**Breaking Barriers: Trailblazing Women in Athletic Training**

Athletic training was once a “men’s club,” but trailblazing women have shattered that perception. In this episode, we highlight pioneers who paved the way for future generations.

From Kaye Cosby, the first female certified AT in NATA (1972), to Sue Falsone, the first female head AT in pro sports with the Dodgers, these women redefined the profession. We also spotlight Jana Austin and Vanessa Brooks, who broke barriers in the NBA, and Ariko Iso, the NFL’s first full-time female athletic trainer.

These milestones are shockingly recent, despite sports’ long history. We’ll share personal experiences, discuss their impact, and recognize the many other women who continue to push boundaries in athletic training.

Tune in and celebrate their legacy with us!

Trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle while juggling a busy career? We’ve got you covered! In this episode, we break down practical ways to incorporate fitness and wellness into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed. We’ll help you define your goals—whether it’s building healthy habits, improving fitness, or making small lifestyle changes—and choose activities that work for YOU.

We’ll also talk about the importance of prioritizing yourself, setting sustainable routines, and showing yourself grace along the way. Remember, health and fitness are not defined by body type, and you don’t have to be perfect every day. Plus, we’ll tackle the impact of social media—how to filter out unrealistic expectations and focus on YOUR progress, celebrating every victory (scale and non-scale) without comparison.

Tune in for real talk, actionable tips, and a reminder that your wellness journey is yours alone. Let’s make health work for your lifestyle!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Alice Barnes, PT, DPT, SCS, a former D1 lacrosse athlete at Michigan who transformed her experience on the field into a thriving career in sports physical therapy. Dr. Barnes is the CEO of The Performance Shift, a clinic designed to bridge the gap between rehab and performance. She shares her journey from athlete to clinician, revealing how her collegiate experiences shaped her approach to performance rehab and athlete care.

We also dive into work-life balance in the PT profession —can young therapists truly "have it all"? Dr. Barnes offers her perspective on navigating career aspirations, entrepreneurship, and the lessons she wishes she had learned before pursuing independence.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring sports PTs, former athletes, and anyone looking to bridge the gap between performance and rehab.

As we close out Black History Month, we celebrate the trailblazing Black excellence at Super Bowl 59. From Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, the standout Black quarterbacks, to the historic presence of Autumn Lockwood, the first Black woman coach to win a Super Bowl, we highlight the incredible Black talent on both teams. The Eagles and Chiefs also featured impactful Black athletic trainers like Shaniece Jackson, Jerome Reid, and Tiffany Morton.

We also discuss Kendrick Lamar’s unforgettable halftime performance, where he used the platform to send a powerful message about America’s broken promises and the importance of Black voices. His performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was activism, challenging the expectations of the "great American game."

Join us as we unpack the history, culture, and powerful moments that defined Super Bowl 59!

In the season of love it’s only right we talk about maintaining love and relationships while in the hustle and bustle of sport.

Tune in to hear from Darian Bryant, a Tight Ends Coach at Wilkes University who just so happens to be in a relationship with Real Talk co-host, Asha ! From college to working professionals hear how they navigate distance and demand!

February is often associated with love and connection, but for many, it can also be a time of loneliness and grief. In today’s episode, we dive into the reality of experiencing these emotions while still showing up in our professional lives. We’ll discuss how to acknowledge feelings of isolation and loss without letting them derail your work, as well as recognizing when it’s necessary to “take a beat” and prioritize your well-being.

We’ll explore the nature of loneliness—how it can arise in seasons of change, through social media FOMO, or feelings of self-pity—and grief, whether from an expected or unexpected loss. We’ll also break down the five stages of grief (DABDA: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance) and how they can manifest in daily life.

Through it all, we want to remind you: You are worthy of connection and belonging, and you are open to receiving love and friendship in your life!

Join us for this heartfelt conversation on navigating difficult emotions while still showing up for yourself and your responsibilities.

Join us as we sit down with Jamie Potter and continue our discussion about the evolving role of mental health in athletics. Can teams maintain their culture while prioritizing athletes' well-being? How can clinicians and coaches work together to provide better support? We’re diving into all this and more!  Whether you're an athlete, coach, or healthcare professional, this is a must-listen conversation on building a healthier sports environment. 

In this episode, we’re joined by Ahavah Davis, a certified Athletic Trainer and PhD candidate pursuing sports psychology, to discuss her journey from athletic training to exploring the mental side of sports recovery. Ahavah shares how her experience as an AT shaped her decision to pursue sports psychology, the challenges of balancing both fields, and the critical role mindset plays in an athlete’s recovery and return to sport.

We also dive into how coaches and staff can create a culture that prioritizes both mental and physical health for athletes.

Tune in for insights on how mental well-being can enhance athletic performance and recovery.

Tune in as we discuss the pros and cons of social media. Accessibility doesn't always mean accurate information. Is becoming an influencer worth more than your WHY for starting a platform? Is there anything we missed?

In this powerful episode, we delve into the incredible story of Katie Schumacher-Cawley, the head coach of Penn State, who led her team to a National Championship while battling cancer. Her journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, strength, and the unbreakable will of women in sports. A story that will leave you saying "Wow, women!"

Join us as we dive one of the most inspiring stories of resilience in sports, and a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to overcome life’s toughest battles.