Ari Simmons is a U.S. épée fencer, coach, and storyteller training with his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. A national champion and USA National Team Member, Ari has competed at the highest levels of American fencing while also shaping the next generation of athletes through coaching roles at Duke University and the U.S. Air Force Academy. Off the strip, Ari is the co-founder and host of the Direct Elimination Podcast, where he and co-host Stephen Ewart sit down with Olympians, NCAA champions, and leaders in sport to explore what drives people to pursue their passions when there’s no consolation bracket. Blending his experiences as an athlete and mentor, Ari speaks openly about resilience, failure, identity, and the pursuit of purpose — themes that connect far beyond fencing. His journey reflects the modern athlete’s path: chasing excellence while building community and inspiring others to find their own “why.”

Stephen Ewart is a U.S. épée fencer and international medalist who has made history for American fencing. In 2023, he won bronze at the Buenos Aires Senior World Cup, the first international medal for U.S. men’s épée since 2019. Earlier in his career, Stephen's on-strip heroics helped the US Team win silver at the 2019 Junior World Championships, a first for the USA Men's Epee program. At the University of Notre Dame, he was the 2021 NCAA individual runner-up and a 4× NCAA Team Champion, while also earning multiple All-American and All-ACC honors, including ACC Fencer of the Year. Stephen is also the co-host of the Direct Elimination Podcast, where alongside Ari Simmons he dives into the stories of fencers, Olympians, and athletes chasing excellence. Blending sharp competitive insight with humor and authenticity, Stephen highlights the resilience, purpose, and lessons that define life both on and off the strip.