WiSP Sports

The artist Alexa King created the magnificent statue of the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro which stands at the main entrance to Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.  In part two of Alexa's story about her art we hear the fascinating story of how the statue was made - from conception to reality.  A documentary "Sculpting the Wind: Alexa King and the Making of the Barbaro Memorial Statue." can be viewed here.  Visit Alexa's website here. You can post your comments on the Chris Stafford Radio Facebook Page and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.  This podcast is available for download on iTunes to your Smartphone Podcast App.

Alexa King is a fine artist whose sculpters have graced public venues and private homes across the US. She is famous for her iconic larger-than-life statue of the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro that welcomes visitors to Churchill Downs. In part one of her story we hear how her artistic life began and the passion behind her creations. In part two, which will go live next week, we will hear the fascinating story of how Barbaro was sculpted..  Visit Alexa's studio online here.  You can join in the conversation on our Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford. This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast Apps.

Women in Sport takes on a new look this week as Jo Gunston from Sports Liberated.com joins me to co-host the show. Our guests are American basketball player Allison Feaster, England footballer Rachel Yankey and Mixed Martial Artist Rosi Sexton.  We have news from skiing, football, tennis, Formula 1 racing, bobsleigh, snowboarding and the BBC Inspired @BBCGetInspired and This Girl Can @ThisGirlCanUK  campaigns. Post your comments, questions and suggestions on our Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and Sports Liberated.  This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast Apps.

As we learn of the passing of Britain’s most successful equestrian Olympian, Richard Meade, OBE, we look back at his life and career in my exclusive interview with him that was recorded in 2012.

England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis announced her retirement from international football and a career that included 82 caps for England, 2 World Cups, and being part of Team GB at the 2012 London Olympic Games. Rachel reflects on her career and looks forward to ways she can give back to the sport in her new roles, which include becoming an Ambassador for Everton Football Club.  You can follow Rachel on Twitter  @rach_brown1. Post your comments on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.  This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast App. [Photo credit: Tony Marshall/Getty Images]

We are back for the first show of 2015 sharing more insight into the curious world of sports psychology. Dr. Inga Wolframm has some new perspectives to help unpack the reasons why we behave and perform in all walks of life and she offers some tools to produce meaningful and lasting results to help you feel fulfilled and, most importantly, happy.  Visit Inga online and read her Blog here.  Follow her on Facebook here and on Twitter @ingawolframm.  Join in the conversation on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.  This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast Store to your Smartphone Podcast App.

Equestrian journalist Pamela Young joins me for a discussion on the politics of equestrian sport in the light of changes at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) that impact the sport's administration and affect the wider horse community.  Read more at Horse Canada here.  Post your comments on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford. This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast App.  Thanks to Templeton Thompson for the holiday music - Happy Yee-Hallidays is available on iTunes.

Six-time Badminton champion Lucinda Green shares her perspective on the sport of eventing and why she still appreciates the value of hunting at every opportunity.  And there's a whisper that she's looking for her next Badminton ride! Find out more as she also offers an observation for those who are still learning to slip the reins.  You can find Lucinda on Facebook here and on Twitter @LucindaGreenMBE.  Post your comments on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford. This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast App.  Thanks to Templeton Thompson for the musical outro today - Happy Yee-Hallidays is available on iTunes.

New Zealander Gemma New is the Associate Conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as well as the founder and director of the Lunar Ensemble.  At 27, she has already garnered international success and accolades in the company of such luminary maestros at Kurt Masur, Gustav Meier and Marin Alsop. Gemma is truly an inspiration for rising talent among female conductors. You can find out more about Gemma and her concert calendar on her website here.  Post your comments on our Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.  This podcast is available for download from the iTunes Podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast App. [Photo: Fred Stucker]

Erika Lang is breaking records as the Women's World Champion Trick Water Skier at the age of 18 and has consistently topped the national rankings for the past nine years. She started skiing at the ripe age of two and is now adding Wakeboarding to her repertoire. Follow Erika on Twitter and Instagram @Erikalang36.   Join us on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford. You can download this podcast from the iTunes podcast store to your Smartphone Podcast App.

Sarah Braun, 21, from Walnut Creek, CA is this year's recipient of the US Eventing Association/Christine E. Stafford Groom of the Year Award. Sarah, who grooms for Canadian team rider Hawley Bennett Awad, tells us how she got into the profession, what she enjoys about it, and her own riding ambitions. For the roster of past winners of the award visit chrisestafford.com.  You can post your comments on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford. This podcast is available for download from the iTunes store to your Smartphone Podcast App.

British journalist Pippa Cuckson reflects on recent developments in the sport of endurance about which she continues to reveal the inside story on her regular blog for Horse Canada that can found here at www.horse-canada.com.  You can join in the conversation on our Facebook page at Chris Stafford Radio or on Twitter @chrisestafford. This podcast is available for download from the iTunes store to your Smartphone Podcast App.

New Zealander Jacquie Potter is a successful amateur triathlete who has competed in World Championships, Ironman and Half Ironman events as well as the Boston and Houston Marathons. The mother of two explains what it takes to compete at that level and she said, "I still love the feeling of putting on the Jacquie hat and just doing something for me." You can download this podcast from the iTunes store to your Smartphone Podcast App. Post your comments on the Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.

Paula McGuire from Scotland has recently achieved the unlikely feat of learning all 17 sports that are part of the Commonwealth Games, which given her introverted nature and totally unsporting background was a serious accomplishment. She shares her story and explains how sport has become a part of her life and transformed in her in many ways. You can find Paula's website here and follow her on Facebook here and on Twitter @pmusttryharder.  Post your comments and questions on our Facebook Page at Chris Stafford Radio and follow on Twitter @chrisestafford.  This podcast is available for download from the iTunes store to your Smartphone Podcast App.

Milliner Sarah Havens from Louisville, Kentucky has her own bespoke business at Sarah Haven Millinery and has created hats for both professional theatre companies and the fashion industry. She has also worked at Santa Fe Opera, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Louisville Ballet, The Stage One Children's Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and The Met.  Visit her website at Sarah Havens Millinery here.  Join us on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio and on Twitter @chrisestafford. Download this podcast from iTunes to your Smartphone Podcast App for free.