The Mettleset Podcast

The Mettleset
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The Mettleset Podcast is on a mission to bring you stories of tenacity, courage and mettle from athletes in the Middle East and beyond. From women’s sports and motorsports to adventure, action- and ultra- endurance sports, and everything in between, listeners will get a dose of the region’s most compelling - fun and funny - underreported sports stories every week. Hosts Dawn Barnable (Sports Communications Professional & Ultra Cyclist) is joined by friends who range from record - and boundary – breaking athletes, world-class explorers, community sports leaders and pro athletes at every stage of their career. For more info, visit www.themettleset.com and find us on all major socials at @themettleset.

  1. 21 OCT

    "Treat it like a business, not a charity” - Alexis Ohanian on Women’s Sports, Live from the Sport Industry Forum

    Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟 We’re taking you straight to Abu Dhabi for a conversation that had everyone talking. Recorded live at the Sport Industry Forum 2025 (October 1–2, Yas Marina Circuit), this special episode features Alexis Ohanian - entrepreneur, investor, and, as we like to call him, women’s sport’s biggest hype man - in conversation with Chris McHardy, Head of Sport at Dubai Eye 103.8. The Reddit and 776 co-founder, Angel City FC backer, Chelsea FC Women investor, and founder of Athlos, Ohanian shares why he believes sport is the ultimate “anti-AI bet” - a human story that can’t be automated, commodified, or replicated. He explains why women’s sport is not a charity play but a massively undervalued asset class, with billion-dollar potential hiding in plain sight. From turning Angel City FC into a $280 million success story to launching a new global track-and-field league built like a tech startup, Ohanian reveals how he’s using data, community, and storytelling to prove the doubters wrong — and why connection, not comparison, is driving the next wave of growth. As a girl dad and relentless builder, he’s betting on what makes us most human, sport itself. If you weren’t a believer before, you might just be after this one. 🎧 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn 🎙️ Credits Host: Dawn Barnable Speakers: Alexis Ohanian & Chris McHardy Recorded live at: Sport Industry Forum 2025, Abu Dhabi Produced by: The Mettleset's Diya Vergis  🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    1h 1m

  2. 17 SEPT

    The GCC at UTMB: Karis M Brown Shares Her Story - Part 2

    Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟 In this episode, we head back to Chamonix for Part 2 of our UTMB special with Karis Miriam Brown, former lawyer, podium-finishing ultra trail runner, and certified coach. This summer, Karis lined up at the CCC 100K, one of UTMB’s toughest races. Her journey is raw and real: battling a meniscus tear, reshaping expectations mid-race, and leaning into the “why” that fuels her training and racing. Karis also shares: Lessons from training with elites on Réunion IslandHow to reset when your race plan falls apartWhy community, challenge, and her daughters drive her forward 🎧 Inspiring, honest, and packed with takeaways, this is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of testing themselves on the trails. 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn Barnable Guests: Karis Miriam Brown Editor: Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports. We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn

    41 min

  3. 16 SEPT

    The GCC at UTMB: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain & Sharifah AlQattan Share Their Stories - Part 1

    Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟 In this episode of The Mettleset Podcast, we dive into UTMB – Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc, one of the world’s most iconic trail running festivals. We sat down with three remarkable women from the region who took on the UTMB World Series Finals, sharing their journeys of pushing limits, chasing personal bests, and soaking in the magic of Chamonix. Featured Athletes: Ivana Kolaric – Returned post-pregnancy to finish top 30 and 2nd in her age group at the 61K OCC.Fatema Husain – Bahrain’s ultra trailblazer and first GCC woman to complete the 100-mile UTMB, sharing her journey through injury and breathtaking mountain views.Sharifah AlQattan – Ultra trail runner, coach, and Boom Ultra Challenge race director, talking mindset, preparation, and the pride of crossing the finish line. ✨ Don’t miss part two featuring Karis M. Brown.  🎧 Listen to Fatema’s previous episode here.  🎧 Listen to Ivana’s previous episode here. 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Ivana Kolaric, Fatema Husain, Sharifah AlQattanEditor: Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and community sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. We put women in sport first while highlighting niche communities like action and endurance sports. We hope you enjoy the episode! - Dawn

    21 min

  4. 9 SEPT

    ⚽ Maria Khan 🇵🇰 : From Backup Keeper to Pro Footballer at 32

    Join us as we chat with Maria Khan, captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, about her incredible journey from an early love of football (or soccer) as a kid in the U.S. to signing her first professional contract at 32 in Saudi Arabia.  Maria opens up about the influence of her sporting family legacy, the lessons learned as a Division 1 backup goalkeeper, and the moment she rediscovered her love for football in Pakistan. She shares what it’s like to captain the Pakistani national team, navigate setbacks, and build resilience, while highlighting the power of supportive environments, corporate backing, and strong team leadership. We also dive into the challenges female athletes face around fertility, family planning, and evolving maternity policies, alongside the exciting growth of women’s football and the importance of visibility, advocacy, and creating opportunities for the next generation. Follow Maria on Instagram: @mariajamilakhan 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter:Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond 📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Maria KhanEditor: Diya VergisProduced by: The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    1h 18m

  5. 28 AUG

    🇦🇪 Emirati Women’s Day - Celebrating Incredible Emirati Women in Sport

    Today’s episode of The Mettleset Podcast is brought to you by New Balance 👟 At The Mettleset, we exist to celebrate and empower women in sport, and what better occasion than Emirati Women’s Day to spotlight six incredible athletes who embody courage, resilience, and pride. In this special episode, you’ll hear their journeys: the struggles, the triumphs, and the moments that make them proud to be Emirati women in sport. We asked them to share their biggest accomplishments, and one powerful message for Emirati Women’s Day. Featured Athletes: Mariam Bahlooq – Ultra-runner and founder of The Running Society in Abu Dhabi, building a supportive community of women discovering running and the city together. Areej Al Hammadi – UAE Women’s National Team footballer and two-time Guinness World Record holder. Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi – 18-year-old adventurer from Abu Dhabi on a mission to climb the Seven Summits after summiting two. Danah Al Ali – Trailblazing adventurer who made history as the first Emirati to summit Everest and Lhotse within just 24 hours. Hana Al Nabulsi – Triathlete, the youngest Emirati woman to complete a 70.3 Ironman, and the first to qualify for the Asian Games in triathlon. Amenah Al Muhairi – At just 17, the UAE’s first snowboarder to compete internationally and the first Emirati woman to represent the nation at the Youth Winter Olympic Games. These stories remind us that sport is more than competition, it’s about breaking barriers, uplifting others, and leaving a legacy for the next generation. 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset 💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuests: Mariam Bahlooq, Areej Al Hammadi, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, Danah Al Ali, Hana Al Nabulsi, Amenah Al MuhairiProducer, Writer & Editor:  Diya Vergis A Production of The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    20 min

  6. 25 AUG

    🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️How to Train for a Triathlon as an Experienced Athlete, with Coach Melina Timson-Katchis - Part 2

    Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟 We’re closing out our Summer Series with Melina Timson-Katchis, triathlete and coach, sharing expert advice for experienced athletes stepping into triathlon. In this episode, Melina dives into the key lessons for transferring your existing athletic skills to triathlon: why the swim is often underestimated, why triathlon should be treated as one continuous sport, and how to balance strengths and weaknesses through focused training blocks. She also explains why consistency beats intensity, how to listen to your body to avoid overtraining, and the small but crucial race-day choices that make a big difference. From practicing nutrition ahead of time to prioritizing comfort over expensive gear, Melina covers all the essentials to help you perform at your best. If you missed Part One, go back and start there, then join us as we wrap up the Summer Series with these insights for experienced athletes ready to take their triathlon journey to the next level. Follow Melina on Instagram:  @tk_melina  🎧 Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE. 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Melina Timson - Katchus Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    56 min

  7. 22 AUG

    🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️How to Train for Your First Triathlon, with Coach Melina Timson-Katchis - Part 1

    Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance 👟 Ever thought about doing a triathlon but didn’t know where to start? In part one of this two-part series, Melina Timson-Katchis, long distance swimmer, triathlete and coach, shares her journey from signing up for a full Ironman on a whim to racing all over the world. Now, she’s helping others step into the sport she loves. In this episode, Melina breaks down: Triathlon distances: From Super Sprint to Ironman, plus a look at ultra & adventure races.Getting started: How to prioritize training, plan around your schedule, tackle swimming, and decide whether to build up gradually or dive into a big race.The power of coaching: Why guidance can make all the difference.Finding your “why”: Staying motivated and making time for rest to avoid burnout. Whether you’re new to fitness, curious about triathlon, or planning your first race, this episode is packed with practical advice, insights, and inspiration to help you cross the finish line. Follow Melina on Instagram: @tk_melina  Listen to Melina’s first appearance on the podcast HERE 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Melina Timson-Katchis Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    55 min

  8. 18 AUG

    👟 How to Run Part 2: From 5K to Ultra with New Balance Run Club Coach Dr. Sara Talia (Summer Series)

    Today’s episode is brought to you with the support of New Balance. 👟 Welcome back to The Mettleset Podcast! In Part 2 of our running episode for the Summer Series, we're pushing past the 5K and exploring the incredible world of long-distance and ultra running with Dr. Sara Talia, a family medicine doctor and New Balance Run Club Doha Coach.  Dr Sara kicks off by sharing why ultra running is as much a mental game as a physical one, highlighting that your biggest competitor is often yourself. She reveals the two biggest mistakes people make when stepping up their distances – not giving yourself enough time to prepare and building up mileage too quickly, and how to avoid them for a safer, more enjoyable journey. We dive into the practicalities of going from a 5K to a half-marathon and then a full marathon, discussing realistic timelines and why variety in your training is essential. Sara also breaks down why running injuries happen, focusing on common culprits like overuse and tight muscles, and emphasizes the importance of consistent prehab and smart recovery (yes, sleep is key!). Plus, if you're eyeing an ultra, Sara explains the key differences in training, especially when it comes to nutrition, hydration, and tackling varied terrain. She wraps up with invaluable advice on overcoming pre-race jitters and trusting your training. Ready to conquer your next ultra? Listen in now! Follow Dr. Sara on Instagram: @drtalia_sportsmedicine  Follow the New Balance Run Club Doha: @nbrc_doha 🌍 Stay Connected with - and support - The Mettleset 📥 Newsletter: Sign up for athlete stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and women’s sports news from MENA and beyond📸 Instagram: @themettleset💼 LinkedIn: The Mettleset on LinkedIn Credits: Host: Dawn BarnableGuest: Dr. Sara Talia Editor: Diya Vergis Produced by: The Mettleset 🚲 The Mettleset is a multimedia platform and online community dedicated to sharing stories of underrepresented athletes and underreported sports from the Middle East and beyond. With a mission to diversify the sporting ecosystem, it is one of the first and only sports platforms in the Middle East to put women in sport first, while also featuring niche sporting communities such as action and endurance sports. I hope you enjoy the episode! Dawn

    45 min
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About

The Mettleset Podcast is on a mission to bring you stories of tenacity, courage and mettle from athletes in the Middle East and beyond. From women’s sports and motorsports to adventure, action- and ultra- endurance sports, and everything in between, listeners will get a dose of the region’s most compelling - fun and funny - underreported sports stories every week. Hosts Dawn Barnable (Sports Communications Professional & Ultra Cyclist) is joined by friends who range from record - and boundary – breaking athletes, world-class explorers, community sports leaders and pro athletes at every stage of their career. For more info, visit www.themettleset.com and find us on all major socials at @themettleset.

Information

  • Creator
    The Mettleset
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 The Mettleset
  • Show Website
    The Mettleset Podcast

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