True North Podcast: Recent Episodes
Benedict Rhodes
The True North Podcast is a podcast about a wide variety of sports and athletes, with a Canadian focus. This podcast will be a chance to get up close and personal with some of Canada’s top athletes, coaches, media personalities, and more.
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On episode 20 of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian ski mountaineering athlete Matt Ruta.
They discuss the sport’s Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, the different variations of the sport and its origins, how Canadians can qualify for the Olympics, some of his favourite sporting memories, and so much more.
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On episode 19 of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian swimmer Javier Acevedo.
Last year Acevedo went to his third Olympics, but says he’s not done just yet. He reflects on his swimming journey so far, the development of the Canadian national teams over the past decade, his ambitions for going to Los Angeles 2028, and the importance of taking some time off this year to recharge.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode 18 of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian swimmer Arianna Hunsicker.
She joins the show to talk about her rise through the swimming ranks to becoming a Paralympian for the first time this summer, some of the challenges faced and lessons learned along the way, what motivates her to keep going on the road to Los Angeles in 2028, and so much more.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, consider subscribing for free.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode 17 of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian Paralympic champion wheelchair racer Austin Smeenk.
They discuss Smeenk’s golden summer at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the incredible team around him that puts him in the best positions to succeed, what it takes to be a champion on the biggest stage both physically and mentally, his ballet debut in The Nutcracker, and more!
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On episode 16 of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian gymnast Emma Spence.
They discuss Spence’s recent retirement from elite gymnastics with Team Canada, some of the standout moments from her career, her upcoming final season in the NCAA at the University of Nebraska, and what her next journey might be.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free using the button below.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode 15 of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by another Ben — Ben Lewis from Tennis Canada and the Match Point Canada Podcast.
They discuss the group of five tennis players named to Team Canada for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games this week, some of the major Canadian and international tennis stories leading up to the Olympics, and of course get some Wimbledon chat in as well.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free using the button below.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode thirteen of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian skeleton racer Grace Dafoe.
After more than a decade of grinding on the skeleton development circuits, Dafoe made her World Cup debut on January 12 at the historic track in the birthplace of the sport — St. Moritz, Switzerland. She discusses her journey from trying the sport for the first time in 2012 to competing against the world’s best in 2024, and everything in between.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free using the button below.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode twelve of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Mike Bodnarchuk, Co-Chair of the Ski Jumping Canada Board of Directors.
The conversation begins with a discussion about Tarik van Wieren, who will be competing for Canada at the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics later this month. They also discuss Canada’s current crop of national team superstars, examine some of the funding issues that Ski Jumping Canada has been facing in recent years, and the closure of the national training facilities in Calgary. Also included is a look at the potential for growth in the sport in years to come ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics and beyond.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free using the button below.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode eleven of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Paralympic champion Nate Riech.
Throughout the conversation they discuss Nate’s gold medal at Tokyo 2020, his preparation for Paris 2024 next summer, his family’s incredible sporting history, and some of the work he’s doing to make a difference for other people with traumatic brain injuries.
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode ten of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Team Canada’s chef de mission for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, and Olympic champion, Christine Girard.
The pair discuss what the role of a chef de mission is, and how preparation is going for the major multi-sport games this fall. They also talk about Christine’s career as a weightlifter, and the eventful process of learning that she had become an Olympic champion, years after the event had ended, as a result of other competitors being caught doping.
It’s a fascinating story, and one she says is a victory for not only her, but the values of Canadians and all anti-doping advocates.
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode nine of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Toronto Six forward Emma Woods to her new contract with the team, and Toronto’s Isobel Cup win this past season.
Why did she re-sign with the team? How has the organization evolved since its inaugural season? What might the future of women’s professional hockey look like?
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows or read the latest stories, subscribe for free using the button below, or share the episode with someone.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode eight of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Harnesslink’s Nicholas Barnsdale to discuss the decline in prominence of harness racing in North America, and some potential solutions to get it back on the map.
What are some of the reasons for the sport becoming less popular? Are online gambling and other casinos keeping people away from the racetrack? What does this sport need to do in Canada to attract new fans?
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
RELATED READING: Nick’s thesis project - “Where did everybody go?”
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On episode seven of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by CBC’s Devin Heroux to recap the Canadian national swimming trials, and chat about Canadian curling, among other things.
What was the reaction like at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre to Summer McIntosh’s historic week? Which other swimmers impressed as the leadup to to the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Paris continues? What needs to change to get Canadian curling back to being a powerhouse on the international level?
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
RELATED READING: Summer McIntosh the star of Canadian swimming trials as over a dozen records fall
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On episode six of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Canadian Olympian, and longtime swimming coach, Byron MacDonald.
How did MacDonald’s own successful swimming career set him up for a lifetime of coaching and broadcasting? Just how good can Summer McIntosh be? With a year until Paris 2024, what are Canadians doing to prepare?
All of that and much more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On episode five of the True North Podcast, host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Christopher Séguin, the Manager of Media & Communications for the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games, to recap the recent multi-sport competition.
What were Christopher’s favourite moments from the Games? What legacy will Niagara 2022 leave behind in the region? Which athletes could be future Olympic and Paralympic stars for Team Canada?
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
READ MORE: Six athletes who stood out at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games
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Something a bit different today! I recently graduated from Humber College in Toronto, and as part of my graduation requirements I had to research and write a long-form piece of journalism.
I chose a topic that’s very important to me — the legacies from hosting major sporting events in Canada. The Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics and the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games were the focus of my research and interviews, with an eye to the potential Vancouver 2030 Olympic and Paralympic bid as well and what those Games may look like.
This podcast episode accompanies a lengthy written piece that I did, and focuses specifically on Vancouver 2010. Joining me in March to discuss memories and legacies of those Games was the always-insightful Stephen Brunt from Sportsnet. He played an important role in telling the stories of Canadian athletes in 2010, and is regarded among the top Canadian sports media figures ever. I hope you enjoy our discussion.
If you’d instead prefer to watch the video version of the interview, the podcast is available on YouTube below.
Stay tuned for the full written piece when it’s available, with some of Canada’s top athletes, important stakeholders in Canadian sport, and both local and federal politicians, among others.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows, subscribe for free using the button below, or share the episode with someone you know.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On the fourth episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Claire Palmer of the Golden Star and Black Press Media to recap the women’s hockey tournament at Beijing 2022, and discuss the future of professional women’s hockey in Canada.
Whose stock rose in Beijing? Was that the best version of Team Canada we’ve ever seen? What might a professional women’s league in Canada look like?
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows, subscribe for free using the button below, or share the episode with someone you know.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
On the third episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Matthew Leombruni of On The Sidelines to tee up Beijing 2022.
The duo discuss Canada's top medal hopes for these Winter Olympics, react to the announcement that Charles Hamelin and Marie Philip-Poulin will be the flag bearers for Team Canada, and relive some memories from Pyeongchang 2018.
All of that and more on this episode of the True North Podcast.
Let the Games begin.
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On the second episode of the True North Podcast, Benedict Rhodes is joined by Luke Garrison of Full Press Hockey to discuss Canada’s men’s hockey roster announcement for Beijing 2022.
Which players should fans keep an eye on in Beijing? Is Eric Staal a Hall of Famer? What’s the best Canadian hockey jersey of all time?
All that and more is answered on this episode of the True North Podcast.
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com
The first episode of the True North Podcast is here!
It’s an all-Ben edition of the show, as host Benedict Rhodes is joined by Ben Steiner of 49 Sports, among other outlets, to discuss athletes staying safe ahead of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, athletes to keep an eye on, and the U Sports to Team Canada pathway.
All that and more on this inaugural episode.
Thank you for listening to this episode of the True North Podcast. To be the first person to listen to future shows, subscribe for free using the button below, or share the episode with someone you know.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit truenorthsports.substack.com