All Episodes

March 14, 2023 17 mins

At her very first judo class in the mid-1970’s, Yael Arad was the only girl. The youngest of four, she was used to being a tagalong, but in this class she led the pack. What followed was an unexpected journey that opened up her world and laid the foundation for her future career.  


Yael Arad took to the sport instantly, not only because of her natural athletic aptitude, but for the mental agility and fortitude it required. And it almost goes without saying that eight-year-old Yael enjoyed sending her peers flying through the air.


Yael walks Gil through her triumphant performance at the 1992 Olympics, and how she knew when it was time to retire. Gil discovers Yael’s moves are strategic and inspiring both on and off the mat.


More about storymark


storymark is brought to you by itrek studios. itrek is a non-profit that inspires tomorrow’s leaders through peer-led, week-long Israel Treks to experience Israel’s innovation, diversity and complex reality firsthand. For more on itreks mission, visit itrek.org.


storymark is hosted by Gil Galanos. Our Producer is Patrick Emile. Our Associate Producer is Rebekah Sebastian. Our Editor is Zev Levi. Special thanks to the itrek marketing team.


Connect with storymark


Want to continue the story?

Sign up for the storymark newsletter which will keep you up-to-date on show news and future guests: storymarkpodcast.org


Did you enjoy this episode?

Help us spread the storymark word!

Please rate and review storymark on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 


Want to see the faces behind the voices? 

Follow us on Instagram: @storymark


Want to say hello or recommend a guest?

Drop us a note: storymark@itrek.org



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.