Tidal League

Today we are joined by WNBA Champion, Sixth Woman of the Year, and WNBA All-Star Jantel Lavender, one of the newest members of the Indiana Fever. Entering her 10th year in the WNBA, we talk about the disparities between the NBA and WNBA and her role as a leader and a voice in inspiring other young girls to be their true selves.

With more and more networks airing WNBA games, fans will have unprecedented access to watch the women play and our podcast today continues to raise the profile of the League and the elite athletes who have changed the way the game is played. 

With the start of the WNBA season, Jantel shares her thoughts on how the League has used its platform to raise the profile of social justice issues, in particular, the Black Lives Matter movement, how breaking her foot impacted her career in exceptional ways, and what she’s most looking forward to, playing for her new team.

We talk about what it was like to play for the LA Sparks and Magic Johnson at the Staples Centre, winning it all in the 2016 championship series. Jantel tells us about the constant grind to stay at the top and in the game, the pressure around body image, and her message to other women who face similar challenges - celebrate yourself! 

Hear from the fans as they tap in with Connecticut Sun point guard Jasmine Thomas ahead of the 2021 WNBA Season!

Jasmine Thomas of the Connecticut Sun joins Kurt and Trish for a sneak peek of the 2021 WNBA season.

We hear about the basketball journey that has taken her around the world, from Russia, to Israel and many other countries in between.  What is life in the “W” like, and what changes has she seen since first being drafted in 2011.  Does she still bleed Duke blue, even though she has spent the majority of her career so close to the legend that is UConn? (the answer is of course; once a Blue Devil always a Blue Devil). Where will life lead after basketball, what are her hopes for the future of the women’s game?  We find out about all of this and so much more.

Looking for the latest NBA highlights and breakdowns? Do you want to know what it's like to be in a real coaching film session? Ever wonder how actual NBA players and coaches view the game?

Meet Coach Nick, founder of BBALLBREAKDOWN, who's been breaking down NBA games with slow motion, freeze frames, arrows, and voice over for over 8 years. He also has over 20 years experience coaching players at every level, using the most cutting edge techniques that ensure maximum output and efficiency.

Today we are joined by the “Guard Whisperer” to talk all things hoops. Growing up in Los Angeles, Olin Simplis was once regarded as one of the top guards in the L.A. area.  His college basketball career, however, didn’t go as planned and today he shares with us what happened and how he turned disappointment into opportunity, learning from his mistakes and founding Olin Simplis Training.  

Olin talks about the importance of mentorship and leadership, using what you are passionate about to fuel your future, and overcoming other people's opinions of you to do what matters and make a difference.  

With more than 20 years of coaching experience, Olin is considered one of the most recognized basketball trainers on the west coast and we talk about why he has been successful, his focus on injury prevention and putting the player first, why he loves coaching the women and the exciting ways the WNBA has evolved over the last 25 years.  He shares fun stories about the special relationship between two of his Canadian players, cousins Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and why he values his partnership with Wasserman,  the mystery behind his twitter handle and what the loss of Kobe Bryant has meant to him.

Today’s guest, Nigerian born Canadian basketball player Eugene Omoruyi, grew up playing soccer and only switched to basketball because he grew too big. He tells us today, he never looked back and his drive for the game has fueled his success.

During our conversation we talk about his experience being an immigrant, the sacrifices his family made, the lessons he learned to fight for what he wanted and what BrokeBaby is all about.

From his days at Orangeville Prep, the first Canadian Prep School to rival those in the US, playing alongside Jamal Murray and Thon Maker to playing for the Oregon Ducks he shares with us how he overcame the obstacles thrown his way. Eugene talks about declaring for the 2021 draft and what he’s doing to prepare both mentally and physically.   

We reminisce about the 2019 Raptors NBA championship run, how they inspired and motivated him and other young players and the power of sports to unite and divide.  

We talk about the recent trade of Canadian Khem Birch to the Raptors, if he sees himself playing for Canada’s team, his hopes and dreams for the future including the legacy he hopes to leave behind.  He tells us about his Godsent Foundation, created to give back to his roots in Nigeria and his thoughts on the racial divide that is so prevalent today. 

Hear from the fans as they tap in with Alexys Feaster!

A force that has infiltrated both politics and sports, Alexys Feaster spent six years as Senior Director of Player Development at the NBA.  Navigating players through investment, relationships, and leadership opportunities Alexys has worked, and supported some of the best in the League.  She joins Trish and Kurt to talk about her years there, what it was like working with the Obamas, during the 2012 election campaign, and to showcase her new initiative, The Kinship Advisors, a DC think tank that creates alliances with athletes, entertainers and organization who are committed to positively impacting underserved communities.

Carolina Blanco joins us today as we speak about her time with SIG  and the evolution of women in professional sports. How the WNBA has grown and made massive strides to get to where they are today including their 25 year anniversary but also how much work is still ahead to level the playing field.

We also talk about how the core of SIG and how Boris Lelchitski built the agency around women including the likes of WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro. 

Carolina leads a life full of positivity always finding the best in every scenario, we hear about how important the little things are in sports and no matter who you are you play an important role in the team. 

In a special episode, and taking a new spin on things, "The Tidal League Podcast" brings together 5 female movers and shakers in the world of sport to give their take on what it's like to be a woman in a male dominated arena.  These incredible women talk about their place in this world, the changes that have occured over the years, the fight for equal pay and equal rights, the difference between equity and equality, the challenges and the incredible opportunities, how they support each other, how they take care of their mental health, and how they maintain professional boundaries.

We talk about the economics of women in sports, the money making aspect of it, how to grow the involvement of women in all aspects of sports, the importance of male allies, and the four cornerstones of raising the profile and interest in the WNBA and beyond - money, coverage, respect and time.