This season of American Prodigies is the story of how Black girls moved from the margins of gymnastics to the core. You’ll hear from trailblazers and viral sensations – coaches and mentors and trainers – journalists and academics – and athletes themselves – as we unpack what it means to be a Black girl in gymnastics.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amira talks with her Burn It All Down cohost, Jessica Luther, about what to expect from this season of American Prodigies

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In June of 2010, hours before the Mariners hosted the Twins, a 40-year-old Ken Griffey Jr. got into his car and drove out of Seattle. He told no one that he was leaving, and told no one where he was going. Instead of a farewell tour, Junior retired from baseball driving for two straight days from Washington to Florida to return home—for good. In many ways, his retirement—both the way that it was received and the reason he chose to do it that way—is the best portrait of Griffey’s legacy, forcing us to ask the question: did we need him more than he needed us?

Presented by Coors Light

Brought to you by Roman: getroman.com/prodigy

American Prodigy listeners! We want to learn more about you! Please fill out this quick survey. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If Ken Griffey Jr. was the charismatic new face of MLB who brought tons of new fans to the sport, why has baseball's popularity continued to decline over the last two decades? And, why has the number of Black ballplayers declined, too? Was The Kid baseball's last black superstar? For a sport that’s always been known as America’s pastime, baseball can’t seem to stay in touch with America.

Presented by Coors Light

Brought to you by Roman: getroman.com/prodigy

American Prodigy listeners! We want to learn more about you! Please fill out this quick survey. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 1999, Griffey was in the prime of his career with the Mariners. Yet, instead of playing out his last season, he turned down an extension, requested a trade, and was shipped to the Cincinnati Reds. Was Ken giving up on Seattle? Or was he truly looking to have a homecoming both on and off the diamond?

Presented by Coors Light

Brought to you by Roman: getroman.com/prodigy

American Prodigy listeners! We want to learn more about you! Please fill out this quick survey. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the strike, Griffey became a superstar on and off the field. From cameos on “The Simpsons” and “Fresh Prince,” to record-selling video games and a signature Nike shoe, The Kid had taken over popular culture. Griffey was becoming a brand all to himself, paving the way for the athletes of today. But, one thing that comes with blazing a trail, is that it's hard to figure out. For Ken, it led to a breaking point.  

Presented by Coors Light 

Brought to you by Roman: getroman.com/prodigy 

American Prodigy listeners! We want to learn more about you! Please fill out this quick survey. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He's remembered as one of the biggest stars in America and a 90's cultural icon, yet somehow, it seems like Griffey's legacy has gone missing. Where did it go?   Musician Kid Sensation (Xola Malik) and producer Alex Ward revisit the origins of Ken's early success in high school and with the Mariners, Xola's own beginnings with Sir Mix-a-Lot's crew, and the moment these two Kids crossed paths in Seattle.   

Presented by Coors Light

Brought to you by Roman: getroman.com/prodigy

American Prodigy listeners! We want to learn more about you! Please fill out this quick survey. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What ever happened to Ken Griffey Jr., our love for him, and our love for baseball? Seattle musician and friend of Griffey, Kid Sensation (Xola Malik), as well as producer Alex Ward, rehash the life and career of one of sports most misunderstood superstars, and examine America’s relationship with baseball, music, race, celebrity and success.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grant Wahl is back to introduce Season 2 of American Prodigy. Grant talks to Xola Malik and producer Alex Ward about "The Kid," his impact on Seattle, baseball, and 90's culture. What ever happened to "The Kid," our love for him, and our love for baseball?

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices