Episodes

  • The History of Italian Gymnastics: From Circus Acrobatics to Olympic Champions

    The History of Italian Gymnastics: From Circus Acrobatics to Olympic Champions
    Jul 1 2026

    The History of Italian Gymnastics traces the remarkable rise of one of the world's most successful gymnastics nations—from Italy's early Olympic champions and circus acrobatics roots to the Vanessa Ferrari revolution and today's powerhouse led by Alice D'Amato and Manila Esposito. We explore the forgotten pioneers, iconic eponymous skills, the dominance of Jury Chechi on rings, the 2019 breakthrough World medal, the unforgettable Paris Olympics, and whether Italy has what it takes to defeat Team USA during the Los Angeles quad. Along the way we revisit Vanessa Ferrari's controversial Olympic floor finals, the MTV series that made Italian gymnasts celebrities, and the innovations that changed the Code of Points forever.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 The History of Italian Gymnastics
    01:40 Why Italy Is a Gymnastics Superpower Today
    06:40 Italy's First Olympic Champions & Circus Origins
    12:58 Which Gymnastics Cities Would Win Olympic Gold?
    17:05 Italy's First Women's Olympic Medal
    19:00 Laura Micheli: The Lady of the Rings
    23:05 The Rome Olympics at the Baths of Caracalla
    26:26 The Sexism Era & Why Italy Stopped Winning
    29:50 Jury Chechi & The Return of Italian Dominance
    33:05 Italy's Most Innovative Skills
    38:03 Italian Skills Still in the Code of Points
    44:35 GymCastic Updates & Community News
    46:16 The Ferrari Revolution Begins
    50:34 Vanessa Ferrari Wins the 2006 World Title
    56:10 Should Ferrari Have Medaled in 2012 & 2016?
    01:01:00 Did Vanessa Ferrari Deserve Olympic Gold in Tokyo?
    01:07:10 MTV's Italian Gymnastics Reality Show
    01:14:35 The Next Generation: 2019 World Bronze
    01:19:40 Nicola Bartolini & Italy's Men's Revival
    01:22:48 Paris 2024: Team Silver & Beam Gold
    01:28:59 Can Italy Beat Team USA?

    UP NEXT

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Behind The Scenes: Ohashi Is Back!

    Behind The Scenes: Ohashi Is Back!
    Jun 27 2026

    Welcome to Behind the Scenes! Every Friday, Club Gym Nerd members join us live for our unfiltered Q&A, breaking gymnastics news, behind-the-scenes stories, hot takes, and all the conversations that don't fit into the main show. This public episode is just a preview—the full conversation continues after 37:07 with our extended discussion, listener questions, NCAA rule changes, Asian Championships, the new GymCastic Roster Lab with special guest, Scott Bregman (Spencer is on vacation).

    Support independent gymnastics journalism and unlock the full episode every week by joining Club Gym Nerd: https://gymcastic.com/club/

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Katelyn Ohashi Is Back!

    01:18 Why This Comeback Is Such a Big Deal

    03:00 How Katelyn Ohashi Changed Gymnastics Coverage Forever

    05:29 The Biggest Challenge Facing Her Return

    08:01 Why Veteran Gymnasts Have an Advantage

    10:35 Do Specialists Still Have a Chance?

    13:06 Pan Am Dengue Fever & Why Team Depth Matters

    13:55 Should NCAA Stars Represent Other Countries?

    17:24 Can Ohashi (or Riley McCusker) Make Team USA?

    19:42 NEW! GymCastic Roster Lab Preview

    23:24 USA Championships Preview

    26:12 Is FlipNow Worth It?

    28:05 What Happened to USA Gymnastics Live Scores?

    37:07 Behind the Scenes Continues for Club Gym Nerd Members

    • NCAA's New Five-Year Eligibility Rule Explained
    • How the Rule Changes Recruiting & Scholarships
    • Will Fifth-Year Athletes Change College Gymnastics?
    • Asian Championships & New World Qualifiers
    • Home HPV Tests & Skipping Pap Smear a Cautionary Tale
    • Fact Check: Riley McCusker & NCAA Bars Title
    • Simone vs. Rebeca Vault Debate
    • Are Back Walkovers Actually Bad for Your Back?
    • Which NCAA & Elite Stars Could Return?
    • More NCAA Comeback Predictions
    • Listener Questions
    • Disclosure Day Movie Debate

    WATCH

    • Jade Carey and Ohashi at American Classic in Minnesota on USAG's FlipTv
    • Rhythmic, Tumbling, Trampoline and Acro Championships (USA Gymnastics Championships) in Tulsa on USAG YouTube
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    31 mins
  • Rebeca Andrade Returns, Pan Am Championships & World Qualifiers

    Rebeca Andrade Returns, Pan Am Championships & World Qualifiers
    Jun 23 2026

    Rebeca Andrade is back—and people are confused...did she come out with her girlfriend or not? We break down Andrade's long-awaited return at the 2026 Pan American Championships, Claire Pease's all-around title, the controversial one-point vault run deduction that cost Charleigh Bullock gold, and why the mixed MAG/WAG competition format deserves a bigger stage. We also discuss the latest U.S. team injury updates, World Championship qualification, and how to get out of pap smears for life!

    This is the weekly Behind The Scenes Q&A show, where we answer your questions live. Here's how to ask questions live. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here). Tip: After logging in, refresh this page and the extended episode player will appear below. Not a member? Join here.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Welcome / Rebeca Andrade Returns
    01:56 Monday Update: People are confused, did Andrade come out or not?
    4:10 Event finals recap
    06:15 Rebeca's comeback: Why she already looks ready for Worlds
    11:14 Claire Pease wins the Pan American all-around title
    12:34 Charleigh Bullock's controversial one-point vault deduction
    15:35 Pan American Championships qualify teams to Worlds
    22:03 U.S. injury updates: Hezly Rivera & Lila Richardson
    26:13 Thais Fidelis, Hillary Heron & other Pan Am standouts
    28:50 Men's World Championship qualifiers & Canada's historic finish
    31:07 Mixed MAG/WAG competition: Should more meets use this format?
    36:41 Why Rebeca Andrade was allowed to warm up floor
    40:59 Members-only Behind the Scenes begins

    Club Gym Nerd Extended BTS - for the full episode Join here

    40:59 Updated cervical cancer screening guidelines & HPV testing
    44:23 Nastia's famous "butt shelf" beam choreography
    50:38 Becoming a Gym Nerd: Listener story
    52:06 Simone Biles inspires contemporary art
    53:26 Should gymnastics allow lyrics in floor music?
    1:00:00 Pokémon GO privacy & app permissions
    1:02:22 Rebeca Andrade vs. Simone Biles: Who has the greatest Cheng?
    1:09:15 Modern Pentathlon, obstacle racing & Olympic oddities
    1:14:42 Resistance Corner

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    41 mins
  • Elite Summer 2026: The New World Order

    Elite Summer 2026: The New World Order
    Jun 9 2026
    Elite summer is officially here and GymCastic is breaking down the state of the art in gymnastics heading into the 2026 season. We discuss Simone Biles revealing she "almost died," Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos' emotional return to competition in France, and the gymnasts currently setting the global standard on vault, bars, beam and floor. From Kaylia Nemour's historic bars work to Hezly Rivera leading the all-around rankings, we analyze what it actually takes to contend for World medals in 2026. Plus: French Nationals artistry deductions, NCAA news, and the latest gymternet controversies. SUPPORT OUR WORK Club Gym Nerd: Join HereMerch: Shop NowGames Podcast Tour TicketsNewslettersThe Balance Beam Situation: Spencer's GIF Code of PointsGymnastics History and Code of Points Archive from Uncle TimResistance Resources SHOW NOTES Simone Biles shared that she "almost died" in what she called one of the scariest experiences of her life. Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos returned to exhibition competition at French Nationals for the first time since the Paris Olympics, performing floor and discussing her recovery and renewal in Martinique. French Nationals introduced separately listed artistry deductions in live scoring — the future is now. Elena Colas won the French all-around title with a 54.250 and continues her rapid rise as one of the top new seniors in the world. We break down the current world leaders on every apparatus and discuss: • Why Kaylia Nemour is redefining bars • Why Hezly Rivera is currently the all-around world leader • What makes beam composition "state of the art" • Why vault scoring may be changing • What separates a 14 floor routine from a 13 in 2026 GYMTERNET NEWS • Utah gymnastics Ghana trip controversy discussion • NCAA age-rule proposal update • New proposed NIL restrictions in Congress • Texas abortion laws and athlete healthcare concerns • Sam Oldham's charity comeback routine • Jackson Harrison Achilles injury • Emma Slevin transfers to Arkansas • Coaching updates across NCAA • Gymnastics Australia concussion investigation CHAPTERS 00:00 Simone Biles' scary health news 01:21 Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos returns at French Nationals 08:30 French Nationals artistry deductions revolution 09:25 Elena Colas wins French Nationals 17:02 Elite Summer 2026 begins 18:08 All-Around World Leaders: Hezly Rivera vs Kaylia Nemour 27:12 Vault world leaders and why vaulting has changed 35:30 Bars: Why Kaylia Nemour is redefining gymnastics 49:05 Beam world leaders and Chinese beam excellence 1:02:02 Floor exercise: what makes a 14 in 2026? 1:10:18 Gymternet News 1:16:04 NCAA age rule proposal explained 1:19:08 New NIL bill and athlete pay debate 1:21:29 Texas abortion laws and athlete safety concerns 1:23:00 Sam Oldham's charity comeback routine 1:24:01 Jackson Harrison injury and Emma Slevin transfer 1:24:33 NCAA rules and laws limiting athlete income 1:25:58 Australia concussion investigation UP NEXT Behind The Scenes Fridays at noon Pacific
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • The Rivalries We Never Got: How to Fix Gymnastics

    The Rivalries We Never Got: How to Fix Gymnastics
    Jun 2 2026

    Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade are two of the greatest gymnasts in history. Yet they competed against each other just five times in nine years! In this episode, we tackle what may be gymnastics' biggest structural problem: the world's best athletes rarely get the chance to face each other. We propose a complete overhaul of the competition system, including world rankings, federation-free qualification pathways, athlete-controlled careers, an elite season, and fan-voted wild cards. We also explore how sports like tennis, the WNBA, and other professional leagues handle competition, athlete compensation, data rights, and fan engagement—and what gymnastics can learn from them. Plus, we discuss real-time scoring technology, VR and AR viewing experiences, digital-twin technology, and other innovations that could modernize the sport and make gymnastics easier to follow for fans around the world.

    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Intro: Revolutionizing Gymnastics

    01:01 – HEADLINES Texas State Adds D1 Gymnastics

    03:13 – Canadian Championships & Ellie Black

    07:07 – Koper Cup Chaos

    14:04 – Behind The Scenes: Sharks, Dysentery & Club Gym Nerd

    16:32 – Gymternet News: Texas Coach Indicted, DA looking for suvivors

    17:38 – Simone Biles Is Still 50/50

    21:18 – Ukrainian Gymnastics Protest Campaign

    22:23 – Denver's Achilles Injury Research

    24:09 – Florida's Singapore Tour

    25:35 – Nadia's 50-Year Perfect 10 Celebration

    26:54 – Michigan Men Get a New Facility

    27:28 – Gymnaestrada Comes to Las Vegas

    28:59 – New Pakistan Gymnastics Documentary

    30:25 – 1984 U.S. Men's Team Documentary

    33:08 – Iranian Women Win Historic Medal

    33:47 – Melanie & Rebeca Return Updates

    34:25 – Revolutionizing Gymnastics: How We Fix The Sport

    34:45 – The Problem: The Best Gymnasts Never Compete

    37:19 – Simone vs Rebeca: Only 5 Times in 9 Years

    39:17 – When World-Class Athletes Get Left Home

    42:06 – Why Federations Have Too Much Power

    47:02 – Borrowing the Tennis Model

    50:34 – Rankings, Injuries & Athlete Autonomy

    54:24 – Wild Cards System

    56:26 – Fixing Judging with Technology

    58:26 – Make Scores Understandable

    01:01:12 – Real-Time Skill Tracking & Data Visualization

    01:01:39 – AR, AI & Digital-Twin Technology

    01:03:29 – VR Front-Row Seats for Every Fan

    01:09:01 – Alternative Broadcasts & Fan Engagement

    01:14:06 – How Gymnasts Should Actually Get Paid

    01:16:39 – Athlete Unions, Data Rights & Ownership

    01:22:40 – The WNBA Model for Athlete Bio Data

    01:24:38 – Designing the Perfect Competition System

    01:27:12 – Turning Olympic Viewers Into Real Fans

    01:34:15 – Listener Question: Biles I vs Dos Santos
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Behind The Scenes: Spy Databases, Georgia's Power Move, Konnor McClain's Health Warning

    Behind The Scenes: Spy Databases, Georgia's Power Move, Konnor McClain's Health Warning
    May 26 2026
    BONUS Welcome to Behind The Scenes: Secrets of The Podcast We are enjoying a well earned break this week. But we'd never leave you without the news. Here is a little bonus of our weekly Q&A show for Club Gym Nerd members, where we answer your questions live. To listen or watch the full episode login here. Here's how to ask questions live. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here). Not a member? Join here. GymCastic Live: Featuring Chae Campbell Replay tickets available → Get tickets here CHAPTERS 00:00 – Behind the Scenes Intro & Che Campbell Replay 01:28 – Georgia News: Laurent Landi Officially Joins Cecile 01:53 – Joscelyn Roberson Transfers to Georgia 05:02 – Which WCC Gymnast Could Follow to Georgia? 07:42 – Konnor McClain's Post-NCAA Season Health Update 11:47 – Chuso at Tashkent & World Gymnastics Score Problems 13:11 – Japan's Worlds Team Heartbreak 15:09 – Worlds Qualification Rules & Rotterdam Tickets 17:00 – U.S. Pan Ams Team Announced 19:06 – Claire Pease's Cheng: Real or Not Yet? 20:42 – GymCastic Updates: Games, Referrals & Merch Sale 22:52 – Liverpool Gets 2030 Worlds 23:21 – Melanie de Jesus dos Santos Returns 25:33 – Melnikova's U.S. Gym Tour 26:14 – Chinese Nationals Beam Queen News 27:35 – Kidney Transplant Update & Sam Oldham Spy Database Follow-Up 30:15 – Goodbye to Regular Listeners / Club Gym Nerd BTS Begins 31:24 – Jessica's Graduation Trip to Boston 32:47 – Tufts Graduation Week & Boston Pops 33:57 – Baccalaureate, Jumbos & Tufts Civic Duty 36:17 – AI as a Weapon & Graduation Speeches 38:22 – Plane Seat Hell & Back Row Bathroom Life 40:43 – The Overmedicated Seatmate 42:45 – Cape Cod, Jaws & Great White Shark Warnings 45:59 – Provincetown, Mayflower Money & Gayborhood History 47:04 – The Giant Ship Inside the Library 47:42 – Airbnb Disaster: Wet Dog Smell, Mold & Mineral Deposits 50:54 – Eurovision, Sweden & Body-Part Grammar 54:12 – New Zealand Gymnastics Jail Explained 56:36 – Can College Gymnasts Train Year-Round? 58:42 – What Happens to Competition Equipment? 60:00 – EVO Gymnastics, Men's Training Centers & Funding 62:40 – Does Florida's Elite Focus Hurt NCAA Titles? 64:20 – Why WAG Needs an EVO-Style Model 65:03 – Resistance News & Legal Wins 67:02 – Wrap-Up, Sam Oldham Extended Interview & Memorial Day Sign-Off RELATED Sam Oldham Interivew - Jpanese gymnastics spy network Behind The Scenes - Fridays at noon pacific SUPPORT OUR WORK Club Gym Nerd: Join HereMerch: Shop NowGymnastics Games SuiteNewslettersThe Balance Beam Situation: Spencer's GIF Code of PointsGymnastics History and Code of Points Archive from Uncle TimResistance Resources Unlock the Episode Join Club Gym Nerd → Choose a planComplete checkout — your site account is created.Log in here → /my-account/Return to this page and refresh. The extended player appears automatically
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    31 mins
  • Olympic Bronze Medalist Sam Oldham on Gymnastics Politics, Spies & Athlete Welfare

    Olympic Bronze Medalist Sam Oldham on Gymnastics Politics, Spies & Athlete Welfare
    May 19 2026
    Olympic bronze medalist Sam Oldham joins Jessica for a conversation about his personal Japanese Gymnastics Spy, mental health, ADHD, grace and letting coaches learn rather than be cancelled, sports science failures, NCAA gymnastics, and life after the 2012 Summer Olympics. From injury prevention and athlete autonomy to judging politics and storytelling in gymnastics media, this episode dives deep into how the sport is changing — and where it still falls short. Club Gym Nerd members, login for the extended version almost 2 hrs long. Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here). Tip: After logging in, refresh the podcast page and the extended player will appear. Not a member? Join here. GymCastic Live: Featuring Chae CampbellReplay tickets available → Get tickets here SAM OLDHAM INTERVIEW British gymnastics legend Sam Oldham is here, and yes, we're going to talk about everything from winning Great Britain's historic (first in 100 years) bronze medal at the London Olympics that changed everything for British Gymnastics, to the chaos, comedy, and emotional whiplash of elite gymnastics life. Sam brings the rare combination of competition accolades, deep gym nerd-student credentials, and the kind of honesty about athlete culture that makes you gasp-laugh and then immediately need a therapy session. We discuss the pressure cooker of British Gymnastics, his friendship and love for his coach, surviving weight-obsessed culture he swore he would never succumb to, and being followed by a Japanese gymnastics spy!Login to reveal the extended version on the website. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Intro & Why Sam Oldham's Story Matters 02:15 – The Reality of Funding Men's Gymnastics 06:40 – Building Relationships That Save Careers 10:12 – Live Show Replay & Club Gym Nerd Perks 16:11 – Sam Oldham on Coaching Wisdom & Sergei's Influence 22:45 – Why Gymnastics Breaks So Many Athletes 28:33 – Neurodiversity, Burnout & Life After Elite Sports 36:20 – The Pressure of Being "Perfect" as an Athlete 44:08 – Mental Health, Identity & Retirement from Gymnastics 52:14 – British Gymnastics Culture vs NCAA Energy 01:01:32 – Training Through Pain & Learning to Fuel Properly 01:08:45 – Eating Disorders, Fasting & Dangerous Training Culture 01:15:24 – Has Gymnastics Culture Actually Changed? 01:22:50 – Why Athletes Need Control of Their Own Narrative 01:30:57 – Speaking Out Against Harmful Coaching 01:33:44 – Cancel Culture, Grace & Learning in Coaching 01:40:10 – Why Storytelling Changes Gymnastics Culture 01:44:59 – The Japanese Gymnastics "Spy Network" Story 01:48:18 – FIG Studying NCAA Gymnastics & the Future of Pro Leagues UP NEXT Behind The Scenes Fridays at noon Pacific (next one May 22nd) SUPPORT OUR WORK Club Gym Nerd: Join HereMerch: Shop NowGamesPodcast Tour TicketsNewslettersThe Balance Beam Situation: Spencer's GIF Code of PointsGymnastics History and Code of Points Archive from Uncle TimResistance ResourcesThank you to this week's sponsor StoryWorth: Order right now and save up to $20 at STORYWORTH.com/gymcastic
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    1 hr and 49 mins