Unexpected Curves

Today, we celebrate 100 years of Black women in sports. From the OGs like Alice Coachman and Ora Washington, who were dominating way before anyone thought 'they should,' to icons like Flo Jo, whose nails were as legendary as her speed. I’m joined by journalist and historian Bria Felician, whose recent article in Essence magazine chronicles the undeniable mark Black women have made on sports over the last century. We talk about the importance of narrative control, representation, and advocating for more Black women in decision-making roles within sports. We're diving into the struggles, the triumphs, the sheer, unadulterated excellence – and asking: What's next for Black women in sports?

Jess Tonn McClain, a professional marathoner for Brooks, will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about "never giving up." Jess shares how taking a two-year break from competing helped her hit the reset button, ditch the pressure of her identity as an athlete, reconnect with life beyond the track, and come back way stronger—on her own terms.

What’s more powerful than a sports icon? A sports icon with a fanbase.

On this episode of Unexpected Curves, I’m joined by Alice Crossley to explore how WAGs (wives and girlfriends of athletes) have shifted from tabloid fixations to major influencers. As fandom continues to evolve WAGs are creating new pathways into sports, proving that passion for the game goes far beyond the field. From the flash of the “noughties" to the polished influencers of today, we explore how this shift is broadening how we connect with athletics.

Today’s guest, Erika Kemp, a professional marathoner for Brooks, joins us to discuss how the places we live and train shape performance. We explore the unique challenges and choices distance runners face when balancing physical gains with the emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of their environment.

Through our conversation, we consider how an athlete’s sense of "home" evolves, and both the sacrifices and joys of adapting to different environments.

This conversation takes on added significance as we think about Los Angeles. We share gratitude for the people who make the places we visit and adopt feel like home, honoring the spirit of community and connection that endures.

Stay safe, LA. ❤️

How do you keep love alive when your career is all about personal goals and sacrifices? In this episode, Olympian and US champion Colleen Quigley shares how she’s found balance between career, love, and personal growth. From navigating a long-distance relationship to defying societal expectations around marriage and family, Colleen reflects on forging her own path while chasing Olympic dreams.

In this episode of , I'm joined by acclaimed integrated marketing leader Martha Garcia, one of Running Insight Magazine's 25 Women to Watch. Together, we explore how women are boldly stepping into the world of business, using their authenticity and multi-dimensional identities as powerful tools to reshape industries.

As the lines between sports and business continue to blur, we’ll discuss how athletes are becoming influential moguls—taking charge of their narratives, and setting new standards for future generations.

Its not hyperbolic to say sports photography transcends the field of play. We all have images of play in our mind that build that narrative of a game. Brandi Chastain said she had “no idea” what made her tear off her shirt when celebrating the 1999 World Cup final against China. But it instantly became one of the most famous images in sports. It isn’t just about capturing action; it's about capturing emotion, legacy, and the timeless stories that unfold in an instant.

In this episode Alexis Holmes opens up about the race behind the iconic finish line photo at the World Championships in Budapest where she anchored Team USA to victory. We get into what it’s like to handle pressure on the biggest stages, and how she stays calm and composed when the world is watching.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Simone Wood, Data and Public Policy Manager at Meta, and my big sister. We’re diving into how non-legacy media—especially podcasts—have transformed the way we consume information. From the 2024 election, which has been dubbed 'The Podcast Election,' to the growing influence of non-traditional media in women’s sports, we’ll explore how these platforms are challenging traditional power structures, and creating new opportunities for information sharing, advocacy, and engagement.

An overemphasis on superfoods, supplements, and detoxes can detract from what true wellness looks like. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Molly Malone, a New England-based multi-hyphenate creative. We dive into how she has used weightlifting to redefine what it means to be healthy, strong, and at peace in her body—not just for herself, but for her daughter.

This week, I sit down with Felicia Henderson, director of The Rebel Girls, a powerful short film that tells the story of 15 young girls who were kidnapped and imprisoned in a Civil War-era stockade in 1963. We explore themes of magical thinking, resilience, and how the legacy of these brave young women connects to the evolution of women’s sports today.