Optical Delusion
Claim This Podcastby Optical Delusion
Podcast Overview
<p><b>Optical Delusion is a podcast that challenges what you think you see. Hosted by two Team USA Paralympic swimmers, we dive into the untold, unexpected, and unapologetically real stories of Paralympians, athletes, and people with disabilities. From podium moments to plot twists no one prepared us for, we talk grit, identity, access, failure, humor, and everything in between. This isn’t a highlight reel or a feel-good montage; it’s a conversation about navigating a world that often underestimates you. Optical Delusion: telling the stories we did not see coming (and you probably didn't either).</b></p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/2/2026
1 verified contact email on file for Optical Delusion
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Recent Episodes
July 7, 2026
Episode 23: Yaseen El-Demerdash, From doubt to passion: how to make change
<p>Most athletes have dreams of reaching the top. Yaseen El-Demerdash turned that journey into a movement; creating Ripple Effect Foundation to make sports more accessible, inclusive, and impactful beyond the pool. </p><p></p><p>He reveals how a chance to give back after his Paralympic debut sparked a journey that’s now transforming communities, supporting underserved athletes, and bridging the gap between grassroots and elite sports He also discusses the importance of supporting underrepresented communities, the value of science-backed programs, and how collaboration with Olympic athletes is elevating adaptive sports.</p><p></p><p> Dive in to discover how one athlete’s drive can ripple outward and create waves of opportunity for many.</p><p></p><p>Ripple Affect: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rippleaffectinc.org/" target="_blank">https://rippleaffectinc.org/</a></p><p>RA Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/rippleaffectinc/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/rippleaffectinc/</a></p><p>Yaseen's Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/yaseen_eld/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/yaseen_eld/</a></p><p></p><p>Our Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/</a><br />MERCH: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod</a></p>
June 30, 2026
Episode 22: Abbey Phillipson, How to rewrite the rules of strength
<p>We are thrilled for this week's episode with the newly announced, 2026 USA Powerlifting coach of the year, Abbey Phillipson! From creating the first collegiate adaptive lift program to founding the Collagen Advocacy Network, Abbey's story shows us how important it is to challenge the statues quo and rewrite the rules of strength. (Because fitness is a human right!) </p><p></p><p>Our Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/</a><br /><br />Abbey's Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.ste1/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/abbeyphillipson/</a><br />Collagen Advocacy Network: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://collagenadvocacynetwork.org/" target="_blank">https://collagenadvocacynetwork.org/</a></p><p><br />MERCH: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod</a></p>
June 23, 2026
Episode 21: Gabriel Steen, What it means to get "classed out"
<p>In this episode, we bring to you Norwegian para swimmer, Gabriel Steen. Gabriel's journey is unique as he has faced numerous trials and setbacks in his mission to the Paralympic stage. What does it mean to get classed out? How does one even begin to process getting told they're not "disabled enough?" But beyond that, how important is community regardless?</p><p></p><p> Our Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/</a></p><p></p><p>Gabriel's Instagram: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.ste1/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/gabriel.ste1/</a><br /><br />MERCH: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod</a></p>
23 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Optical Delusion?
<p><b>Optical Delusion is a podcast that challenges what you think you see. Hosted by two Team USA Paralympic swimmers, we dive into the untold, unexpected, and unapologetically real stories of Paralympians, athletes, and people with disabilities. From podium moments to plot twists no one prepared us for, we talk grit, identity, access, failure, humor, and everything in between. This isn’t a highlight reel or a feel-good montage; it’s a conversation about navigating a world that often underestimates you. Optical Delusion: telling the stories we did not see coming (and you probably didn't either).</b></p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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