olympic Games. Today, his perspective as both a high-performance athlete and ambassador for figure skating provides a unique look at the lessons learned through elite competition, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the skating community. Both David & Mitch can be found on the ice at the Mariposa School of Skating where David is co-owner and Mitch is Director of Dance.

4. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Let’s Talk About It: Alison Purkiss

   On today’s episode of Let’s Talk About It, Alison Purkiss, Olympic coach and former national competitor joins us. She shares stories from her skating journey, from performing as a young skater to coaching top athletes, and offers insights on teamwork, perseverance, and building strong skater relationships. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the impact of Skate Ontario and the Olympic experience through the eyes of a coach.

5. 

   7 May 2026

   Let's Talk About It: Gabrielle Daleman

   On today's episode of Let's Talk About It, we are welcoming Gabrielle Daleman, Canadian figure skating champion, and World and Olympic medalist. Gabrielle opens up about her journey on the ice, from early competitions to representing Canada on the world stage, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. She reflects on the mental and physical demands of elite skating, and the importance of resilience, support, and passion in pursuing your dreams. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of Canada’s most remarkable athletes.

6. 

   25 Mar 2026

   Let’s Talk About It: Maria Jelinek & Debbi Wilkes

   Welcome to the Let’s Talk about it Podcast! This is going to be a special one! I am headed to Prague this week for the ISU World Figure Skating Championships. This is the 4th time that Worlds is being held in Prague. This is a city that has been lucky for Canadian skaters, including my 2 guests in 1962 but there was also a tragedy 65 years ago where the US team died in a plane crash – more about that in a bit. Today I am honoured to welcome Olympian and 1962 World Pair champion with her brother Otto Jelinek, this is Maria Jelinek. I am also thrilled to welcome Olympic and World pairs medallist Debbi Wilkes – who placed 4th with her partner, the late Guy Revell, in 1962. Let’s get into this conversation where I am going to ask my guests to please share their memories, insights, and the legacy of Canadian pair skating along with the unexpected behind the scenes stories. Don’t forget to follow us for all our Prague coverage next week. Use the hashtag #SkONinPrague and of course #SkateOntarioProud. Let’s get started!

7. 

   9 Feb 2026

   Let's Talk About It: Scott Moir

   Today on Let’s Talk About It we’re joined by none other than three-time Olympic champion and ice dance legend, Scott Moir. Scott and I go way back — I’ve known him since he was a kid, and our friendship makes this conversation extra special. We’ll hear about his journey from skating in Ontario to Olympic glory, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the stories behind his partnership with Tessa Virtue that captured the world’s imagination. You won’t want to miss it.

8. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Let's Talk About It: Nancy Lemaire

   On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by esteemed figure skating coach Nancy Lemaire, whose passion for athlete development has shaped skaters from Canskate to the Olympic level, including Olympian Madeline Schizas. With decades of coaching experience, after a skating career to the Junior level, Nancy brings insight into the evolving landscape of figure skating in Canada and the importance of fostering resilience and confidence in young athletes. She was inducted into the Milton Sports Hall of Fame and makes her coaching home at the Milton Skating Club. Tune in as we explore her coaching philosophy, career highlights, the Olympic Games, and the impact of mentorship on the next generation.

9. 

   23 Dec 2025

   Let's Talk About It: Ann Shaw

   On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by Ann Shaw, a lifelong champion of figure skating and one of the most influential officials in the sport, particularly in ice dance. From competing at the World Championships in the late 1950s and early 1960s to judging three times at the Olympic Winter Games and serving on the ISU Ice Dance Committee, Ann’s career has spanned every level of the sport. She played a key role in developing the new ISU Judging System and dedicated herself to educating the next generation of officials through manuals, mentorship, and leadership. A member of the Skate Canada Hall of Fame, Ann’s legacy lives on through her lasting impact on figure skating in Canada and around the world.

10. 

    21 Nov 2025

    Let's Talk About It: Tracy Wilson

    On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we reflect on the remarkable career of Canadian ice dancer Tracy Wilson, who began skating at age six in Coquitlam before rising through the ranks of competitive skating. After winning the 1980 Canadian junior national title with Mark Stokes, she found lasting success with partner Rob McCall, capturing seven consecutive national titles and earning Canada’s first Olympic medal in ice dancing at the 1988 Calgary Games. The duo also made history as the first Canadian team to win Skate Canada International and went on to secure three World bronze medals. Since retiring, Tracy Wilson has spent over three decades as a figure skating commentator for both American and Canadian networks and, since 2006, has coached elite international skaters—most notably two-time Olympic champion Yuzuru Hanyu—at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club. She and her late partner Rob McCall were inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Skate Canada Hall of Fame in 2003.

11. 

    15 Oct 2025

    Let's Talk About It: Debbi Wilkes

    On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re joined by the remarkable Debbi Wilkes — Olympic medalist, television broadcaster, author, and lifelong advocate for figure skating in Canada. With decades of experience both on the ice and behind the scenes, Debbi shares her unique perspective on the evolution of the sport and the power of storytelling in skating. Get ready for an inspiring conversation filled with insight, history, and heart about being at the Olympic Games as an athlete, a reporter and a Team Leader.

12. 

    22 Sept 2025

    Let's Talk About It: Carol Lane

    On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we dive into the journey of world-renowned coach, choreographer, and CBC analyst Carol Lane, who brings over 25 years of experience to her insightful Olympic figure skating commentary. Carol began her skating career in London, England, at the age of seven and quickly found her passion in ice dance. By fifteen, she was competing at the Junior and Senior National levels, eventually earning a bronze medal at Senior Nationals and a spot as an alternate for the World and Olympic team. Training at the prestigious Queens Ice Club under Jon Lane and Gladys Hogg, she became a regular on the international ice dancing circuit. Carol makes her coaching home with Ice Dance Elite at the Scarboro Figure Skating Club and counts Olympic Ice dancers and four-time World medalists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier among her many success stories.

13. 

    22 Aug 2025

    Let's Talk About It: Brian Orser

    On today's episode of the Let's Talk About It podcast, we explore the incredible journey of Canadian figure skating icon Brian Orser, whose story began in Belleville, Ontario, and whose passion for skating emerged almost as soon as he could walk. Known as “Mr. Triple Axel,” Brian became the first junior to land the triple axel in competition and revolutionized the sport with his technical prowess and artistry. He won multiple national and international titles, including two Olympic silver medals, World Championship medals as well as the World title in 1987. Brian famously faced off against Brian Boitano in Calgary with the legendary 1988 "Battle of the Brians". After a stellar professional career filled with Emmy-winning performances and triumphant comebacks, Brian transitioned into coaching, bringing his experience and insight to the next generation of champions. Today, he’s a world-renowned coach at the Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club, mentoring Olympic champions like Yu-Na Kim, Yuzuru Hanyu, and Olympic medallist Javier Fernández.

14. 

    21 Jul 2025

    Let's Talk About It: Kurt Browning

    On today’s episode of the Let’s Talk About It podcast, we’re thrilled to welcome Canadian figure skating legend Kurt Browning — four-time World Champion, renowned choreographer, and beloved commentator. Best known for landing the first ratified quadruple jump in competition at the 1988 World Championships, Kurt’s career is filled with groundbreaking moments and unforgettable performances. He represented Canada at three Olympic Games and carried the flag at the 1994 Lillehammer Opening Ceremony, all while captivating audiences with his innovative footwork and theatrical style. Beyond competition, Kurt has left an indelible mark on the sport as a choreographer, TV personality, and long-time commentator for CBC. Join us as we reflect on his extraordinary journey, his passion for performance, and the creative spirit that continues to inspire generations of skaters.

Contact Let’s Talk About It: A Podcast by Skate Ontario

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.