Season 2, Episode 16Guests: Ken Gauvey — Attorney; Vet épée fencer (DC Fencers Club)Michael Hughes — Lifelong fencer, teacher & coach; Vet épée fencer (DC Fencers Club)What we coverOrigin stories: late start (Ken) vs. 50 years in the sport (Michael) — and discovering the Vet communityWhy donate? Ken’s family emergency; Michael’s NPR drive-time moment and the “why not me?” mindsetExpectation vs. reality: testing, surgery, different recovery timelines — and the role of baseline fitnessReturning to fencing: “listen to your body,” track metrics, celebrate small wins, and rebuild with intentionMindfulness & reset: pre-bout rituals, visualization, practicing resets at practice, staying presentDCFC culture: coaches who coach the whole person, morning vet sessions, multigenerational mentorshipLiving donation 101: anonymity choices, chains that unlock multiple transplants, practical benefits & follow-upPractical takeawaysComeback advice (Ken): listen to your body; rest is training; track sleep/HR/recovery; don’t rush the timeline you wish you hadMindset (Michael): be present — in conversations, in practice, in each touch; practice your reset like any other skillVet community tip: find or build training windows that fit real life (e.g., DCFC’s morning sessions)If you’re curious about donationStart with a reputable org (e.g., National Kidney Foundation) or your local transplant centerUnderstand match/chain programs: one donation can trigger many transplantsExpect thorough screening and ongoing medical follow-up after donationTimestamps0:00 — Two donors, one club; two comebacks1:09 — Ken: from martial arts dad to vet épée podiums2:15 — Michael: 50 years in the sport; discovering Vet fencing3:57 — Ken’s decision: a family emergency and a fast timeline5:28 — Michael’s decision: NPR, stats, and “why not me?”8:44 — Expectation vs. reality: surgery, testing, recovery10:43 — Getting back on strip: timelines, protection, green/red lights15:05 — First tournament back: Ken’s Southern silver & what it meant16:35 — Mindfulness and the reset habit (practice it at practice)19:18 — Visualization under a tree (and in a parking lot)20:05 — What makes DCFC special: coaches, mornings, mentorship22:58 — Cincinnati NAC: the full-circle moment24:29 — Advice for any comeback: rest vs. stubbornness; joy vs. pressure27:40 — Donation info: practical benefits, chains, where to startQuotable“Fencing teaches you how to live a life. Be present in the moment.” — Michael Hughes“I wasn’t hitting anybody, so I visualized hitting people.” — Ken GauveyCall to actionShare this episode with a vet fencer—or a friend curious about living donation. If you’re considering donating, talk to your medical team and visit a trusted resource (e.g., the National Kidney Foundation) to learn more.CreditsHost: Bryan Wendell • Guests: Ken Gauvey & Michael Hughes
--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

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