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).
EP#*: Bridging the Lane Lines, Torri Huske & Lillie Nordmann
We talk a lot about the intersection between sport and identity… so how do Paralympians and Olympians both relate to that?
With lots of sports merging their Olympic and Paralympic programs, we are fascinated in learning about the cultures merging as well and what we can learn from one another!
While we still are dedicated to showing you the real side of adaptive sports, let’s take a moment to look behind some new shining moments and realities of competing at high levels from our Olympic side friends! How do we relate? What differs?
We are so stoked to have former teammates and pro swimmers Lillie Nordmann and Torri Huske on the podcast today as we explore these themes and deep dive on the realities of being an athlete.
Torri's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/torri_huske/ (https://www.instagram.com/torri_huske/)
Lillie's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lillienordmann/ (https://www.instagram.com/lillienordmann/)
Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/)
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod (https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod)
13 Oct 2026
EP37: Finding Your Next Lane, Jack O'Neil
This week we are welcoming recently retired, Paris Paralympic swimmer, Jack O'Neil. While Jack's jo0urney may have ended a bit sooner than he hoped, he now has walked into new spaces that are just as fulfilling. As an LA28 fellow in broadcasting, Jack gives us the inside scoop we've been looking for!
Jack's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackoneil19/ (https://www.instagram.com/jackoneil19/)
Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/)
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod (https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod)
6 Oct 2026
EP36: A Crash, a Comeback, and a Greener Future, Marie Claude Molnar
The inaugural Green Sports Month hosted by Eco Athletes is here and we are celebrating with today's special guest, Marie Claude!!
One of Canada's best Paralympic cyclists, now retired, Marie Claude chats with us about her experience in sport, the intersection of sport and environmental sustainability, and the work she is doing on researching the environmental impacts of the life cycle of a racing bike!
But also, how does one experience a life altering bicycle crash... only to ride again six months later with no fear??
Marie Claude's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariecmolnar/ (https://www.instagram.com/mariecmolnar/)
Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/ (https://www.instagram.com/opticaldelusionpod/)
MERCH: https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod (https://www.etsy.com/shop/OpticalDelusionPod)
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
13 ratings
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