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    Pushkin Goes to the Olympics

    enJuly 26, 2024
    What issue did Malcolm Gladwell highlight in women's sports?
    Who broke world records in the women's 800-meter race?
    What impact did Catherine Switzer have on women's marathon participation?
    How did Milton Tiff influence Jesse Owens' performance?
    What is the theme of Malcolm Gladwell's podcast, 'Medal of Honor'?

    Podcast Summary

    • Gender discrimination in sportsUnderestimating women's abilities in sports led to their exclusion from certain events for decades. Challenging stereotypes and recognizing abilities is crucial for equality.

      Underestimating the capabilities of women is a persistent issue that has affected sports history. Malcolm Gladwell shared stories from the Olympics, highlighting the discrimination against women in long-distance races. Despite women like Lina Radkba Batschauer breaking world records in the 800-meter race, the media and the International Olympic Committee portrayed the event as a disaster. This led to the exclusion of women's 800 meters from the Olympics for decades. Catherine Switzer, an independent-spirited woman, challenged this norm by joining the men's Boston Marathon in 1967, paving the way for women's marathon participation. These stories demonstrate the importance of challenging stereotypes and recognizing the abilities of all individuals, regardless of gender.

    • Women in MarathonsDetermination and support led Catherine Switzer to become the first officially registered woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967, breaking societal norms and inspiring future generations

      Determination and the support of others can help break through barriers. Catherine Switzer, despite facing skepticism and even physical harm, became the first officially registered woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967. Her journey was not easy, but with the encouragement of her coach Arnie Briggs and her own determination, she proved that women could compete in the prestigious race. This groundbreaking achievement was not unique, as Roberta Gibb had already run the marathon unofficially a mile ahead of Switzer. The story of these pioneering women and their historic marathon runs is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging societal norms. Additionally, the story highlights the role of eBay Motors in helping car owners restore their vehicles, no matter the damage or obstacles faced.

    • Sports Performance TechnologyUsing advanced technology like MRI scans and AI can provide detailed muscle analysis, helping athletes and teams understand strengths and weaknesses at a micro level, improving overall performance and keeping athletes healthy

      Utilizing the right technology and expertise can significantly enhance performance in various fields, whether it's running a business or being an elite athlete. Lenovo Pro offers free resources and expertise to help small businesses and freelancers make informed decisions and stay competitive. In the world of sports, Springbok Analytics combines MRI scans with artificial intelligence to provide detailed muscle analysis, helping athletes and teams understand their strengths and weaknesses at a micro level. For instance, elite athletes have unusually large and small muscles depending on their sport, such as the gluteus maximus in the case of the former and calf muscles in the case of the latter. Springbok Analytics' work with Olympic athletes, including the US women's national soccer team, demonstrates the value of this technology in keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best. By providing detailed reports and interactive 3D models, Springbok Analytics helps trainers and strength coaches develop targeted training programs to address imbalances and improve overall performance.

    • Targeted training and feedbackUsing technology like EMG for targeted training and feedback can lead to effective muscle improvement and athletic performance enhancement, as demonstrated by successful athletes and individuals in various fields

      Targeted training and feedback can significantly improve muscle imbalances and enhance athletic performance. The use of biofeedback technology, such as EMG, allows athletes to focus their brain on the specific muscle they need to train, leading to effective learning and adjustments over time. This approach has been effectively used by athletes and teams, not just for quick fixes, but also for long-term progress and optimization. For instance, a soccer player with a weak quadricep was able to improve her performance through targeted training and feedback, ultimately leading to her success in the Olympics. Similarly, individuals, including car enthusiasts, can leverage technology and resources, like eBay Motors, to address issues and keep their valued possessions in top shape. Overall, the power of targeted training, feedback, and technology can lead to significant improvements and enhancements in various aspects of life.

    • Owens' approach adjustmentMisunderstanding the giddy up cost Owens initial attempts in broad jump, but guidance from Milton Tiff helped him make the necessary adjustment and win 4 gold medals

      Jesse Owens' success at the 1936 Berlin Olympics hinged on his ability to master the approach in the broad jump event. His botched first attempts were due to a misunderstanding and nerves, but a chance encounter with a legendary jumper, Milton Tiff, helped him understand the importance of the giddy up – a small movement before the run that adjusts the approach. With Tiff's guidance, Owens made the necessary adjustment, qualified for the final, and went on to win the gold medal, cementing his place in Olympic history. Without this critical insight, Owens might not have achieved the unprecedented feat of winning four gold medals in a single Olympics.

    • Owens-Long friendshipDespite political tension, Lutz Long helped Jesse Owens overcome nerves and win gold, creating an unlikely friendship that transcended boundaries and continued beyond the games.

      The friendship between Jesse Owens and Lutz Long during the 1936 Berlin Olympics transcended racial and political boundaries. Despite the political tension and the pressure to perform, Long, a German champion broad jumper and Hitler's favorite, helped Owens overcome his nerves and doubt, leading him to set an Olympic record and win the gold medal. Their unlikely bond continued beyond the games, with late-night conversations in the Olympic Village and letters exchanged across the Atlantic during the war. Their friendship was a testament to the Olympic dream of unity and understanding, proving that it was worth it for America to participate in the games despite the political climate. This story of friendship and resilience continues to be a significant part of Jesse Owens' legacy and is often considered one of the most important moments in Olympic history.

    • Summer Events and PromotionsThis summer, enjoy the Olympics, listen to Medal of Honor podcast, save on identity theft protection from LifeLock, shop Diamonds Direct's summer sale, and experience tropical scents with Clorox Scentiva

      This summer, there are exciting events happening, including the Olympics, and there are various promotions to enhance the experience. Malcolm Gladwell hosts a new podcast called "Medal of Honor," which shares untold stories of those who protect our country, brought to you by LifeLock, a leader in identity theft protection. LifeLock helps secure personal information and offers savings during their current promotion. Diamonds Direct's summer sale offers an extra 20% off their already low prices on rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets, and more, along with an additional $100 off when booking an appointment. Lastly, Clorox Scentiva not only cleans effectively but also infuses spaces with refreshing scents, making everyday cleaning feel like a tropical getaway.

    Recent Episodes from The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

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    Find Hope and Banish Cynicism... Coming Sept 9

    It's hard to stay hopeful sometimes. Things can look pretty bleak and divided, especially around election time. But if you're losing hope in your fellow humans, stop and listen to the science. Other people are kinder, friendlier and more co-operative than you might think.   

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    The series begins Sept 9.

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    "Happiness Is Like A Leaky Tire" from Immigrantly

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    Immigrantly is a weekly podcast that celebrates the extraordinariness of immigrant life. They do this by providing their listeners with authentic, unvarnished insights into the immigrant identity in America. Immigrantly has garnered significant recognition and has been featured in renowned media outlets such as the Nieman Storyboard, The Guardian, The Slowdown, and CNN. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com

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    The Happiness Lessons Helping Win Olympic Medals

    The Happiness Lessons Helping Win Olympic Medals

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    Check out more Olympics related content from Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts here.

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    Pushkin Goes to the Olympics

    Pushkin Goes to the Olympics

    Legends are made at the Olympics and this summer shows across the Pushkin network are bringing their unique takes to Olympic stories. This special episode includes excerpts from a few: a Cautionary Tale about underestimating female marathoners, a Jesse Owens story from Revisionist History’s series on Hitler’s Olympics, and—from What’s Your Problem—the new technology that’s helping Olympic athletes get stronger.

    Check out other show feeds as well, the Happiness Lab and A Slight Change of Plans are also going to the Games.

    Sylvia Blemker of Springbok Analytics on What’s Your Problem

    The Women Who Broke the Marathon Taboo on Cautionary Tales

    Hitler’s Olympics from Revisionist History

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Happiness of the Long Distance Runner

    The Happiness of the Long Distance Runner

    Georgia Bell was a great runner as a child - but in college she fell out of love with the sport. She hung up her running shoes - and they gathered dust until Covid hit and she began to run again for fun. Turns out that aged 30, she's one of the fastest women in the world and is now headed to the Olympics!

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    Check out more Olympics related content from Pushkin Industries and iHeartPodcasts here.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    How Talking to a Friend Helps (Live at The International Festival of Arts and Ideas)

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    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    A Matter of Life and Death

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    Why Don't We Have a 15-hour Work Week?

    Why Don't We Have a 15-hour Work Week?

    By 2030 we'll only work 15 hours a week, predicted the legendary economist John Maynard Keynes back in 1930. He thought advances in technology and wealth would let us earn enough money to live in a day or two - leaving the rest of the week for leisure and community service. 

    How wrong he was. We seem to be working more than ever - with technology adding extra tasks to our workdays (like answering emails and monitoring Slack). Dr Laurie longs for more leisure time, but how can she tame her fear of being "unproductive"? 

    Computer scientist Cal Newport explains how we all got into this mess - and why we still treat modern employees as if they were farm laborers or assembly line workers. Reformed "productivity junkie" Oliver Burkeman also offers tips on how to concentrate our minds on fulfilling and important work - and not little tasks that chew up so much of our days. 

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    Does the You of Today Hate the You of Tomorrow?

    Does the You of Today Hate the You of Tomorrow?

    We often do things now that will make our lives more difficult or stressful in the future. We spend money, when we should save. We eat junk food, when we should exercise. We agree to commitments, when we should protect our free time. We act so thoughtlessly that it's almost like we hate our future selves. 

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    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

    The Power of Awe... and Where to Find it

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    Actor Tony Hale explains how everyday awe helps ease his anxieties, while UC Berkeley's Dacher Keltner shows us how to find awe in music, art, scenery... even in a walk around our block. And Dr Laurie explores the things that give her a sense of awe with the help of Mike Menzel - who built a space telescope that lets us see billions of years into the past.  

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