The Archery Parent Podcast

Crispin Dueñas on Specialization, Hobbies, and Supporting Young ArchersManisha of the Archery Parent Podcast interviews Canadian Archer Crispin Dueñas, 4x Olympian and high school Math/Physics teacher, about specialization, burnout, and how parents can best support their Archer. Dueñas describes starting Archery by chance after a discussion with his Grade 8 teacher, the switch from Compound to Olympic Recurve, and developing internationally with low expectations, strong coaching, and a balanced life that included school and part-time employment as a life guard. He shares how fun, teammates, and hobbies help performance, mental health, and how to compartmentalize setbacks. Crispin highly recommends that Archers pursue goals for themselves rather than to please parents. We discuss Norway’s “Children’s Rights in Sports”, early vs late bloomers, the shock of international competition, taking breaks, and changing equipment to reset. Dueñas also shares how music led to playing guitar with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, meeting the former Prince Charles (now HRH King Charles), his announcing work, and travel tips (always try the local food, tolerating McDonald’s if needed, and learning to sleep anywhere).00:00 Welcome Crispin Dueñas00:36 Leave Kids Alone01:43 How Archery Found Him03:09 The Teacher Who Changed Everything04:15 Why Archery Clicked05:38 Switching to Olympic Recurve06:46 The Pan Am Games (Toronto)08:12 Relaxed Path to Elite10:34 Balancing School Work & Sport12:12 Keeping the Fun in High Performance13:22 Coaching Without Pressure16:22 Why Hobbies Make You Better19:49 “Sport Room” Metaphor from Author David Epstein22:21 A Parent’s Fear their Archer is Falling Behind25:29 Extreme Specialization Tradeoffs26:52 Playing With Canadian Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield27:42 Musical Roots29:48 Meeting Prince Charles31:16 The Invictus Games (Toronto)32:41 Hobbies Prevent Burnout34:48 Post Season Slump37:36 Taking a Break from Archery40:54 Norway Youth Policy: “Children’s Rights in Sport”45:33 Big Fish in a Little Pool Reality Check49:44 Run Archery 51:57 Travel Tips And WrapREFERENCESNotable PeopleJoan McDonald: Crispin’s long-time coach who guided him from his early days through his international career. Contributor to the global Archery community for 60+ years. Chris Hadfield: Legendary Canadian astronaut. Crispin played guitar on stage with him at a Canadian Olympic Committee event and even practiced in Hadfield's kitchen. @colchrishadfield King Charles (formerly Prince Charles): Crispin met him at a groundbreaking event for the 2015 Pan Am Games, where the then-Prince demonstrated a natural ability to handle an Olympic bow.David Epstein: Author whose work on specialization and the "multiple rooms" metaphor is discussed. YouTube @davidepsteinAmber Glenn: A U.S. figure skater mentioned as an example of an elite athlete who does Archery as a hobby. @amberglenniceskaterLauren Dueñas: Episode 4 guest on the Archery Parent Podcast discussing life as a Student-Archer, time-management, and balancing it all. @laurenkduenasBrady Ellison: Always in the Top 5 Male Recurve Archers in the world. 5x Olympian. From the USA. @bradyellison Organizations and Events2015 Pan Am Games: Held in Toronto; a pivotal moment for Manisha’s son, Reece, and where Crispin met King Charles. Invictus Games: Held in Toronto in 2017. An international sporting event for wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, where Crispin served as an announcer for the Archery events. World Archery: The international federation for the sport of Archery. Concepts and ModelsThe "Children's Rights in Sports": A development model mentioned by the host that focuses on late specialization and avoiding early rankings for children. The "Multiple Rooms" Metaphor: A concept from David Epstein’s work suggesting athletes should have lives outside of their sport to avoid burnout. From the book: Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

In this episode of the Archery Parent Podcast, Manisha interviews Joel Turner, Archery Dad, and developer of the SHOTIQ approach to performance. Joel reveals why Archery is "just shy of impossible" and how parents can actually help their Archer develop the "ultimate skill of the human being". The discussion includes teaching work ethic, how school-based programs can lead to target panic, and why "just relax" doesn't work. Joel shares the difference between thoughts and thinking, and the one question that can refocus your Archer when things are falling apart. Joel also takes to task the many parents and mid-level coaches who overemphasize form when an Archer's thoughts become too much.Learn the speech-based “blueprint” of an Archer's process, the foundation of the SHOTIQ system. Hint: It's about getting loud in your head with the right words at the right moments. Joel also explains how to handle tournament stress and spectators, and answers a question from a listener worried about his Archer's emotional and physical changes going from the easy backyard practices to the intense tournament expectations. We talk about parent support cues and Turner Family travel tips (avoid connections, AirTags, hydration/electrolytes).00:00 Welcome to Joel Turner01:18 Early Archery Roots02:11 Family Moments Beyond Wins03:56 Watching Your Archer Compete05:13 Bad Days and Control08:08 Why Parents Struggle to Coach13:52 The Ultimate Skill Is Self Talk15:54 Reality Check: Goals vs Work Ethic 17:06 NASP: the Birth of Target Panic19:38 Tournament Nerves23:56 Spectators and Thoughts vs Thinking27:48 What Parents Should Ask32:33 Blueprinting the Process33:51 How "Little Speech" Can Lead to Big Things34:17 Barebow Tips35:37 What is a Safety Concept 36:58 Decision Power Explained37:46 Technical Tweaks39:21 Resistance Release41:34 You're Never Too Young to Think44:59 Command vs Surprise48:16 Tournament Nerves Blueprint51:42 The Empty Lung Drill54:34 Use Your Words57:23 The Importance of Rhythmic Speech 01:02:22 Archery Dad Reflections01:03:14 Travel Tips from the Turner FamilyConnect with Joel Turner:www.ShotIQ.comInstagram: @joelturneractual | @mama_shotiq | @bodie_turnerjoelturner{at}shotiq.comConnect with Manisha of the Archery Parent Podcast:www.ArcheryParentPodcast.caInstagram: @archeryparentpodcastFind the Archery Parent Podcast on your favourite podcast player on PodLink

Archery Ranges Canada: Josh Kennedy’s New National Directory for Finding Ranges, Clubs, and Pro ShopsManisha of the Archery Parent Podcast interviews Josh Kennedy, creator of ArcheryRangesCanada.ca, a new national directory to help Archers find Archery ranges across Canada. Josh experienced the time-consuming method of looking up ranges, but realized how unreliable range searches could be.Josh explains why he includes registered clubs, pro shops, and unaffiliated/backyard-style ranges to maximize accessibility for hunters, tournament competitors, and recreational Archers.The site offers search by name or location, geolocation, category filters, interactive maps, and detailed listings with contact info, amenities, bow types allowed, pricing (for certain listings), and directions, with owners/directors able to claim and edit listings.Josh outlines the various levels of listing: Bronze (free), Silver (analytics, clickable contacts, more photos and text, pricing, FAQs, review replies), and Gold (featured placement, ads, unlimited photos, video, events calendar).During our interview, Josh shares early traffic stats for Archery Ranges Canada, notes 244 listings across Ontario, BC, and Alberta*, and previews upcoming features. (*At the time of publishing this episode, ArcheryRangesCanada.ca has been updated to include all of Canada.)00:00 Welcome to Josh of Archery Ranges Canada00:40 Why a Directory of Archery Ranges?03:34 The Community Response04:34 Inclusive Listings06:14 Search and Filters07:26 Range Details and Updates08:31 Claiming a Listing09:43 Premium Packages12:17 Building the Map13:08 Traffic and Reach14:23 Hidden Gems16:06 What’s Next?17:40 Bronze, Silver & Gold Recap20:02 Growth20:56 Why Archery Ranges Canada is For Everyone22:19 What Does Josh Never Leave the House Without?22:51 Shout Outs to Mentioned Ranges23:43 The Bigger Mission of Archery Ranges CanadaReferences and ResourcesArchery Ranges CanadaWebsite: www.archeryrangescanada.caContact Email: ArcheryRangesCanada@gmail.comFeature Focus: Interactive directory and map for Canadian Archery ranges, pro shops, and independent shooting locations.Ranges MentionedYork County Bowmen (Ontario)Forest City Archers (Thorndale, Ontario)Features: 64 acres, 40-target outdoor 3D course, open all season.Salt Spring Archery Society at Jade Farm (Salt Spring Island, British Columbia)Features: Located on a real farm with 3D courses right by the ocean.Painted Warriors (Mountain View County, Alberta)Features: Immersive indigenous cultural experience with traditional shooting and hyper-realistic 3D courses.Social Media & Community GroupsYork County Bowmen Facebook Page (Where the connection was first made)Contact Page: Contact Archery Ranges Canada: Report a missing archery range • Update listing information • Claim your facility listing • Premium listing inquiries • Partnership opportunities • Technical support Keywords/Search:Archery ranges in Canada | Finding Archery clubs near me | Canadian Archery community | Indoor vs Outdoor Archery ranges | Archery range directory Canada | Youth Archery programs Canada | How to support a young Archer | Beginner Archery for kids Canada

The LA2028 Olympic Qualifying Framework for Archery, Explained: Quotas, Changes & CompoundIn this episode of the Archery Parent Podcast, Manisha breaks down the IOC’s newly released Olympic Qualifying Framework for Archery at LA2028, highlighting major program changes and what athletes, coaches, and families should expect over the next two years.Manisha explains the available 128 quota spots, the new medal count, Recurve team changes, what the addition of Compound means to the overall program at the 2028 Olympic Games, and how Archers and their families can start planning for 2032 in Brisbane and beyond.The episode also outlines the 2027-2028 qualification window, who quotas spots actually belong to once they have been earned, and the importance of the domestic selection, nomination, and approval processes.This episode is the much-awaited summary many have been waiting for.00:00 What’s New in the LA 2028 Olympic Archery Pathway01:25 The Big Picture04:34 Compound Mixed Team & and the Recurve Trade-Off05:42 How Olympic Quota Spots Work09:21 Recurve Team Qualification12:12 Continental Games Explained13:20 Individual Recurve Pathway15:35 Compound Mixed Team Qualification18:52 Minimum Qualification Scores (MQS)21:27 When the Race to LA Starts24:21 Key Takeaways & Planning26:34 For Developing Archers28:13 Why “Good Experience” Can Backfire31:49 Smart Progression: Choosing Events, Setting Goals & Finding Official Info33:57 Recap & What’s Next35:29 OutroOfficial Documents & OrganizationsLA2028 Official Qualification Framework: The primary IOC document detailing the pathway to the Games for ArcheryInternational Olympic Committee (IOC): The governing body of the Olympic GamesWorld Archery: The international Archery federation responsible for updating quota spot tallies and news articlesNational Olympic Committees (NOCs): The organizations that own the "Golden Ticket" quota spots (e.g., the Canadian Olympic Committee)Major Qualifying Events2027 Hyundai World Archery Championships: Taking place in Medellin, Colombia; the first major opportunity for team and individual quotasContinental Games (2026-2027): Multi-sport events offering Olympic qualification for Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and OceaniaFinal Qualifying Tournament (FQT): The last chance to earn spots, held just weeks before the 2028 Opening CeremonyYouth Development BenchmarksYouth Olympic Games (YOG): Recommended for archers under 21 as a developmental milestone.World Archery Youth Championships (WAYC): A key event for Archers to gain international experienceMinimum Qualification Scores (MQS)Archers must achieve these benchmarks during a 720 round at a World Archery registered event to be eligible for consideration:Recurve Men | 70 meters | 650Recurve Women | 70 meters | 620Compound Men | 50 meters | 690Compound Women | 50 meters | 670 

For years, the Lancaster Classic was circled on the calendar as just “another big shoot". It was a great weekend, but just one stop among many. Well, I’ve been talking to the Archers on the ground (including a Classic Champion), and I’m here to tell you: The game has changed.Whether you’re a newcomer to the sport, the parent of a rising star, or a seasoned Archer on the line, you need to understand why Lancaster is no longer just a destination. It is the definitive proving ground. Let’s get into why the 2026 Lancaster Classic has officially become the gold standard of competition. It is also one of our favourite tournaments.Key Takeaways & HighlightsThe "Place to Be" Verdict: Why Archers now consider the Lancaster Classic the definitive hub for community and high-level skill development.Innovation on the Line: Discussion on the new Mixed Team Event and the high-pressure "Shoot-Up" finals format that has turned the weekend into a do-not-miss spectator sport.The 660 Quest: Why the $20,000 perfect score bonus has every Archer in the building holding their breath during Qualification rounds. (Please, do not hold your breath during the Qualifications.)More than Competition: The Classic has become a major key to Archer development. See how Lancaster is helping set competitor’s up for success and even the 2028 LA Olympics.00:00 Introduction to the Lancaster Classic01:38 The Magic of the Lancaster Classic06:19 Unique Features of the Tournament07:31 The Growth of Barebow and Longbow Categories08:59 The Exciting Mixed Team Event10:23 The Finals Venue Experience12:55 The Importance of Name Pronunciation15:53 Memorable Moments at the Classic17:06 Community and Support in Competition19:08 The Team Behind the Classic20:19 Accommodations and Local Insights23:05 Vendor Opportunities at the Classic24:54 Prize Structure and Payouts27:06 Addressing Gender Disparities in Prizes30:14 Doping Control at the Classic31:23 Conclusion and Community SpiritResources Mentioned in this EpisodeOfficial Results & Payouts: Lancaster Archery Classic Official SiteTournament Live Stream: Catch the 2026 Finals on the Lancaster Archery YouTube channel

The Essential Role of Archery Footwear Discover why your Archer’s next performance boost might start at their feet, not their bow. In this special episode of The Archery Parent Podcast, Manisha sits down with her son, Canadian National Recurve Team member Reece Wilson‑Poyton, to break down the often-overlooked gear that underpins every shot: SHOES.Reece shares how the wrong footwear can quietly sabotage balance, stability, and scores. You’ll hear why cushy running shoes can make your Archer feel wobbly at full draw, why top Archers use low‑drop, wide toe‑box shoes, and how to choose a dedicated pair of “range shoes”.Together, Manisha and Reece walk through real‑world advice for parents and Archers:Find out Reece's Top 3 shoe recommendations from personal experience and world-ranked ArchersHear how footwear affects proprioception, weight distribution, and long‑day steadinessDiscover how shoes can quietly make or break balance, stability, and scoresLearn why low‑drop, wide toe‑box shoes beat other shoe optionsGuidance on budget, the reasoning behind dedicated range shoes, and replacement tipsWhy shoe choice becomes more important as and Archer's body awareness increasesIf you’ve ever wondered whether shoes really matter in Archery, this episode is your practical guide to building a more stable shot from the ground up. This is Part 1 of a two-part series with Reece. In the next episode, Reece breaks down beginner equipment so Archers can head to the pro shop with confidence. Share with one other Archery parent.Read the "Shoes that Stabilize: Reece's Range-tested Picks" comprehensive episode recap at www.archeryparentpodcast.caConnect with the Archery Parent Podcast:Instagram: @ArcheryParentPodcastTikTok: @ArcheryParentPodWeb: ArcheryParentPodcast.caEmail: ArcheryParentPodcast[at]gmail.com--------ATTRIBUTION: Permission granted for the use of "The Stranger" by Michal Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum of Wooden Flowers, for "The Archery Parent Podcast". MUSIC: "The Stranger"ARTIST: Wooden Flowers (Michael Menert and Adam Corey Tenenbaum)ALBUM: "Goldtrails", Gravitas RecordsINSTAGRAM: @giantmetalcrickets @michalmenertWEBSITE: https://giantmetalcrickets.bandcamp.comYOUTUBE: @giantmetalcrickets2020 FACEBOOK: Giant Metal CricketsListen to Wooden Flowers "The Stranger" on Spotify and all other streaming platforms