WiSP Sports

As the winter Olympic Games heads towards the final events, which will be the climax of years of work for hundreds of athletes, double Olympians and  double sculls rowing silver medalists Lindsay Jennerich and Patricia Obee offer an insight into the life of an athlete who is laying everything on the line. They reveal what it feels like to be judged by an audience who, for the most part, will have no idea of the individual journeys that Olympians go through to reach the games. That what athletes are doing during their performances is providing entertainment while at their most vulnerable. It becomes an intimate moment - a window into the culmination of years of preparation and commitment.  With so much at stake, every extreme of emotion is on edge and when a performance does not live up to expectations it can lead to a number of issues, including depression. The pair share their personal experiences and the effect that two Olympic Games has had on them as athletes and as women. For show notes and related links for this episode click HERE. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 775 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports.  

Siri & Bek look back on their careers and how their experiences have led to many life lessons that they are now sharing through their coaching club and to a wider audience. They explain that while triathlon did not define them as people, being immersed in that bubble of being a professional athlete taught them to appreciate more who they really are now that they have retired. They offer their candid and uncensored perspective and vivid memories of the rigors of training, of the battle of competition, and the people that have played a part in their journey.  For show notes and related links for this episode click HERE. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 775 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports.

Cathy O'Dowd talks to British adventurer Sarah Outen who decided to use Kickstarter to raise money to make a film about her round the world adventure. Sarah explains how she decided this was the way forward to make it happen and how she set about pre-production with the film-maker Jen Randall.  So far the London2London via the World campaign has raised £42,093 from 732 backers.  For show notes and related links for this episode click HERE. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 775 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports.

Kim Donaldson catches up with England &  Saracens Lock Poppy Cleall to hear how England's Red Roses are finding their form in the current Six Nations Tournament having beaten Italy 42-7 in Round 1, and then this past weekend Wales, by another convincing margin of 52-0. Poppy explains that the team is not only strong in the front row but credits the coaching as well as the foundation for women's rugby in England. Having started playing at the age of six, Poppy won her first cap for England against Scotland in 2017 and will be heading to Glasgow later this month to play them again. She explains how the grassroots of the game in England is providing the best opportunities that young girls can have to come into the sport and a sound foundation for England's county teams.  When she's not playing rugby Poppy is a Prison Officer at HM Prison Ashfield, an adult male sex offenders prison near Bristol. For show notes and related links for this episode click HERE. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports.

Gabbi Hall and co-host Claire Brown from Ski Racing Media are both based at the Jeongseon Alpine Center in South Korea for the Winter Olympic Games where they are also working as researchers for NBC. On this week's episode they tell us about the alpine venue and what it's like to be working at the games as well as offering their medal predictions for the upcoming women’s races. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 11 of The Inside Line click HERE For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Dr. Lisa Ingarfield is joined by Dr. Mary Jo Kane who heads up the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport based at the University of Minnesota. Their topic is how sport can be a side of resistance and empowerment for women and how this potential is often, consciously and unconsciously, contained by a male run sports industry seeking to maintain its dominance in sport. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 5 of Talking Point click here. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

On episode 2 of The FAB Podcast, Kristen Reenders and Datorria Robinson talk to Kierra Washington who is an Athletic Training GA at Northwestern University. A graduate of Grand Valley State Universities Athletic Training Program, she is no stranger to breaking barriers. As one of few women in this industry, Kierra represents that no matter how young or old you are, you can do anything you put your mind to. Kierra shares her journey and what it’s like to work in an industry that has traditionally been male dominated. She hopes to inspire young women who are interested in going into the industry but may think they are limited by size and strength. Hear what it’s like to be an athletic trainer or sports physician. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 2 of The FAB Podcast visit http://www.wispsports.com/womens-sports-podcasts-featuring-elite-women-athletes/the-fab-podcast/. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Lea Baynes describes herself as a massive Arsenal fan supporting both Arsenal and Arsenal Women teams and more recently attending the England Lionesses games. She volunteers at the women's games as well as being a sponsor of one of the players. She is a member of the  GayGooners committee, which is actively involved in boosting the supporter base for women's football. She say's: "being a member of GayGooners is amazing, this has been a fantastic couple of years for me."  Chris Stafford caught up with Lea at her home in the south of England to hear about Gaygooners, its involvement in the women's game and the expansion of other LGBT groups that are providing a safe and supportive community for football fans so they never have to attend a game alone. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 14 of Transcending Sport visit http://www.wispsports.com/listen/transcending-sport. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Siri & Bek take us back to their grass roots to talk about how they got into sport as children and when they developed an interest in triathlon. As they were growing up they were often teased about their body shape that could have demoralized them and put them off playing sport. And we also hear from Siri about her father's reaction when he discovered she was gay and how that effected her self esteem. Instead of giving in and giving up these hurtful and shaming comments motivated them even more and they grew as athletes and as gay women in spite of these hurdles.  For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 6 of the SIRI & BEK show visit http://wispsports.com/listen/siri-bek . For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

In this episode Canadian Ice Hockey goalie Kendra Fisher tells her story of being a gay woman in sport and how she came to understand that being open in her community, and to the public that followed her, was a social responsibility. She explains that the perception that is sometimes held of sexuality contributing to mental illness was not her reality. She said: "Thinking back in those moments and given this perspective that I was being offered I realized that had I not felt safe in those places had I not been free to be who I was to love who I love and to have that open support of my partner there with me in those moments. I don't know that it would have been the same space for me to exist in, in relation to my mental illness."  Kendra's message of being true to yourself and being open about who you love provides stability and critical support especially when you need it the most. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 6 of mentallyfit visit http://wispsports.com/listen/mentally-fit. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Maureen McGonigle was inspired to form an organization dedicated to Scottish women in sport following the 2012 London Olympic Games, which had generated more interest about women in sport generally. She gathered some high profile Scottish sportswomen and is now leading a Scotland wide program—Scottish Women in Sport—aimed at females of all ages, abilities, ethnicities and walks of life. Their goal is to increase participation in sport or physical activity; within a positive, equitable culture where their achievements are promoted and celebrated.  Chris Stafford spoke to Maureen about the development of the organization, the impact it has had so far and how funding will be integral to their plans for future expansion. The closing music is the Scottish Women’s Anthem ‘Girl Daughter of Scotland’ written and performed by Sharon Martin. For show notes, related links and the full transcript of episode 13 of Transcending Sport visit www.wispsports.com/listen/transcending-sport. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

South African Eventer Katie Keller, 23, wrapped up last season being crowned the Senior National Champion just to confirm that her Pony and Junior titles were not a phase of youth.  In 2007, Katie, who recently moved close to Durban, established her name in eventing in the Gauteng Province, following in her mother’s footsteps. Katie’s passion was inspired by her mother, Karen Keller, who is a well-respected Dressage trainer based in Kyalami, Johannesburg.  Katie has consistently been on championship teams and in 2008 took the Pony Championship title, followed by the Junior title in 2010 and Team Gold Medal in 2012. “I was sort of born almost on horseback,” she noted, “I've always been around horses, and horse passionate, and just loved them.”  Devoted to eventing Katie understands the challenges of establishing an international profile and what it will cost to train and compete overseas. She has had a taste of training in England and the U.S. and one gets the feeling that it’s only a matter of time before Katie takes her career to next level with four star events the main goal. Chris Stafford caught up with Katie at her home near Durban to find out more about her passion and ambition.  For show notes, related links and the full transcript of this episode visit www.wispsports.com/listen/the-horse-show For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Dr. Kimberly Clay is the President and CEO of I Play Like a Girl, a non profit organization which is creating programs and events that will inspire middle school girls to get out and play. Their mission is to advance the health and empowerment of girls through the transformative power of sport and physical activity, and to leverage the collective power of women to deliver the early, positive experiences middle school girls need to develop a lifelong commitment to play. Statistics show that all too often girls drop out of sports at the age of 14 so by creating after school programs the goal is to keep girls active in the hope that they remain physically engaged in activities throughout their life. As their organization evolved it became clear from research that something needed to be done about overweight and obesity in the female population so they shifted their focus specifically to the 11-14 age group. Kim shares the story of the organization’s development, their progress so far and plans for the future with Chris Stafford. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

Abby Ehler knows what it's like to sail around the world having been the Boat Captain on Team SCA in the 2015/6 Edition of the Volvo Ocean Race. The grueling intensity of ever-changing conditions combined with sleep deprivation and dried food tests the best but the lure of the ocean and battling the elements in all corners of the globe somehow brings them back for more. This time Abby is Boat Captain for Team Brunel and as the race stops over in Hong Kong, she is taking a leg off and will return to the boat in Auckland refreshed and driven to lead the fleet as they set sail into the Southern Ocean once more. Abby will be racing to the finish line and relishes the challenges ahead. Chris Stafford caught up with her while she was home in England for some R& R, fresh food and family time to hear what has been the most intense part of the race so far and why she's enjoying being on a mixed team. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.

On this month’s Off the Front Elizabeth Emery is joined by graphic novelist and illustrator Michi Mathias and superstar cyclocross racer Katie Compton. Katie offers her take on day-of prep for cyclocross with rollers, dry clothes, and a few tips for pre-riding the course. They also talk about politically correct equity, how she focuses on her racing while making time for fans, and the difference between men and women on the course. Michi Mathias is currently working on a graphic novel about  T.H. Holding, who came up with combining cycling & camping. We talk about his first trip, her research process, and the importance of the bicycle for women. For more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcast visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports Radio is the World’s Largest Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 760 episodes across 30 shows and a global audience of 1.6 million. WiSP Sports Radio is on all major podcast players, such as iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play. And follow WiSP too on social media @WiSPsports for regular updates and news.