Shiffrin takes a more off-script approach in shifting focus beyond slalom and in Year 2 of podcast

Mikaela Shiffrin is entering her 16th World Cup season with a broader focus and a podcast built around spontaneity. The three-time Olympic champion says she will prioritize giant slalom and super-G during her “exploration season,” while still racing slalom when prepared. Her podcast, “What’s the Point,” launched Wednesday with 12 episodes, starting with media personality Kylie Kelce. Shiffrin links both skiing and interviewing to “cadence,” saying great conversations—or best runs—have rhythm and sometimes go “off script.” From now until March, guests will include figure skater Ilia Malinin, rugby player Ilona Maher, tennis star Iga Swiatek and sportscaster Mike Tirico. She plans to start on giant slalom in Soelden, Austria, on Oct. 24, and return to slalom at Killington, Vermont, over Thanksgiving.