Blitz and Bloom

Blitz and Bloom

By Tanya HendersonSportsFootball
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Blitz and Bloom episodes

  • CFL Week 8 - Thoughts and Picks

    The CFL season is heating up, but some game-changing rules and unexpected stories are shaking up the league in ways no one saw coming. From emotional tributes to jaw-dropping plays, this episode pulls back the curtain on the CFL’s most unpredictable season yet. If you’re craving candid insights, bold takes, and a fresh perspective that goes beyond the scoreboard, this is your must-listen.

    9 min
  • Shaylee Foord - Emotionality, Shit Talking and Hot Takes

    Most women in football are asked to fit into a narrow mold — but what if the game’s biggest growth comes from rewriting the playbook? Shaylee Ford’s journey through every role imaginable in the sport shows how curiosity, resilience, and boldness can carve new paths in a traditionally male-dominated space.From her first nervous step onto the field in 2019 to becoming a CFL operations and video coordinator, Shaylee’s path proves there’s no single way to belong. She shares how seeing the game from different angles helped her challenge norms, ask better questions, and create more opportunity for herself and others.This episode explores sponsorship, support, and the power of representation in women’s sports. It’s a story about breaking barriers, showing up authentically, and making room for more voices in football.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, inclusion, and why the future of the sport depends on expanding who gets to lead.

    1 hr 16 min
  • CFL Week 7 - Thoughts and Picks

    Week six of the CFL delivered unexpected chaos—yet week seven promises even bigger surprises. From the Bombers’ jaw-dropping win against Toronto to Ottawa’s ongoing struggle at 0-5, this episode shakes up the league’s narratives and leaves you wondering: what’s truly happening beneath the surface?

    Hit play for sharp CFL analysis, standout quarterback storylines, and the week seven matchups that could reshape the standings.

    8 min
  • CFL Week 6 - Thoughts and Picks

    Most CFL fans are waking up to a season turned upside down — injuries, surprising upsets, and teams scrambling for their identity. But what if the biggest lessons aren’t about players or scores, but about coaching and leadership? In this episode, we dive into the week’s wildest moments and dissect what they reveal about the future of CFL football — from Bo Levi Mitchell’s heartbreaking injury to the evolving strategies of top teams like Edmonton and Winnipeg. Whether you’re a casual fan or a superfan, this episode will change how you see the season by showing the hidden lessons behind the scoreboard.

    8 min
  • Epharh Oyama - Stickers, High Fives and Football For Life

    In this episode of Blitz and Bloom, Tanya sits down with Epharh “FF” Oyama: former Golden Bear, Edmonton Huskie, CDMFA Program Manager, community builder, and very official Sticker King.

    They talk about growing up through Edmonton football, the difference between junior and university programs, why community matters at every level of the game, and how football can create confidence, belonging, friendships, and opportunities far beyond the field.

    This conversation is about mentorship, youth sport, leaving the game on your own terms, and the reminder that there is a place for everyone in football. Sometimes impact is a program, a practice, a conversation, or even just a high five and a sticker.

    1 hr 7 min
  • CFL Week 5 - Thoughts and Picks

    This episode dives into the chaos and intrigue of Week 4 in the CFL, breaking down the teams, players, and coaching decisions shaping the season’s playoff picture.

    From the Edmonton Elks’ surprising rise to the Lions’ defensive struggles and the heavyweight matchup between Winnipeg and Hamilton, we unpack the biggest storylines, hidden strengths, and turning points that could define what comes next.

    Whether you’re tracking your favorite team, following fantasy implications, or just love sharp football analysis, this episode gives you the context and insight you need to stay ahead of the curve.

    8 min
  • CFL Week 4 - Thoughts and Picks

    The CFL season is heating up with record-breaking offense and unexpected rivalries—but who will come out on top? In this episode, we reveal the startling stats that are rewriting league history, including the highest-ever pass depths and a collective quarterback rating soaring from 97.4 to 109.4. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again—this week’s action features a showdown between emerging powerhouses and strategic gambles that could make or break their seasons.

    7 min
  • Emily Todd - Storage Units, Community, and Special Guest Koda

    Most women’s journeys into football start with a whistle or a game — Emily Todd's story reminds us that the real foundations are built behind the scenes. From volunteering and coaching to shaping pathways for girls and women across Ontario, Emily has dedicated herself to creating opportunities where none existed—and in doing so, has transformed the game from the inside out.

    In this episode, Emily shares how her background in community involvement and her humble start with local clubs like the Burlington Stampeders eventually led her to influence national programs and advocate for women in sport. You'll discover how embracing non-traditional entry points—like volunteering and behind-the-scenes roles—can lead to meaningful leadership and change.

    Emily discusses the challenges of growing women’s football in Ontario—building leagues, recruiting coaches, and creating a clear developmental trajectory—highlighting the immense effort required to turn small wins into lasting impact.

    Emily Todd is the Director of Development and Administration at Football Ontario, where she spearheads initiatives for women and girls across the sport. Her work, built on passion and perseverance, is helping this generation rewrite the future of Canadian football.

    Whether you’re looking to grow a new program, break into the sport’s administration, or simply find motivation in a story of resilience—this episode has you covered.

    1 hr 25 min
  • CFL Week 3 - Thoughts and Picks

    In this episode, Tanya breaks down the biggest matchups, predictions, and storylines heading into Week 3 — from quarterback performances and team identity questions to injury impacts, roster challenges, and which teams have a chance to make an early statement.

    7 min
  • CFL Week 2 - Thoughts and Picks

    Get ready for Week 2 of the CFL season, where the drama is as thick as a linebacker’s neck! We’re talking Bombers, Lions, and all the gridiron gossip you can handle. Whether you're cheering from the couch or the stands, join us for a playful peek at the matchups, the mischief, and the must-see moments. Grab your snacks and settle in—it's game time!

    8 min

About Blitz and Bloom

From the publisher's feed

Blitz and Bloom is football with feelings. It’s leadership without the bullshit. It’s the human side of a sport that teaches you to get hit, get up, and grow.