Anytime two or more Dougs get together it is a reason to celebrate!
That was certainly the case when 1-time sports writer and longtime government affairs consultant, Doug Levy, joined me to discuss both his sports fan journey from East Coast to Pacific Northwest and, more specifically, his 2025 debut book: Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar.
I was completely unfamiliar with Doug and his wonderful book until he reached out via email.
It turns out he was familiar with former Conversations’ guests, Alison Brown and Jill Jaracz from “Keep the Flame Alive” (S:4, E:70). After spotting their appearance on my show, he sent off a lovely email and media kit.
Much like the documentary, “The Weight of Gold,” Doug’s book should be required reading for many. In it, he profiles over a dozen athletes, coaches, and officials who did not achieve Olympic glory (not a gold medal among them) but did succeed in ways that are not measured by a podium finish (though one did find their way to the podium). Doug shares a few morsels about his subjects during our Conversation and, more broadly, discusses what the Olympics mean – or should mean – and how we as fans should receive them every couple years.