The Joys Of The Journey

The Joys Of The Journey

Welcome to The Joys of the Journey—a podcast where stories, experiences, and lessons from all walks of life come together. I’m Tsvetelina Hristov—a mom, wife, and fencing coach. My journey began as a competitive athlete and has evolved into guiding others as a coach, building a business, and creating a life centered on growth and connection. I believe every step—whether filled with challenges or victories—holds value and joy worth sharing. On this podcast, I sit down with people from diverse fields to have meaningful conversations about their paths, passions, and perspectives. From sports to business, family to personal growth, each guest brings a unique story that reminds us: Everyone has a story worth sharing. Joy isn’t just found in the destination—it’s woven throughout the journey. Join me as we explore what it means to live fully, learn constantly, and celebrate the process along the way.

Episodes

November 28, 2025 21 mins

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Explore how coaches and teachers shape your mindset, motivation, and growth. Tsvetelina shares real experiences in leadership that build you up—or break you down—and how to find mentors who truly make a difference.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina speaks with the team behind Fencers Do Good, a movement dedicated to making a difference in the communities.

They share the story of how Fencers Do Good began, the impact it’s having on fences around the United States, and how teamwork, compassion, and purpose drive their mission. We discuss how fencing builds character, how athletes can make a difference in t...

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Ziad Elsissy’s journey is one of resilience, identity, and purpose. From growing up in Egypt to making history as the first Egyptian fencer to win an individual World Championship medal, his story is a testament to chasing a dream even when the world doesn’t expect it of you. In this conversation, Ziad opens up about the sacrifices, setbacks, and moments that shaped him — not just as an Olympian, but as a human being....

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Premier Fencing Foundation was created to give every athlete a chance to fence, regardless of background. In this episode, Kristiyan and Tsvetelina Hristov share how they built a national nonprofit that supports youth athletes through funding, mentorship, and opportunities. Learn how Built by Blades, their athlete-run apparel brand, helps power the foundation while teaching leadership and business skills.

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Tsvetelina and Kristiyan Hristov sit down with Eli Dershwitz — a three-time Olympian, Junior and Senior World Champion, Pan American Champion, NCAA Champion, and Harvard graduate — to explore his inspiring path from elite athlete to mentor and leader.

Eli shares how his fencing career shaped his mindset, the lessons he’s learned from years of competition, and what it mea...

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In this episode of The Joys of the Journey, we explore the powerful balance between an athlete's effort and a coach's energy. True progress doesn’t come from motivation alone — it’s built on mutual discipline, understanding, and purpose.

We discuss why coaches need their athletes’ energy to be effective, how genuine effort from both sides leads to lasting success, and why parents must embrace their dual roles...

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Lee Kiefer—three-time Olympic champion, world champion, and the first American woman ranked No. 1 in foil—joins The Joys of the Journey to share her path from childhood dreams to Olympic glory. She reflects on the toughest mental battles, lessons from her longtime coach, and the balance of competing alongside her husband, Olympic medalist Gerek Meinhardt. Lee also talks about leadership, resilience, and the legacy she...

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n this episode of The Joys of the Journey, host Kris Hristov sits down with Coach Isaac Mburu Wanyoike, founder of TSAVORA™, Kenya’s premier fencing brand and club. We explore his inspiring journey into fencing, how his past and childhood shaped his big moves today, and the story behind the name TSAVORA™. Coach Isaac shares how the club is breaking barriers in Kenya, creating opportunities for young athletes, and help...

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World No.1 and World Champion Nouran “The Terminator” Gohar joins the show to share her journey to the top of women’s squash. She discusses handling pressure, pre-match rituals, being a role model for women in sports, her goals ahead, and life with Olympic fencer Ziad El-Sissy. A powerful, inspiring conversation for athletes and fans alike.

Check Nouran's social media www.instagram.com/nourangohar


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In this episode, we sit down with Richard Schreiber, a fencing strength and conditioning coach who has built a reputation for helping fencers unlock peak performance. With years of hands-on experience, he shares practical and science-backed strategies that every athlete can implement.

Listeners will hear his expert tips on injury prevention—from smart warm-ups to building resilience through strength training. He also d...

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In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Massialas, one of the most decorated foil fencers in U.S. history. A four-time Olympian, Alexander made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games by winning silver in individual foil and bronze in team foil, followed by another team bronze at Tokyo 2020. He is also a World Champion, multiple Grand Prix winner, NCAA champion at Stanford, and currently serves as the head coach of ...

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In today’s powerful episode, we’re diving into a truth most athletes quietly face: What if you don’t win that Olympic medal or world championship? Less than 1% of athletes reach that level—but that doesn’t mean your story ends. In fact, it might just be beginning.

This episode is all about embracing the next chapter. Your competitive career gave you more than wins and losses—it gave you discipline, grit, confidence, an...

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Daily motivation. You Have to Climb to See The Best Views - To Achieve Your Goals, You Will Have Difficulties

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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Car Ride With Kris Discussing Women's Makeup, Target Shopping and More

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April 14, 2024 11 mins

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In this episode, we discussed reality shows, relationships, and more.

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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Who is Your Biggest Competition - Overcome This to be Successful
Home, this podcast helps you understand what stays between you and your success story.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
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February 25, 2024 9 mins

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Join us as we navigate the digital landscape, examining social media's positive and negative impacts on our mental health. Discover strategies for mindful usage, learn how to set healthy boundaries, and find out how to foster a more supportive online environment. 

Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a concerned parent, or simply curious about the digital world's influence on our minds, &q...

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Balancing Family, Life, and More
We explore the art of balancing the demands of family, career, personal growth, and everything in between. Join us as we dive deep into our lives with ways we juggle responsibilities while maintaining a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Whether you're a busy parent, a career-driven individual, or someone striving for a more balanced life, this episode is your guide to nav...

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On today's episode, we dive into a deep conversation with Christopher Gorog, Ph.D., CISSP.  He is a CTO at BlockFrame Inc., Author, Inventor, Leading Cybersecurity & Privacy Industry Expert, Host of "New Cyber Frontier," and Chair of the IEEE Digital Privacy Initiative.


Chris's Company https://blockframetech.com/
Podcast https://newcyberfrontier.podbean.com/


He has plenty o...

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Join us as we embark on a nostalgic journey through our life in Bulgaria before we moved to the United States. In this video, we dive into our personal experiences living in Bulgaria.

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoysofthejourney
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejoysofthejourne

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