*This episode was recorded back in August, 2023. 

Charity Williams has been a key player in Rugby Canada's national program since her teenage years, achieving numerous milestones along the way. She was part of the inaugural 2016 Rugby 7s team that won bronze in Rio. In 2021, she bravely joined her teammates in speaking out against the bullying and harassment they faced from coaching staff and members of the Rugby Canada organization. Most recently, she led the Rugby 7s team to a silver medal in Paris this summer, marking the highest finish in program history. In this episode, Charity shares the highs and lows of her journey. You won’t want to miss this one—I know I loved it!

** This interview was filmed back in August, 2023. 

What to say about Bianca Farella? If you ask me, she's one of the greatest rugby 7s players to ever play the game. 

From her early days as an RSEQ and CIS All-Star, she quickly rose to international prominence. Bianca won silver at the 2013 Rugby World Cup and was a key member of Canada's inaugural 7s team that earned bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2021, she bravely spoke out against the harassment and bullying within the program, helping to drive crucial changes that continue to shape the future of women's rugby in Canada. Her influence has not only popularized rugby 7s but also helped improve the sport for future generations of women and girls. 

Does it get any more impressive than that? This, my darlings, is the Bianca Farella episode. 

In Episode 3 of The Pink Tape, we're thrilled to host Tanya Henderson, a trailblazer in the world of Canadian football. Tanya made history in February 2022 when she joined the BC Lions as a Defensive Assistant coach, becoming the first full-time female coach in the Canadian Football League (CFL). This episode delves into Tanya's remarkable journey.

Tanya shares her inspiring story, detailing how she landed this groundbreaking role. She reflects on her own football career, including her impressive stint playing for Team Canada, offering a unique insight into the challenges and triumphs of her journey.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into her experiences in the coaching world. Tanya opens up about how she's been perceived and treated in the traditionally male-dominated football space, and how the players have responded to her coaching style.

We also explore broader issues in the sport, particularly the startlingly low number of female coaches at the elite level. Tanya offers her candid thoughts on the barriers women face in coaching, such as motherhood, self-doubt, and the significant impact of lack of representation.

This episode is not just about football; it's a powerful discussion on breaking gender barriers, challenging norms, and paving the way for future generations of women in sports. Join us as Tanya Henderson shares her groundbreaking story and her vision for a more inclusive future in football.

Welcome to Season Two, Episode Two of The Pink Tape! In this episode, we sit down with Kristin O'Neill, a seasoned player for Hockey Canada. Kristen shares her firsthand experience and involvement in the PWHPA, detailing the proactive response from top female hockey players, the successful establishment of a union and CBA, and the recent acquisition of the PHF by the Mark Walter Group and Billie Jean King enterprises.

Amid the excitement, Kristen candidly discusses the bittersweet reality – with limited roster spots available, the transition means some existing PHF players will lose their spots to PWHPA athletes. We also delve into Kristen's insights on the accomplishments of the PWHPA and the positive changes they've brought to women's hockey.

But that's not all! Kristen sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of the Hockey Canada scandal, a seismic event that shook the foundations of hockey in Canada. Despite being unrelated to the women's program, the scandal significantly impacted it, leading to collateral damage in the form of lost sponsorships and the unfair burden placed on innocent athletes.

Join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation with Kristin O'Neill on The Pink Tape podcast as we explore the intricacies of her journey, the transformative impact on women's hockey, and the challenges faced by athletes in the wake of the Hockey Canada scandal. 

Welcome to Season Two of The Pink Tape! In this exciting episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Rugby Canada player, Courtney Holtkamp, to delve into her incredible journey in the world of rugby.

Courtney's story is a unique one. Hailing from rural Alberta and growing up on a farm, she offers a glimpse into her early life, revealing the foundations that shaped her into the exceptional athlete she is today. Courtney takes us through her humble beginnings as a rugby player and shares the inspiring tale of how she became a vital part of the National program.

We explore the challenges and triumphs of the Pacific Four series, where Courtney and her team gear up to face rugby powerhouses like New Zealand and Australia. Discover how they managed to secure a memorable victory against the USA in their most recent matchups.

But that's not all! Courtney reflects on the electrifying 2021 Rugby World Cup, recounting the unforgettable moment of the famous Abby Dow Try that led to their heart-wrenching defeat to England in the semi-final and the tough loss to France.

Get an inside look at Courtney's rigorous training regimen, which has seen her making remarkable improvements, including her work on hip mobility and body position. She even shares the extraordinary experience of winning the Rimbey Rodeo wild cow milking competition alongside her Dad.

For a visual experience, head over to our YouTube Channel and watch the conversation come to life!

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This episode features my friend and my former captain, Tash Naismith! Tash represented Canada this past fall at the Rugby League World Cup. She is a York University Rugby alumni, a former OUA all-star and, a retired gymnast. This girl has the confidence we should all strive to have in this life! 

On this episode, I chat with Alexis Woloschuk—Boston University Women's Hockey alum and current member of the Toronto Six in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF). Alexis shares her experience as an entrepreneur, including creating The LineUp: a mental and physical wellness app. She also discusses the folding of the CWHL and her involvement in the early days of the PWHPA. Ever wonder what it's like to audition to be a spin instructor? This episode is your chance to find out. Tune in to episode seven to hear about Alexis' inspiring journey as an athlete and an entrepreneur! 

In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Eastwood, a former NCAA Division 1 and current PHF hockey player. Lindsay shares her story of having an Uncle in the NHL and how it influenced her love for the sport of hockey. She also opens up about her battle with an autoimmune disorder, her experience playing in the 2015 World Juniors, her opinion on the growth of women's professional hockey in the last three years, and her short stint as a rower. 

Whether you're a fan of hockey, or just someone who enjoys hearing about personal journeys, this episode is not to be missed! 

Lexi Templeman tells us the story of her college hockey career! From Robert Morris shutting down their program to winning an NCAA Div 1 championship with Ohio State, this girl has a resiliency that few can match (but many can learn from). 

The one, the only, Khamica Bingham! Khamica joined me to talk about her Olympic experiences, whether she prefers relay or running individually, how her fiancé proposed, and more!