Inside Ladies Playbook

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are exploring second chances on the insideLINES Podcast! 

First up, the ladies are fresh off a pretty relaxing holiday break! After the surge in positive covid cases, both Tia and Atoya had low-key Christmas celebrations at home with their families. As for New Year’s Eve, Atoya spent the evening completing vision boards and having a game night with her family. Meanwhile, Tia and her husband Cliff brought in the New Year at the Dave Chappelle & Friends comedy show. 

Then, it’s on to Hot Takes where the ladies share their takes on NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown’s abrupt exit during the third quarter of Tampa Bay’s Sunday game vs the New York Jets. Some speculated that Antonio left after being benched assuming the Bucs were intentionally trying to prevent Antonio’s chances of earning contract incentives. 

Lastly, Atoya and Tia welcome Lacey Leonard to the show! Lacey, wife of former NFL defensive tackle Louis Leonard (Chargers, Browns, Panthers), is a Relationship Coach and founder of Tackle Health (an Arizona based Behavioral Health Outpatient facility). Lacey chats with the ladies about how she ignored several red flags prior to getting married, what led to her getting divorced, AND how her and Louis leaned into their faith to reconcile and remarry!  She also discussed what it was like to witness Louis’ mental health issues he experienced due to multiple concussions obtained while playing in the NFL. After Louis was denied a settlement from the NFL’s concussion settlement fund, Lacey discovered and became an advocate against NFL’s race norming policing.

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast and Spotify apps. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Lacey Leonard
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Tackle Health

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Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are reflecting on the year for the insideLINES Podcast! 

It’s the last episode of 2021 and the ladies look back at some of their favorite things and most impactful moments of the year! From the insurrection to start the year to the resurgence of covid via a new variant (Delta and now Omicron), Atoya and Tia share their thoughts on the moments that have truly defined 2021. We want to hear YOUR favorite moments, albums, songs, etc. of 2021! Leave us a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/insidelines. 

From there, Atoya and Tia  jump straight into the interview with SVP, Head of Marketing and Brand Engagement for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Nicole Jeter West! From her role as Director of Marketing for the New York Knicks to her current role with the Olympics, Nicole chats with the ladies about the importance of always being prepared for anything which sparked a conversation about getting her first job with the Knicks after a lunch meeting with an old friend landed her an impromptu interview with the VP of Marketing for the Knicks and and eventual job. She also discusses how finding  “harmony” and NOT “work-life balance” is the key to her success and how suffering several miscarriages led to her establishing and prioritizing clear boundaries for every aspect of her life.

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast and Spotify apps. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Nicole Jeter West
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LA 2028 Olympics

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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are getting their men involved on the insideLINES Podcast! 

First, in the “Asking for a Friend!” segment, the ladies answer questions about repeating outfits, their experience with their husband's groupies, and if it’s appropriate to buy your friend’s significant others gifts. If YOU would like to have your questions answered live as well, leave us a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/insideLINES.

Then, it’s on to Hot Takes where the ladies take on actor Ben Affleck. Ben appeared on Howard Stern's Sirius XM radio show and spoke on his previous marriage to Jennifer Garner. Ben seemingly appeared to blame Jennifer for his alcoholism saying he’d probably still be drinking if they were married and that he felt trapped because of the kids.  

Lastly, the men of insideLINES take over! Atoya’s husband, Nate Burleson, and Tia’s husband, Cliff Avril, join the ladies for a special episode hosted by producer extraordinaire, Scott Riggs. Nate and Cliff share how they didn’t even think about making it to the NFL until they were approached by NFL agents, their passion for instilling financial literacy in their children, and what it was like walking away from the game. Then, they wrap things up with a quick game to see how well the couples know each other! 

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast or Spotify apps. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guests:
Nate Burleson
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Cliff Avril
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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are digging deep on the insideLINES Podcast! 

Atoya and Tia shake things up a bit with a new segment called “Asking For A Friend!” The ladies tackled some questions sent in by listeners via the insideLINES voicemail. If YOU would like to have your questions answered live as well, leave us a voicemail at www.speakpipe.com/insideLINES.

Then, it’s on to Hot Takes we’re the ladies share on rapper and actor Machine Gun Kelly’s interview on the Drew Barrymore Show. Kelly was promoting his new nail polish line when he opened up about being tired of smiling on days when he doesn’t actually feel like smiling. Tia and Atoya share their thoughts on if they think entertainers should have to continue to wear a mask for fans and supporters. 

Lastly, the ladies welcome realtor, philanthropist, and president of The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation, Ericka Lassiter. Ericka, wife of the late NFL defensive Back Kwamie Lassitor, served for 12 years as president of the Off the Field Women’s Association, an organization created to support players’ significant others as they navigated their journey in the NFL. Ericka chats with the ladies about her experience caring for her son who was diagnosed with and then cured of sickle cell anemia. She also discusses what life has been like after the sudden loss of her husband in 2019 and finally stepping back in order for her to grieve properly. Ericka also reveals her plans of writing a book to share her life story. 

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Ericka Lassiter
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The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation 

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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are laughing till their sides hurt on the insideLINES Podcast! 

Atoya and Tia kicked off the episode chatting about their fun-filled weekend! Tia is back from a quick weekend trip to Jacksonville, FL for an induction ceremony. Tia’s husband Cliff was inducted into the Clay County Hall of Fame for his work in the community along with his former teammate Nolan Carroll. Atoya was finally able to surprise her oldest son with his first car. 

Next in Hot Takes, Atoya and Tia are discussing the Oxford High School school shooting. Ethan Crumbly opened fire last Tuesday, killing 4 students and injuring several others. The Oxford Township prosecutor surprised everyone when she also filed charges against Ethan’s parents Jennifer & James Crumbly. The ladies discuss if it was appropriate for the parents to be charged as well and if anyone else should be held accountable. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts at https://www.speakpipe.com/insideLINES.   

Lastly, the ladies welcome Nischelle Turner, co-host of Entertainment Tonight. Nischelle, five-time Emmy award winning correspondent and co-host of “The Big Podcast with Shaq”, is the first black woman to host ET. She chats with the ladies about almost giving up on getting the host role at ET and reuniting with the news anchor who inspired her to get into journalism. Nischelle also discusses the challenges associated with having uterine fibroids and her and Atoya share their experiences. She's also working with the Black Women's Health Imperative to help educate about this challenging ailment. Before they wrap, Nischelle shares stories about doing a podcast with Shaq. 

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Nischelle Turner
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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are knowing their worth on the insideLINES Podcast! 

First up, the ladies are fresh off a jam packed holiday weekend! After a pretty low key Thanksgiving dinner, Tia and her sisters traveled to Miami to celebrate her mom’s 60th birthday. The trip included enjoying some amazing food as well as some entertainment at the #1 Drag Bar & Restaurant in Miami called Palace. Meanwhile, Atoya was in full hosting mode all weekend! The Burleson household entertained some friends from college, and they participated in a variety of activities including attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and watching the Burleson boys compete in their first football State High School Championship game!

Next up, it's time for Hot Takes! This week, Atoya and Tia tackle an incident that occurred during the LA  Lakers vs Indiana Pacers game the day before Thanksgiving. During overtime, Lebron James had 2 fans removed for using obscene language towards him. It was later revealed that the fans made several comments including stating, “I hope Bronny dies in a car wreck.” The ladies address the questions: (1) Do other players have the ability to exercise this right? and (2) Are fans taking things too far? Leave us a voicemail and Let us know your thoughts at https://www.speakpipe.com/insideLINES.   

Lastly, the ladies welcome Amber Sabathia, certified Player Agent with CAA and Executive Director of the PitCCh In Foundation. Amber chats with the ladies about her journey of becoming a MLB agent after playing a major role in her husband and World Series Champion, CC Sabathia's career. She also shares what it’s like being black in baseball, the importance of knowing your worth, and the story behind creating and being the executive producer for Under the Grapefruit Tree: The CC Sabathia Story. The ladies also discuss overcoming challenges associated with her family adjusting to Amber’s new demanding career.

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Amber Sabathia
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PitCCh In Foundation

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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are working through it on the insideLINES Podcast! 

First up, the ladies chat about their weekend, which was packed full of kids’ sporting events. Atoya’s boys won their final football playoff game and are heading to state this weekend! She also got into the holiday spirit over the weekend putting up her tree and holiday decor. Tia’s oldest kicked off his AAU basketball season over the weekend so she spent a majority of the weekend in the gym. She also chats about avoiding a holiday scam that popped up (again)!

Next in Hot Takes, the ladies discuss the lack of accountability in incidents involving both Britt Reid and Kyle Rittenhouse. Britt Reid, son of the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid, was charged earlier this year with driving while intoxicated after he crashed into two vehicles days before the Chief’s Super Bowl appearance. The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement last week stating that the organization would be covering the medical and long term expenses for a young child critically injured in the crash. Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted last week in the case involving the Illinois teen who murdered two BLM protestors in Kenosha, WI. Kyle claims the shootings occurred in self defense as he feared for his life. The ladies (along with Producer Scott) dive into these and give honest takes on lack of fairness and justice as well as the justice system that serves one group differently than another.

After that heavy hot take, the ladies bring some warm light to the show by bringing Jericka Duncan, national news correspondent for CBS News and the Sunday edition of the "CBS Weekend News" on to the show. Jericka chats about her humble beginnings in media and the challenges associated with covering and then detaching herself from traumatic stories. She also shares how she navigates motherhood and dating all while having a high performing career! She also reveals her early ambitions in music and her not-so-secret music crush.

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Jericka Duncan
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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are asking the tough questions on the insideLINES Podcast! 

First, the ladies share details from their action packed weekend! Atoya’s sons kicked off high school football playoffs on Friday, only for the game to be called with 1 minute left in the first quarter due to the weather.   The game resumed on Sunday, and they went on to clinch a spot in round 2 of playoffs. Tia took flight again this weekend, this time heading to Punta Mita, Mexico to celebrate friend and former NFL defensive end Michael Bennett’s birthday. The “Communion” themed weekend brought together a wide range of friends from various industries celebrating each night with themed dinners.  

Next, it's on to Hot Takes where Atoya and Tia share their thoughts on the Adele One Night Only special which aired on CBS on November 19th. The special included performances by Adele as well as an exclusive interview with Oprah where they discussed her new album, the stories behind the songs, life after divorce, weight loss and raising her son. The ladies also ask the question “How much is too much to share?” while reflecting/comparing how Adele and Taylor Swift share their life story via their music.  

And finally, the ladies welcome Cheslie Kryst, ExtraTV correspondent and Miss USA 2019. Cheslie, who is also a former civil litigation lawyer, chatted with the ladies about using her Miss USA platform to advocate about race issues during protests of 2020, her experience as a black woman in the pageant world, and why she started her blog, White Collar Glam. Cheslie also discussed her experience being featured in the Netflix documentary “Colin in Black and White” and working on criminal justice reform with the Buried Alive Project during her time practicing law.  

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Cheslie Kryst
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Cheslie’s Blog: White Collar Glam

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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are climbing the corporate ladder on the insideLINES podcast!

Atoya and Tia kicked off the episode chatting about their fun-filled girls getaway weekend! Following a few flight cancellations, Tia joined Atoya in New Orleans along with a friend of the show, Dawn Murdock. The ladies enjoyed a night on Bourbon Street, watched the New Orleans Saints take on the Atlanta Falcons, and finished off the weekend enjoying a great dinner at GW Fins! 

Next, it's on to Hot Takes! This week, the ladies share their thoughts on Aaron Rodgers and the covid vaccine debacle. The Green Bay Packers QB led everyone to believe he was vaccinated, however, after testing positive, it was revealed that he was not vaccinated, violating NFL protocols for non-vaccinated players along the way. The ladies discuss the example (or lack thereof) that he set for his teammates and players around the league as well as fans and children that look up to him with admiration. Also, Atoya has extra beef with Aaron because he’s not doing anything for her Fantasy Football team this year.

And finally, the ladies welcome Michele Ghee (author and CEO of Ebony and Jet)  onto the show! Michele discusses how she got her start in media and having success on your own terms as well as Ebony’s pivot to “Move Black Forward,” an initiative focused on strengthening financial literacy and building Black wealth and solidifying Ebony’s future!

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Michele Ghee
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Ebony
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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson

Hosts Atoya Burleson and Tia Avril are breaking it down on another episode of the insideLINES podcast!

Atoya and Tia kick things off chatting about their weekend. Atoya had a jam-packed weekend full of Halloween festivities which include her hosting an adult costume party Friday and attending their neighborhood block party! Tia’s family does not actually celebrate Halloween,  so she had a pretty low key weekend wrapping up youth fall sports! 

Then, it's on to Hot Takes! This week, the ladies share their thoughts on episode 1 of the Ava DuVernay-helmed Netflix documentary on Colin Kaepernick called “Colin in Black and White.” Tia and Atoya reflect on the comparison the documentary explores between the NFL Combine and slave auction blocks with Tia sharing how her husband Cliff drew the same conclusion back in 2008 during his combine participation. The ladies also discuss Colin’s experience embracing the hip-hop culture through his hair, and how everyone including his parents and coaches deemed the hairstyles as being unprofessional. Atoya shares how she had the same experiences growing up in a predominantly white area.  

Lastly, the ladies are reunited with Nina Thomas, recording artist and co-owner of the Charlotte based clothing boutique iShopCaptivate. Nina discusses how she created her first song, Shot O’ Clock and her future plans for a full length album. She also explores how she felt putting her career ambitions on hold for her family and how she’s slowly starting to explore those passions now. She also shares how several domestic violence incidents led to her filing for divorce from her estranged husband, former NFL safety Earl Thomas. Nina discusses the challenges of that separation and eventual divorce on her and her children and how she overcame the fear of starting over with the help of her support system. 

If you want to help us out, be sure to follow, rate and review the podcast on the Apple Podcast app. Thanks so much for listening and supporting our show! We really appreciate you.

Guest: Nina Thomas
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Nina’s Song - Shot O’Clock
Nina’s Boutique - iShopCaptivate

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Atoya Burleson
Tia Avril

Mindful Moments
Kristin Bly

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Team
Executive Producer: Scott Riggs
Consultant/Guru: Kibi Anderson