1 00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:02,960 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're willing 2 00:00:02,960 --> 00:00:05,480 Speaker 1: to donate a groin to Caitlin Clark for this weekend, 3 00:00:06,200 --> 00:00:10,280 Speaker 1: or two groins, however it works, really because why is 4 00:00:10,280 --> 00:00:13,119 Speaker 1: it a growing but you got a left and a right? 5 00:00:13,640 --> 00:00:14,320 Speaker 2: I digress. 6 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:17,239 Speaker 1: It's Friday, July eighteenth, and on today's show, we'll be 7 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:20,760 Speaker 1: talking with journalist, host, producer, and consultant great ideas about 8 00:00:20,760 --> 00:00:23,800 Speaker 1: making your passion your full time job, her mid season 9 00:00:23,840 --> 00:00:26,760 Speaker 1: picks for WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year, what 10 00:00:26,800 --> 00:00:29,080 Speaker 1: she's hoping to see from this year's All Star activations 11 00:00:29,080 --> 00:00:32,159 Speaker 1: and events, and more. Plus a w star moves up, 12 00:00:32,159 --> 00:00:35,640 Speaker 1: a list of illustrious Hoopers, the Athlete's Unlimited Softball League 13 00:00:35,680 --> 00:00:39,000 Speaker 1: regular season is winding down, and a Canadian tennis star 14 00:00:39,159 --> 00:00:41,880 Speaker 1: says blah blah blah, it's all coming up right after 15 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:59,120 Speaker 1: this welcome back slices, Here's what you need to know 16 00:00:59,200 --> 00:01:04,679 Speaker 1: today in hoops news. The twenty twenty five WNBA All 17 00:01:04,680 --> 00:01:08,320 Speaker 1: Star Weekend is upon us, but it's getting going with 18 00:01:08,400 --> 00:01:13,080 Speaker 1: some truly sad news. Caitlin Clark announced on Thursday via 19 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:16,120 Speaker 1: The Fever that she won't be participating in either the 20 00:01:16,160 --> 00:01:19,640 Speaker 1: three Point Contest or the All Star Game after sustaining 21 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:21,640 Speaker 1: a right groin injury in the Fevers win over the 22 00:01:21,640 --> 00:01:24,880 Speaker 1: Connecticut Sun in Boston on Tuesday. Clark, who led the 23 00:01:24,920 --> 00:01:26,880 Speaker 1: league in All Star voting, was slated to be a 24 00:01:26,920 --> 00:01:30,399 Speaker 1: captain and starter and also participate in her first three 25 00:01:30,400 --> 00:01:34,040 Speaker 1: Point Contest during this weekend's festivities in Indy. The WNBA 26 00:01:34,120 --> 00:01:37,160 Speaker 1: sophomore has only checked into thirteen of the Fever's twenty 27 00:01:37,160 --> 00:01:40,600 Speaker 1: three games this season, dealing with multiple injuries, including two 28 00:01:40,680 --> 00:01:43,800 Speaker 1: left quad injuries and a left groin injury in addition 29 00:01:43,840 --> 00:01:47,559 Speaker 1: to this new right groin injury. In a statement, Clark said, quote, 30 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:50,800 Speaker 1: I'm incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can't participate 31 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:53,040 Speaker 1: in the Three Point Contest or the All Star Game. 32 00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:55,400 Speaker 1: I have to rest my body. I will still be 33 00:01:55,440 --> 00:01:57,440 Speaker 1: at Gambridge Field House for all the action, and I'm 34 00:01:57,480 --> 00:02:00,160 Speaker 1: looking forward to helping Sandy Brondelo coach our team to 35 00:02:00,200 --> 00:02:00,480 Speaker 1: a win. 36 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:01,360 Speaker 2: End quote. 37 00:02:01,720 --> 00:02:05,080 Speaker 1: I am super super bummed for her, knowing how much 38 00:02:05,120 --> 00:02:06,800 Speaker 1: it meant to her to have this game in her 39 00:02:06,840 --> 00:02:09,520 Speaker 1: city and truly be the face of this All Star weekend. 40 00:02:09,919 --> 00:02:12,120 Speaker 1: And I'm bummed for the fans because neither the three 41 00:02:12,160 --> 00:02:14,160 Speaker 1: point contest, nor the game itself is going to be 42 00:02:14,160 --> 00:02:16,880 Speaker 1: the same without seeing her launch those long balls, talk, 43 00:02:17,000 --> 00:02:19,400 Speaker 1: smack and hype up the crowd who would have been 44 00:02:19,800 --> 00:02:22,840 Speaker 1: absolutely losing it for their hometown girl. 45 00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:24,920 Speaker 2: We know how disappointed this is for her. 46 00:02:24,760 --> 00:02:27,440 Speaker 1: And the fans, but also she's got to get healthy 47 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,240 Speaker 1: for the rest of the season. As I mentioned, she 48 00:02:29,280 --> 00:02:31,120 Speaker 1: has struggled and been in and out of the lineup, 49 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:33,919 Speaker 1: so we're sending her good vibes for a thorough recovery 50 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:36,280 Speaker 1: and hopefully she can find a way to still have 51 00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:38,200 Speaker 1: a little bit of fun this weekend despite not being 52 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:39,000 Speaker 1: able to suit up. 53 00:02:39,560 --> 00:02:40,440 Speaker 2: More w News. 54 00:02:40,520 --> 00:02:43,320 Speaker 1: Phoenix Mercury star Satusaboli, who was drafted to play with 55 00:02:43,360 --> 00:02:46,360 Speaker 1: Team Clark in the WNBA All Star Game, has also 56 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:48,760 Speaker 1: announced that she won't be suiting up this weekend. She 57 00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:51,960 Speaker 1: gave the news via a statement on her Instagram on Wednesday. 58 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:54,160 Speaker 1: The player known as the Unicorn hasn't hit the floor 59 00:02:54,200 --> 00:02:56,800 Speaker 1: for Phoenix since July third due to an ankle injury, 60 00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:00,680 Speaker 1: and will stay sidelined until at least July twenty third. 61 00:03:01,120 --> 00:03:04,160 Speaker 1: In her statement, Saboly, a team union rep, did say 62 00:03:04,160 --> 00:03:06,600 Speaker 1: that she'll be in Indianapolis to quote take part in 63 00:03:06,639 --> 00:03:09,360 Speaker 1: the most important part of the weekend, which is fighting 64 00:03:09,440 --> 00:03:13,080 Speaker 1: for a fair and equitable CBA end quote. With both 65 00:03:13,120 --> 00:03:16,560 Speaker 1: Sably and Clark out, Washington Mystics Guard Britney Sykes and 66 00:03:16,600 --> 00:03:20,160 Speaker 1: Atlanta Dreamford Brianna Jones have been named by WNBA Commissioner 67 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:23,840 Speaker 1: Kathy Engelbert to replace the pair on Team Clark. I'm 68 00:03:23,880 --> 00:03:26,200 Speaker 1: excited for Sikes and Jones to get the opportunity, but 69 00:03:26,240 --> 00:03:30,120 Speaker 1: obviously bummed for Clark and Sabbily. There are lots of 70 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:32,360 Speaker 1: other great players to get hype four, though, and so 71 00:03:32,480 --> 00:03:34,360 Speaker 1: we're going to turn our focus to them as we 72 00:03:34,400 --> 00:03:38,160 Speaker 1: dive into the weekend's activities. The festivities begin tonight with 73 00:03:38,200 --> 00:03:41,400 Speaker 1: the New York Liberties Natasha Cloud, the Atlanta Dreams Alisha Gray, 74 00:03:41,480 --> 00:03:44,360 Speaker 1: the Minnesota lynx Is Courtney Williams and Skyler Diggins and 75 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:47,040 Speaker 1: Eric Wheeler of the Seattle Storm all competing in this 76 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:50,280 Speaker 1: skills challenge. That's an eight pm Eastern start on ESPN. 77 00:03:50,840 --> 00:03:54,160 Speaker 1: Once that concludes, it's the three point Contest. As I mentioned, 78 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:57,400 Speaker 1: Clark is out, so it'll be Gray, the Liberties, Sabrini 79 00:03:57,480 --> 00:04:00,000 Speaker 1: and Escut, the La Sparks, Kelsey Plum, and the Washington 80 00:04:00,200 --> 00:04:04,880 Speaker 1: Mystics rookie Sonya Citron competing. Grace swept both the Skills 81 00:04:04,920 --> 00:04:07,240 Speaker 1: and the three point contest last year, becoming the first 82 00:04:07,280 --> 00:04:10,360 Speaker 1: player in WNBA history to win both at the same 83 00:04:10,440 --> 00:04:13,960 Speaker 1: All Star weekend. On Saturday night, it'll be Team Clark 84 00:04:14,000 --> 00:04:16,320 Speaker 1: and Team Collier squaring off in the All Star Games, 85 00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:19,320 Speaker 1: slated to start at eight thirty pm Eastern on ESPN, 86 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:23,240 Speaker 1: And this year, the game's got four new rules. First, 87 00:04:23,279 --> 00:04:25,760 Speaker 1: the league is bringing back the four point shot, which 88 00:04:25,839 --> 00:04:28,320 Speaker 1: was previously instituted in both the twenty twenty two and 89 00:04:28,360 --> 00:04:30,880 Speaker 1: twenty twenty three All Star Games. There will be two 90 00:04:30,920 --> 00:04:33,440 Speaker 1: circles twenty eight feet from the ram on each end 91 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:35,680 Speaker 1: of the court, and if a player makes contact with 92 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:39,240 Speaker 1: one of the circles while shooting, they'll earn four points. 93 00:04:40,120 --> 00:04:44,400 Speaker 1: Very MTV Rock and Jack Basketball, My fellow oldheads know 94 00:04:44,440 --> 00:04:47,040 Speaker 1: what I'm talking about. The other rules, while the shot 95 00:04:47,040 --> 00:04:49,160 Speaker 1: clock will be set to twenty seconds instead of the 96 00:04:49,200 --> 00:04:53,520 Speaker 1: twenty four seconds allotted for regulation contests, live player substitutions 97 00:04:53,640 --> 00:04:56,279 Speaker 1: will also be in effect, and one player can check 98 00:04:56,279 --> 00:04:58,359 Speaker 1: in per possession as long as they enter from the 99 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:00,320 Speaker 1: back court between the twenty eight foot mark the half 100 00:05:00,320 --> 00:05:00,880 Speaker 1: court line. 101 00:05:00,960 --> 00:05:03,000 Speaker 2: They can't touch the ball till they cross half court. 102 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:05,800 Speaker 1: Last, but not least, players will not shoot free throws 103 00:05:05,880 --> 00:05:07,760 Speaker 1: except for in the final two minutes of the fourth 104 00:05:07,839 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 1: quarter and throughout any overtime periods. Otherwise, players who are 105 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:13,680 Speaker 1: fouled will just get the maximum amount of points for 106 00:05:13,720 --> 00:05:15,920 Speaker 1: the number of free throws they'd normally attempt, So if 107 00:05:15,920 --> 00:05:18,320 Speaker 1: they get fouled on a two pointer, they'll get two points. 108 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:21,400 Speaker 1: Fouled on a three pointer, they'll get three. I'm excited 109 00:05:21,400 --> 00:05:22,960 Speaker 1: to see what all these rules look like in action. 110 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:26,839 Speaker 1: Really hoping for a close game. Elsewhere in w News, 111 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:30,640 Speaker 1: Seattle Storms star forward Deca Ogumakay is moving on up 112 00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:33,880 Speaker 1: the WNBA's all time scoring list. In the storm sixty 113 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:35,880 Speaker 1: seven to fifty eight win over the Valkyries on Wednesday, 114 00:05:35,920 --> 00:05:38,520 Speaker 1: she scored twenty two points to move into sixth place, 115 00:05:38,760 --> 00:05:41,960 Speaker 1: passing Candice to Pre by one point. Neca's got six 116 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:45,919 Speaker 1: eight ninety six in counting and now sits behind Tamika Ketchings, 117 00:05:45,920 --> 00:05:49,240 Speaker 1: who scored seven three hundred and eighty points in her career. 118 00:05:49,920 --> 00:05:53,679 Speaker 1: Off the court, Diana Tarasi, the WNBA's all time leading scorer, 119 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:57,640 Speaker 1: is getting a docu series on Amazon Prime The series 120 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:01,040 Speaker 1: simply named Tarasi, was announce to be a post from 121 00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:03,440 Speaker 1: The Phoenix Mercury on Instagram, and it's set to premiere 122 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:07,040 Speaker 1: on August seventh. Tarasi will dive into DT's historic twenty 123 00:06:07,120 --> 00:06:09,520 Speaker 1: year career as a member of the one that officially 124 00:06:09,640 --> 00:06:12,200 Speaker 1: ended when she retired back in February. We'll link to 125 00:06:12,200 --> 00:06:14,440 Speaker 1: the show art and the announcement in our show notes. 126 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:18,479 Speaker 1: To softball, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League regular season is 127 00:06:18,600 --> 00:06:22,360 Speaker 1: nearly complete. Next Wednesday marks the final regular season games, 128 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:24,440 Speaker 1: and the top two teams in the standings will earn 129 00:06:24,480 --> 00:06:27,119 Speaker 1: a spot in the best of three finals series. Heading 130 00:06:27,160 --> 00:06:30,320 Speaker 1: into this weekend's games, the top ranked talents have already 131 00:06:30,320 --> 00:06:32,880 Speaker 1: locked up a playoff berth, while the number two Bandits 132 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:35,719 Speaker 1: have nearly secured the other spot. We'll link to the 133 00:06:35,720 --> 00:06:38,359 Speaker 1: full AUSL schedule in the show notes, which includes a 134 00:06:38,360 --> 00:06:41,000 Speaker 1: bunch of games this weekend from Round Rock, Texas and 135 00:06:41,080 --> 00:06:44,919 Speaker 1: Salt Lake City, Utah. In tennis news, Canadian player Jeanie 136 00:06:44,960 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 1: Bouchard announced her plans to retire from tennis on Wednesday. 137 00:06:48,360 --> 00:06:50,520 Speaker 1: The Montreal native did so in a simple post on 138 00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:53,320 Speaker 1: x which included four photos of her at different stages 139 00:06:53,360 --> 00:06:56,479 Speaker 1: of her career and the caption quote You'll know when 140 00:06:56,480 --> 00:07:00,359 Speaker 1: it's time for me. It's now ending where it all started, 141 00:07:00,640 --> 00:07:04,839 Speaker 1: Montreal end quote. Montreal refers not just to her hometown, 142 00:07:05,160 --> 00:07:08,200 Speaker 1: but to the National Bank Open WTA one thousand tournament 143 00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:11,000 Speaker 1: later this month, Bouchard will enter on a wild card 144 00:07:11,080 --> 00:07:11,600 Speaker 1: and hit. 145 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:13,960 Speaker 2: The courts for the last time as a pro. 146 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:16,400 Speaker 1: The thirty one year old turned pro back in two 147 00:07:16,480 --> 00:07:19,320 Speaker 1: thousand and nine at just fifteen years old, and soared 148 00:07:19,360 --> 00:07:21,960 Speaker 1: as high as number five in the WTA rankings. 149 00:07:22,280 --> 00:07:22,880 Speaker 2: In her career. 150 00:07:22,920 --> 00:07:25,800 Speaker 1: She won a singles title at the twenty fourteen Nuremberg Open, 151 00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:28,560 Speaker 1: a doubles title at the twenty nineteen Auckland Open, and 152 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:31,000 Speaker 1: helped Canada win the Billy Jean King Cup title in 153 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:35,000 Speaker 1: twenty twenty three. Finally, in soccer, per ESPN's Jeff Casoof, 154 00:07:35,080 --> 00:07:38,640 Speaker 1: the NWSL's Denver expansion team is finalizing the hire of 155 00:07:38,760 --> 00:07:42,240 Speaker 1: Nick Cushing as the club's first head coach. Cushing previously 156 00:07:42,280 --> 00:07:44,760 Speaker 1: held the same position for Manchester City Women and for 157 00:07:44,840 --> 00:07:48,120 Speaker 1: the MLS side New York City FC. He helped Manchester 158 00:07:48,200 --> 00:07:50,720 Speaker 1: City win their first Women's Super League title in twenty 159 00:07:50,760 --> 00:07:54,080 Speaker 1: sixteen and an FA Women's Cup title in twenty seventeen. 160 00:07:54,480 --> 00:07:57,840 Speaker 1: Denver is set to start playing under Cushing's direction next season. 161 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:02,480 Speaker 1: All Right, slices. Something else we're keeping an eye on 162 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:05,800 Speaker 1: this weekend down at WNBA All Star is safety. I 163 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:07,559 Speaker 1: caught up with an old friend at the US Women's 164 00:08:07,640 --> 00:08:09,960 Speaker 1: National Teampa players ball on Tuesday, and she happened to 165 00:08:10,000 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 1: mention that she's working All Star weekend and said she's 166 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:16,760 Speaker 1: been really dismayed at the need for majorly increased security 167 00:08:16,800 --> 00:08:19,760 Speaker 1: for a handful of w players. While it's understandable that 168 00:08:19,760 --> 00:08:22,680 Speaker 1: big name athletes are going to need security, the calls 169 00:08:22,680 --> 00:08:26,760 Speaker 1: for increased protection stem from threats and fears about player safety, 170 00:08:26,960 --> 00:08:31,040 Speaker 1: not concerns about people like aggressive autograph hounds. It's such 171 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:34,319 Speaker 1: a shame that so much of the increased attendance, higher ratings, 172 00:08:34,440 --> 00:08:37,920 Speaker 1: elevated valuations, and just general excitement and enthusiasm for the 173 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:41,040 Speaker 1: W has come with such toxicity for so many of 174 00:08:41,080 --> 00:08:43,839 Speaker 1: the league's players. Like just this week at the Indiana 175 00:08:43,920 --> 00:08:46,880 Speaker 1: Fever Connecticut Sun game in Boston, a fan was ejected 176 00:08:46,920 --> 00:08:50,280 Speaker 1: after making a comment to Sun guard Sanaia Rivers. Rivers 177 00:08:50,320 --> 00:08:53,040 Speaker 1: immediately alerted the refs and the fan was escorted out 178 00:08:53,040 --> 00:08:56,960 Speaker 1: by security. You have to assume they said something pretty bad. Look, 179 00:08:57,280 --> 00:09:00,880 Speaker 1: there's no room anywhere for that nonsense. And here's hoping 180 00:09:00,920 --> 00:09:02,600 Speaker 1: we don't see any of it this weekend. We just 181 00:09:02,640 --> 00:09:06,200 Speaker 1: have a safe, fun weekend for everyone involved, and hoping 182 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:09,280 Speaker 1: media and fans will actually start to take accountability for 183 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:12,400 Speaker 1: the atmosphere and the climate that they create with their 184 00:09:12,440 --> 00:09:16,640 Speaker 1: stories and posts and comments. Let's keep the WNBA and 185 00:09:16,679 --> 00:09:20,360 Speaker 1: women's sports the good place, y'all. All right, we got 186 00:09:20,400 --> 00:09:21,160 Speaker 1: to take a quick break. 187 00:09:21,200 --> 00:09:21,840 Speaker 2: When we come back. 188 00:09:21,920 --> 00:09:25,240 Speaker 1: It's the mid Range Mommy Grady Das and Jessa heads Up. 189 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:27,480 Speaker 1: We caught up with her on Wednesday before the Caitlin 190 00:09:27,520 --> 00:09:28,680 Speaker 1: Clark news was official. 191 00:09:29,040 --> 00:09:38,640 Speaker 2: That's coming up next joining us now. 192 00:09:38,679 --> 00:09:41,600 Speaker 1: She's a journalist, host, producer and consultan whose work you've 193 00:09:41,600 --> 00:09:45,440 Speaker 1: seen on ESPN, Boardroom and Escape, just Women's Sports, sp Nation, 194 00:09:45,600 --> 00:09:49,520 Speaker 1: The Guardian and more Proudly Dominican and Bouriqua, proudly washed 195 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:53,959 Speaker 1: but still hoopin'. It's the Midrange Mommy herself aka Grady Das. 196 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:54,880 Speaker 2: What's up? Grady? 197 00:09:55,520 --> 00:09:57,520 Speaker 3: Hi, Sarah? How are you? Thank you for having me? 198 00:09:58,160 --> 00:09:58,360 Speaker 2: Yeah? 199 00:09:58,360 --> 00:10:00,680 Speaker 1: I want to get to that first. Mid range Mommy 200 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:02,319 Speaker 1: is the MIDI really unstoppable. 201 00:10:02,600 --> 00:10:06,160 Speaker 3: Absolutely. People literally call me mid range Mommy. I played 202 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:10,320 Speaker 3: basketball my entire life. I still play, and I always 203 00:10:10,400 --> 00:10:12,840 Speaker 3: tell folks like, once you have a shot, it's hard 204 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:16,400 Speaker 3: to lose. So for me, that's just the best part 205 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:19,120 Speaker 3: of my game. And it's a lost art. Although we 206 00:10:19,160 --> 00:10:21,040 Speaker 3: do have some mid range mommies in the league, which 207 00:10:21,040 --> 00:10:23,800 Speaker 3: I love, But that's just the best part of my game. 208 00:10:23,880 --> 00:10:25,160 Speaker 3: So that's what I love to show. 209 00:10:25,520 --> 00:10:28,240 Speaker 1: Also, mid range is so good for pickup because everybody's 210 00:10:28,280 --> 00:10:31,320 Speaker 1: trying to jack up threes or start a drive, not 211 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:33,480 Speaker 1: know how to finish, and then dick around in the paint, 212 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:36,319 Speaker 1: Whereas if you can just make a quick move on 213 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:40,160 Speaker 1: somebody and pull up, you're in the money. Tell us 214 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:42,280 Speaker 1: about the Sunday Washed Club, which is where you do 215 00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:43,520 Speaker 1: most of your damage on the court. 216 00:10:43,559 --> 00:10:45,120 Speaker 2: Now, what is it and how did it get started? 217 00:10:45,440 --> 00:10:45,560 Speaker 1: Oh? 218 00:10:45,640 --> 00:10:48,200 Speaker 3: Yeah, so a few years ago, actually, I think about 219 00:10:48,240 --> 00:10:54,480 Speaker 3: three years ago now, two folks, Tony and Jirell, decided 220 00:10:54,520 --> 00:10:57,120 Speaker 3: to put together a run of media folks or folks 221 00:10:57,120 --> 00:11:00,600 Speaker 3: who work in sports, and yeah, we put together like 222 00:11:00,600 --> 00:11:04,000 Speaker 3: a really awesome group of folks. It's good vibes, you know, 223 00:11:04,120 --> 00:11:05,760 Speaker 3: not a lot of fighting, which is great, not a 224 00:11:05,760 --> 00:11:08,320 Speaker 3: lot of arguing. I mean, there are moments I won't lie, 225 00:11:08,679 --> 00:11:10,880 Speaker 3: but we usually try to keep that to a minimum. 226 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:13,400 Speaker 3: And they're very selective of who plays, so they want 227 00:11:13,440 --> 00:11:17,320 Speaker 3: to make sure there's a curated, really nice community. And 228 00:11:17,480 --> 00:11:19,160 Speaker 3: I was the first woman to play with them, So 229 00:11:19,160 --> 00:11:22,319 Speaker 3: I'm the first lady of Sunday Wash Club and I take, 230 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:26,000 Speaker 3: you know, real pride in that because women can play 231 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:28,320 Speaker 3: with men. I mean, I grew up hooping against guys 232 00:11:28,640 --> 00:11:31,840 Speaker 3: in practices, so it was just part of my life. 233 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:33,680 Speaker 3: So even now it's still a part of my life. 234 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:37,320 Speaker 3: So it's it's been fun with them. That's in New York, Yeah, 235 00:11:37,480 --> 00:11:37,960 Speaker 3: in New York. 236 00:11:38,320 --> 00:11:40,120 Speaker 2: Yeah, yeah, Yeah. I love the name. 237 00:11:40,480 --> 00:11:42,360 Speaker 1: I take a mild offense to it because if you're 238 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:44,960 Speaker 1: really washed, you can't even hoop anymore, like me, so 239 00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:46,240 Speaker 1: you're only mildly washed. 240 00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:48,439 Speaker 2: Congrats, congrats, sounds still getting out there. 241 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:51,640 Speaker 1: So you describe yourself as a storyteller, host and producer. 242 00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:53,680 Speaker 1: I know you're at ESPN for a really long time. 243 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:56,440 Speaker 1: You are a very multifaceted talent doing a lot of 244 00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:58,480 Speaker 1: different stuff in the space. So tell us how your 245 00:11:58,520 --> 00:12:01,839 Speaker 1: journey in media started and how you ended up getting 246 00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:03,320 Speaker 1: to kind of focus on women tubes. 247 00:12:03,640 --> 00:12:05,920 Speaker 3: Yeah, so folks don't really know that. I actually started 248 00:12:05,920 --> 00:12:09,080 Speaker 3: off on the business side at ESPN back in twenty fourteen. 249 00:12:09,640 --> 00:12:12,559 Speaker 3: So I was in Bristol at the headquarters. And then 250 00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:14,360 Speaker 3: after a few years, I was just like, you know, 251 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:16,320 Speaker 3: I feel like I can do my job with my 252 00:12:16,320 --> 00:12:18,440 Speaker 3: eyes closed and not really challenged. I was meeting with 253 00:12:18,440 --> 00:12:20,880 Speaker 3: folks on my own time throughout the whole company, just 254 00:12:20,920 --> 00:12:24,600 Speaker 3: wanted to learn the ecosystem. And from there I told somebody, Hey, 255 00:12:24,640 --> 00:12:26,520 Speaker 3: I think I want to write. So I actually started 256 00:12:26,520 --> 00:12:28,960 Speaker 3: writing for espnW while doing my business job. 257 00:12:29,080 --> 00:12:29,440 Speaker 1: Not a lot of. 258 00:12:29,440 --> 00:12:33,480 Speaker 3: People know that either, and just writing really short, buzzworthy pieces. 259 00:12:33,559 --> 00:12:35,560 Speaker 3: And then I decided that I was going to bet 260 00:12:35,559 --> 00:12:37,920 Speaker 3: on myself and quit my job. But I went to 261 00:12:38,360 --> 00:12:41,160 Speaker 3: The Undefeated at the time and I said, Hey, I'm 262 00:12:41,160 --> 00:12:43,439 Speaker 3: about to quit my job. Can you guys still hire 263 00:12:43,480 --> 00:12:45,920 Speaker 3: me if I do some stuff? So they said, of course, Grady, 264 00:12:46,000 --> 00:12:46,480 Speaker 3: we love you. 265 00:12:46,520 --> 00:12:49,120 Speaker 2: So that's a relocation, not a quitty. 266 00:12:49,200 --> 00:12:52,240 Speaker 1: As for those who don't know, The Undefeated was part 267 00:12:52,280 --> 00:12:54,199 Speaker 1: of ESPN that's now known as Antscape. 268 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:56,640 Speaker 2: But you were just like moving and around the block. 269 00:12:57,080 --> 00:12:59,000 Speaker 3: Yeah, But I mean I wasn't with them full time, 270 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:02,720 Speaker 3: so yeah, I mean, and then so I moved to 271 00:13:03,240 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 3: the DC area from there and was doing a lot 272 00:13:06,080 --> 00:13:10,000 Speaker 3: of freelance work for ESPN and other companies, and I 273 00:13:10,080 --> 00:13:13,319 Speaker 3: was doing sports at night. So I was covering the 274 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:17,000 Speaker 3: Mystics and the Wizards for basically no money. But that's 275 00:13:17,160 --> 00:13:18,800 Speaker 3: what I knew I wanted to do and where I 276 00:13:18,840 --> 00:13:22,000 Speaker 3: wanted to be. So just making that sacrifice, and I'm 277 00:13:22,040 --> 00:13:24,680 Speaker 3: so happy that I did it because that was about 278 00:13:24,880 --> 00:13:27,360 Speaker 3: what eight years ago and here I am now and 279 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:30,120 Speaker 3: I've been able to build my own reputation, build my 280 00:13:30,160 --> 00:13:35,080 Speaker 3: own brand, storytell interviews so many athletes, and there's so 281 00:13:35,160 --> 00:13:36,520 Speaker 3: much more that I want to do. I feel like 282 00:13:36,559 --> 00:13:37,839 Speaker 3: I haven't done my best work yet. 283 00:13:38,040 --> 00:13:39,920 Speaker 1: I mean, it seems like a natural fit based only 284 00:13:39,960 --> 00:13:43,120 Speaker 1: on your voice. It is like so soothing, and it's 285 00:13:43,120 --> 00:13:45,760 Speaker 1: a voice that we want to hear content from. So 286 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:48,480 Speaker 1: to get from business to writing to finally figuring out 287 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:49,920 Speaker 1: like okay, the people want to hear me. 288 00:13:50,640 --> 00:13:51,360 Speaker 2: That's really cool. 289 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:57,440 Speaker 1: And I also I love that organic discovery of I 290 00:13:57,480 --> 00:13:59,440 Speaker 1: have time off and this is what I want to 291 00:13:59,440 --> 00:14:01,680 Speaker 1: do with it. I think that so often can lead 292 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:04,840 Speaker 1: people to really understanding what they want to do, but 293 00:14:04,880 --> 00:14:07,360 Speaker 1: it's hard to make it work. You know, a lot 294 00:14:07,360 --> 00:14:09,360 Speaker 1: of people can find a passion that doesn't mean they 295 00:14:09,400 --> 00:14:11,920 Speaker 1: can make a living doing it. So props to you 296 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:15,160 Speaker 1: for figuring out how to be hosting events, talking to folks, 297 00:14:15,200 --> 00:14:18,600 Speaker 1: creating content, working with different spaces, because that's the dream 298 00:14:18,679 --> 00:14:20,400 Speaker 1: for a lot of people and it can be tough 299 00:14:20,440 --> 00:14:22,880 Speaker 1: to do. Your dream has taken you to being in 300 00:14:22,880 --> 00:14:26,440 Speaker 1: the women's hoop space, including you were at the Sun 301 00:14:26,480 --> 00:14:28,840 Speaker 1: Fever game at TD Garden on Tuesday. This was the 302 00:14:28,960 --> 00:14:32,480 Speaker 1: second time the Sun have played in Boston. There was 303 00:14:32,520 --> 00:14:35,080 Speaker 1: a block party beforehand, this time a little bit more 304 00:14:35,080 --> 00:14:37,160 Speaker 1: of an event. Tell us about the vibe from the 305 00:14:37,200 --> 00:14:39,120 Speaker 1: fans there. What was the split for Sun and Fever 306 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:40,680 Speaker 1: fans and did it I don't know if you went 307 00:14:40,720 --> 00:14:42,800 Speaker 1: to the first iteration as well, if it felt any different. 308 00:14:43,280 --> 00:14:45,400 Speaker 3: I didn't go to the first iteration last year because 309 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:46,840 Speaker 3: I believe there might have been a Liberty game of 310 00:14:46,960 --> 00:14:51,640 Speaker 3: the same day. So it was, oh my goodness. I mean, 311 00:14:51,680 --> 00:14:53,960 Speaker 3: it was my first time ever watching a WNBA game 312 00:14:54,000 --> 00:14:57,480 Speaker 3: in Boston, and growing up in Massachusetts, that was my dream. 313 00:14:57,520 --> 00:15:00,000 Speaker 3: I actually my first WNBA game was at Mohegan Sun 314 00:15:00,360 --> 00:15:02,680 Speaker 3: to watch the Connecticut Sun. So this was really a 315 00:15:02,720 --> 00:15:05,680 Speaker 3: full circle moment for me. So I took it all in. 316 00:15:05,800 --> 00:15:07,680 Speaker 3: I mean from seeing all the fans. Yes, there were 317 00:15:07,680 --> 00:15:11,400 Speaker 3: a lot of Indiana Fever fans, Caitlin Clark fans obviously 318 00:15:11,400 --> 00:15:13,240 Speaker 3: with the growth of the game, which is amazing, but 319 00:15:13,280 --> 00:15:15,040 Speaker 3: there weren't a lot of Sun fans too, and just 320 00:15:15,080 --> 00:15:16,880 Speaker 3: a lot of great energy, a lot of people that 321 00:15:16,920 --> 00:15:21,360 Speaker 3: are so supportive of women's sports. And credit to the 322 00:15:21,400 --> 00:15:25,080 Speaker 3: Sun for putting together an incredible block party with food, 323 00:15:25,640 --> 00:15:29,440 Speaker 3: with DJ with the Double Dutch. There were so many 324 00:15:29,680 --> 00:15:33,600 Speaker 3: things to do and it really felt like it represented 325 00:15:33,760 --> 00:15:37,000 Speaker 3: the city and the city is diverse, so you saw 326 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:38,480 Speaker 3: a lot of different people, which. 327 00:15:38,320 --> 00:15:40,720 Speaker 2: I loved last time they were there. 328 00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:45,160 Speaker 1: It felt from AFAR and our producer Alex has been 329 00:15:45,200 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 1: to both of these games and so she sort of 330 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:49,520 Speaker 1: gave us some dispatches from the games as well. But 331 00:15:49,520 --> 00:15:52,760 Speaker 1: it felt like Afar like, this is awesome. You get 332 00:15:52,800 --> 00:15:55,840 Speaker 1: to borrow our team for this huge stadium and bring 333 00:15:55,880 --> 00:15:59,320 Speaker 1: the Connecticut Sun love to Boston. And this time I'm 334 00:15:59,320 --> 00:16:01,760 Speaker 1: wondering if there were any mentions of the team potentially 335 00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:04,680 Speaker 1: getting moved to Boston. Because at the beginning of the 336 00:16:04,720 --> 00:16:08,720 Speaker 1: season we heard the president of the Sun acknowledge that 337 00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:12,800 Speaker 1: the owners are looking to potentially sell. Whether that means 338 00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:15,400 Speaker 1: moving them to another city, whether that means them going 339 00:16:15,400 --> 00:16:18,640 Speaker 1: somewhere else on an expansion team coming into Boston. 340 00:16:18,960 --> 00:16:21,360 Speaker 2: We're not sure. There's still a lot yet to be discussed. 341 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:23,200 Speaker 1: But did it feel like the fans and those in 342 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:27,640 Speaker 1: attendance were wary this time of Boston borrowing the team again. 343 00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:32,320 Speaker 3: Honestly, it didn't seem like there was too much of 344 00:16:32,320 --> 00:16:34,760 Speaker 3: a concern. There were a lot of folks who took 345 00:16:34,840 --> 00:16:38,720 Speaker 3: the ride from Connecticut to Boston. There was a woman 346 00:16:38,760 --> 00:16:42,040 Speaker 3: who sat courtside who told me that she took a 347 00:16:42,200 --> 00:16:44,680 Speaker 3: bus and then an hour and a half car drive. 348 00:16:44,720 --> 00:16:47,480 Speaker 3: I was just like, what, So these folks are dedicated, 349 00:16:47,520 --> 00:16:50,200 Speaker 3: These fans, you know, are really showing up, and I 350 00:16:50,240 --> 00:16:52,040 Speaker 3: really feel for them because I don't know what's going 351 00:16:52,120 --> 00:16:55,080 Speaker 3: to happen, of course, and you know, selfishly, I do 352 00:16:55,160 --> 00:16:57,280 Speaker 3: want a team in Boston someday in my lifetime, and 353 00:16:57,320 --> 00:16:59,360 Speaker 3: I know what's going to happen because there is a need, 354 00:16:59,400 --> 00:17:04,280 Speaker 3: there's an interest. It's a great opportunity, but I'm not 355 00:17:04,359 --> 00:17:05,320 Speaker 3: quite sure. 356 00:17:05,240 --> 00:17:08,159 Speaker 1: You know, yeah, and it feels like, even if you 357 00:17:08,320 --> 00:17:10,439 Speaker 1: do have that worry, you're still going to show up 358 00:17:10,480 --> 00:17:12,199 Speaker 1: for that game and enjoy it and have fun and 359 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,479 Speaker 1: be a part of everything and probably not spend too 360 00:17:14,520 --> 00:17:17,359 Speaker 1: much time stressing about what's to come, just focusing on 361 00:17:17,359 --> 00:17:20,760 Speaker 1: getting the Sun some wins this season while they're still 362 00:17:20,800 --> 00:17:23,840 Speaker 1: in Connecticut with the roster change, I saw there were 363 00:17:23,840 --> 00:17:26,679 Speaker 1: only two players I think it was from the last 364 00:17:26,760 --> 00:17:29,560 Speaker 1: year team that hosted a game at TD Garden that 365 00:17:29,600 --> 00:17:31,840 Speaker 1: we're still on the Sun this season. I were heading 366 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:33,639 Speaker 1: into the All Star break, which means we're sort of 367 00:17:33,640 --> 00:17:35,920 Speaker 1: at the mid season point. So you got a prediction 368 00:17:36,080 --> 00:17:38,480 Speaker 1: for our WNBA finals matchup. 369 00:17:39,119 --> 00:17:41,000 Speaker 3: At the start of the season, I did, But right 370 00:17:41,040 --> 00:17:44,480 Speaker 3: now I'm having a tough time because the Liberty, who 371 00:17:44,480 --> 00:17:48,919 Speaker 3: I thought, you know, would have a clear path given 372 00:17:48,960 --> 00:17:52,640 Speaker 3: their injuries, I'm not really seeing that clear path at 373 00:17:52,640 --> 00:17:56,000 Speaker 3: this moment because there's so many other strong teams right now, 374 00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:58,639 Speaker 3: such as the Phoenix Mercury. I think Seattle has shown 375 00:17:58,680 --> 00:18:02,199 Speaker 3: great promise, the links are obviously great. I think that 376 00:18:02,560 --> 00:18:04,480 Speaker 3: I think that they're going to be in the finals, 377 00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:06,199 Speaker 3: but I just don't know who that other team is 378 00:18:06,240 --> 00:18:09,160 Speaker 3: going to be yet. And I think it really depends 379 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:11,360 Speaker 3: on who locks in, you know, from here on out. 380 00:18:12,080 --> 00:18:14,400 Speaker 1: Yeah, like the people outside your window, the Liberty feel 381 00:18:14,400 --> 00:18:15,600 Speaker 1: a little bit under construction. 382 00:18:16,400 --> 00:18:18,119 Speaker 2: They are struggling without John. 383 00:18:18,000 --> 00:18:20,520 Speaker 1: Qwell Jones and potentially having a little bit of a 384 00:18:20,560 --> 00:18:23,040 Speaker 1: title hangover as far as the effort goes. 385 00:18:23,080 --> 00:18:25,080 Speaker 2: So we'll see if they can pull it together. What 386 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:25,920 Speaker 2: about MVP? 387 00:18:26,760 --> 00:18:29,680 Speaker 3: Right now? To me, it looks like Fee. It looks 388 00:18:29,720 --> 00:18:31,119 Speaker 3: like Fee, you know, at the start of the season, 389 00:18:31,119 --> 00:18:34,719 Speaker 3: I said Asia Wilson. Of course, I mean, she has 390 00:18:34,760 --> 00:18:37,320 Speaker 3: an incredible history but also is having a good season. 391 00:18:37,400 --> 00:18:42,480 Speaker 3: But it's just the Aces haven't looked as great this season, 392 00:18:42,640 --> 00:18:46,080 Speaker 3: you know, let's be honest, they haven't. But I think 393 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:50,240 Speaker 3: Fee came in with a vengeance, you know, and she 394 00:18:50,320 --> 00:18:54,800 Speaker 3: wants that MVP title, She wants everything. She wants that finals. 395 00:18:55,240 --> 00:18:58,639 Speaker 3: So she's coming for everything this season, especially after Unrivaled. 396 00:18:59,160 --> 00:19:02,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, alright, let's talk all Star weekend. So much on 397 00:19:02,880 --> 00:19:05,080 Speaker 1: the books for this, I've talked to so many people 398 00:19:05,119 --> 00:19:07,040 Speaker 1: who are not sure how they're going to squeeze in 399 00:19:07,440 --> 00:19:09,720 Speaker 1: all the parties, all the activations, all the events, all. 400 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:11,760 Speaker 2: The live shows. What are you getting up to this weekend? 401 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:15,800 Speaker 3: Well, You're gonna probably have to clone me three times 402 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:20,320 Speaker 3: to attend everything because the amount of invitations is just unreal. 403 00:19:20,400 --> 00:19:22,280 Speaker 3: I think this is really going to be the biggest 404 00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:28,679 Speaker 3: All Star ever in terms of fans, brands, audience, entertainers 405 00:19:28,680 --> 00:19:30,479 Speaker 3: that are going to pull up. I mean, for the 406 00:19:30,520 --> 00:19:35,560 Speaker 3: first time, Sidney Colson is doing a comedy special. Yea, 407 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:38,960 Speaker 3: There's other comedians that are going to be There are 408 00:19:38,960 --> 00:19:43,679 Speaker 3: two big names like Leslie Jones, I believe, Cedric Dion Cole. 409 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:46,320 Speaker 3: There's so many others, and I'm just like, this has 410 00:19:46,400 --> 00:19:50,320 Speaker 3: never happened, Like this is really a movement, not just 411 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 3: a moment. But I'm getting into a lot, hosting some 412 00:19:55,119 --> 00:19:58,120 Speaker 3: panels for Jordan Brand, doing some content for Lacedema, which 413 00:19:58,160 --> 00:20:01,000 Speaker 3: is the official wine partner of the WNBA, and then 414 00:20:01,080 --> 00:20:03,919 Speaker 3: I got invited to a billion things. I don't know 415 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:06,879 Speaker 3: that's in them all, but you know, I'm going to 416 00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:09,200 Speaker 3: have to figure it out. But I'm excited for the weekend. 417 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:11,920 Speaker 3: But just this is going to be the biggest one yet. 418 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:12,720 Speaker 3: Are you going to be there? 419 00:20:12,880 --> 00:20:14,480 Speaker 2: It is? I'm going to be there. I'm the same way. 420 00:20:14,520 --> 00:20:16,480 Speaker 1: I've got so many things to try to pack in, 421 00:20:16,680 --> 00:20:18,880 Speaker 1: including a couple of live shows and interviews I'm doing, 422 00:20:18,960 --> 00:20:20,920 Speaker 1: but then a lot of fun stuff. Is there anything 423 00:20:20,960 --> 00:20:22,960 Speaker 1: you're hoping to see this weekend? Is there anything in 424 00:20:22,960 --> 00:20:24,640 Speaker 1: the past you've said, Oh, they really dropped the ball 425 00:20:24,680 --> 00:20:26,200 Speaker 1: on this, so this could be better. I'd like to 426 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,840 Speaker 1: see more of this as they continue to grow. 427 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:32,520 Speaker 3: I just want to make sure players and fans feel 428 00:20:32,560 --> 00:20:36,439 Speaker 3: safe in Indiana, you know, especially as a woman of color, 429 00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:39,879 Speaker 3: as a league that is majority black. I want to 430 00:20:39,960 --> 00:20:42,640 Speaker 3: I really hope that we haven't we run into no issues. 431 00:20:43,160 --> 00:20:45,520 Speaker 3: You know, we saw an issue at the Sun game 432 00:20:45,600 --> 00:20:48,919 Speaker 3: last night with a fan. That's happening at a regular 433 00:20:48,920 --> 00:20:51,880 Speaker 3: season game, right What's going to be happening at All 434 00:20:51,920 --> 00:20:55,200 Speaker 3: Star in Indiana where you know players have said, hey, 435 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:58,560 Speaker 3: I don't really feel the most comfortable, you know. So 436 00:20:58,640 --> 00:21:01,760 Speaker 3: I just I really hope that everybody can really get 437 00:21:01,840 --> 00:21:05,120 Speaker 3: along this weekend, and you know, we're there to celebrate 438 00:21:05,240 --> 00:21:06,359 Speaker 3: women's sports. 439 00:21:06,880 --> 00:21:07,120 Speaker 2: Yeah. 440 00:21:07,680 --> 00:21:11,399 Speaker 1: I mentioned earlier in the show that I did speak 441 00:21:11,400 --> 00:21:15,359 Speaker 1: to someone who is on the production organizing side of 442 00:21:15,400 --> 00:21:17,960 Speaker 1: the weekend and whose job has been made much more 443 00:21:17,960 --> 00:21:20,920 Speaker 1: difficult by the amount of security that's now being required, 444 00:21:21,320 --> 00:21:23,840 Speaker 1: the threats coming in, the concerns for player safety the 445 00:21:23,840 --> 00:21:25,560 Speaker 1: amount of work they're having to do to make sure 446 00:21:25,560 --> 00:21:29,280 Speaker 1: that players stay protected, and that is so disappointing and 447 00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:31,919 Speaker 1: really frustrating that that has to come along with the 448 00:21:31,960 --> 00:21:35,840 Speaker 1: increase in popularity. You've done a lot of work with brands, 449 00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:38,639 Speaker 1: any collabse or activations that you've wanted to see the 450 00:21:38,680 --> 00:21:40,880 Speaker 1: league capitalize on that maybe they haven't yet. 451 00:21:41,280 --> 00:21:43,760 Speaker 3: I mean, right now we're seeing so many brands that 452 00:21:44,720 --> 00:21:47,600 Speaker 3: maybe I wouldn't have even guessed or thought of that are, 453 00:21:47,760 --> 00:21:50,080 Speaker 3: you know, working with the league now, from you know, 454 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:56,600 Speaker 3: beauty brands to feminine product, high team product brands, Like 455 00:21:56,640 --> 00:22:00,200 Speaker 3: it's quite amazing. You know, everybody wants a piece of 456 00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:03,439 Speaker 3: women's sports of the WNBA. I mean, these are the 457 00:22:03,440 --> 00:22:08,080 Speaker 3: best athletes in the world. They're multifaceted. But I really 458 00:22:08,119 --> 00:22:11,879 Speaker 3: want to see more players have signature seekers. I feel 459 00:22:11,920 --> 00:22:15,680 Speaker 3: like there's opportunities for brands to invest in. One brand 460 00:22:15,720 --> 00:22:18,280 Speaker 3: that I really love right now that has invested in 461 00:22:18,280 --> 00:22:21,800 Speaker 3: a player is Holo Footwear. They I believe they were 462 00:22:21,840 --> 00:22:24,560 Speaker 3: announced as the official footwear of the Connecticut Sun recently 463 00:22:25,080 --> 00:22:29,440 Speaker 3: and J. C. Sheldon is their athlete and she has 464 00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:32,400 Speaker 3: a signature shoot with them. But also she is equity 465 00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:38,000 Speaker 3: in the company and that word equity is important, is 466 00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,520 Speaker 3: important when you think of generational wealth, when you think 467 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:44,120 Speaker 3: of longevity, when you think of business. So I want 468 00:22:44,119 --> 00:22:44,840 Speaker 3: to see more of that. 469 00:22:45,240 --> 00:22:49,600 Speaker 1: Yeah, if there was a celebrity All Star Game at 470 00:22:49,640 --> 00:22:52,920 Speaker 1: the WNBA weekend, First of all, do you think we 471 00:22:52,920 --> 00:22:53,480 Speaker 1: should have one? 472 00:22:53,480 --> 00:22:55,440 Speaker 2: And if there was one, who would You're starting five? 473 00:22:55,520 --> 00:22:57,200 Speaker 2: B what celebs do you know that can? 474 00:22:57,200 --> 00:22:57,640 Speaker 1: Who? 475 00:22:58,680 --> 00:23:02,080 Speaker 3: Who can? Who? I want to say, in the past, 476 00:23:02,119 --> 00:23:05,920 Speaker 3: like five years, I did see Gabrielle Union getting some 477 00:23:06,240 --> 00:23:11,240 Speaker 3: basketball training or practices, So I hope she's kept up 478 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:13,919 Speaker 3: with that because she would be, you know, a player 479 00:23:13,960 --> 00:23:17,080 Speaker 3: I would I would definitely draft Oh my goodness, who else? 480 00:23:17,200 --> 00:23:18,040 Speaker 3: Who else? Hoops? 481 00:23:18,320 --> 00:23:21,480 Speaker 1: I feel like usually in the NBA Celebrity Game, the 482 00:23:21,520 --> 00:23:28,440 Speaker 1: women are w players, just absolutely patiently schooling male celebs 483 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:31,000 Speaker 1: who are trying to, you know, show off. 484 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:33,040 Speaker 2: The skills that they had twenty five thirty years ago. 485 00:23:34,040 --> 00:23:35,840 Speaker 1: But every once in a while there's a couple like 486 00:23:36,080 --> 00:23:39,720 Speaker 1: I think Messi Russell, the track athlete, hooped it up 487 00:23:39,720 --> 00:23:43,320 Speaker 1: in the NBA Celeb Game. Mickey Geitton, I remember, the 488 00:23:43,359 --> 00:23:47,200 Speaker 1: country music singer. I was surprised to see her out there. 489 00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:50,600 Speaker 1: I always like the I always like the musicians that 490 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:53,320 Speaker 1: have a secret, you know, baller pasted. 491 00:23:53,560 --> 00:23:56,359 Speaker 3: I believe that there should be a celebrity game at 492 00:23:56,400 --> 00:23:59,400 Speaker 3: the WNBA. It'd be fun All Star Weekend, Like, that's 493 00:23:59,440 --> 00:24:00,000 Speaker 3: what's missing. 494 00:24:00,400 --> 00:24:02,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, which player you think is bringing the best fits 495 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:03,800 Speaker 1: to All Star Weekend? 496 00:24:05,680 --> 00:24:09,800 Speaker 3: Oh my, I mean Skyler Diggens. Probably, She's one of 497 00:24:09,800 --> 00:24:13,600 Speaker 3: my favorites. Oh my gosh. Her style is amazing. 498 00:24:14,040 --> 00:24:15,080 Speaker 2: Kelsey Plumb too. 499 00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:18,320 Speaker 1: When she gets after it, usually in a vengeful way, 500 00:24:19,280 --> 00:24:22,920 Speaker 1: trying to send messages to her ex or others. She 501 00:24:23,560 --> 00:24:25,840 Speaker 1: can look like a stone cold assassin, which I love. 502 00:24:26,400 --> 00:24:29,959 Speaker 1: One thing I'm looking at and really crossing my fingers on. 503 00:24:30,359 --> 00:24:33,920 Speaker 1: We're recording this on Wednesday, and after that fever Sun game, 504 00:24:34,000 --> 00:24:37,359 Speaker 1: Caitlin Clark looked like she had retweaked her growing injury. 505 00:24:37,400 --> 00:24:40,399 Speaker 1: She was really emotional on the bench. This is a 506 00:24:40,480 --> 00:24:44,280 Speaker 1: huge weekend for her, All Star in her city, supposed 507 00:24:44,280 --> 00:24:46,680 Speaker 1: to be competing in you know three point in the game, 508 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:50,240 Speaker 1: she's a captain. There's so many giant murals all over 509 00:24:50,240 --> 00:24:52,200 Speaker 1: the sea. There's so many expectations for her to put 510 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:55,359 Speaker 1: on a show. What did you see in person and 511 00:24:55,400 --> 00:24:58,439 Speaker 1: what would it mean if she god forbid, couldn't go 512 00:24:58,520 --> 00:25:02,119 Speaker 1: at all or even was restrained. Did that feels I 513 00:25:02,119 --> 00:25:04,080 Speaker 1: think that's so much of where the emotion was coming 514 00:25:04,080 --> 00:25:04,640 Speaker 1: from for her. 515 00:25:05,080 --> 00:25:08,640 Speaker 3: Absolutely, I mean, Cayan's a bucket. She is fun to watch, 516 00:25:09,640 --> 00:25:15,760 Speaker 3: she is passionate, she's competitive. But the All Star Game 517 00:25:15,840 --> 00:25:20,760 Speaker 3: meets her, Indiana, this upcoming week meets her. We need 518 00:25:20,840 --> 00:25:22,720 Speaker 3: to see her in the three point contest. You know, 519 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:26,359 Speaker 3: it would be a huge loss if she's you know, 520 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:30,240 Speaker 3: not participating, but obviously she'll still be there. But yeah, 521 00:25:30,240 --> 00:25:35,200 Speaker 3: we just need to see her, even if it's unrestricted minutes. 522 00:25:35,240 --> 00:25:37,159 Speaker 3: I don't know, right, but we don't want her to 523 00:25:37,200 --> 00:25:39,480 Speaker 3: also get you know, even more injured than she is, 524 00:25:39,600 --> 00:25:40,440 Speaker 3: right right. 525 00:25:40,320 --> 00:25:42,600 Speaker 1: And it's hard for the team because they don't want 526 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:44,920 Speaker 1: to be without her for regular season games that matter. 527 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:46,760 Speaker 2: But this is obviously such a huge deal. 528 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:54,000 Speaker 1: Yeah, well, plasma, cryo, massage, drugs, whatever, whatever. 529 00:25:53,680 --> 00:25:57,520 Speaker 2: It takes, get her out there. We want to see it. Grady, 530 00:25:57,560 --> 00:25:59,560 Speaker 2: thanks so much for the time. We'll see an Indy. 531 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:01,480 Speaker 3: All right, sounds good. Thanks for having me. 532 00:26:04,280 --> 00:26:06,200 Speaker 1: We got to take another break when we come back. 533 00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:08,399 Speaker 1: A tribute to one of the most prominent poets of 534 00:26:08,440 --> 00:26:20,800 Speaker 1: our time. Welcome back slices. We love that you're listening, 535 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:22,160 Speaker 1: but we want you to get in the game every 536 00:26:22,200 --> 00:26:24,720 Speaker 1: day too. So here's our good game play of the day. 537 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:29,000 Speaker 1: Read and listen to one of America's greatest poets, gone 538 00:26:29,080 --> 00:26:33,720 Speaker 1: way too soon. Andrea Gibson, the State Poet Laureate of Colorado, 539 00:26:33,920 --> 00:26:38,960 Speaker 1: a master of spoken word poetry, explorer of gender identity, love, 540 00:26:39,320 --> 00:26:42,560 Speaker 1: life and death. Gibson died this week after a very 541 00:26:42,560 --> 00:26:46,040 Speaker 1: public four year battle with ovarian cancer. Their death was 542 00:26:46,040 --> 00:26:48,960 Speaker 1: announced by their wife, Megan Falley, in a statement that read, 543 00:26:48,960 --> 00:26:52,040 Speaker 1: in part quote, Andrea Gibson died in their homes, surrounded 544 00:26:52,040 --> 00:26:55,800 Speaker 1: by their wife, Meg, four ex girlfriends, their mother and father, 545 00:26:56,080 --> 00:26:58,560 Speaker 1: dozens of friends, and their three beloved. 546 00:26:58,240 --> 00:26:59,520 Speaker 2: Dogs end quote. 547 00:27:00,040 --> 00:27:03,880 Speaker 1: Sundance Festival Favorite award winning documentary about Faly and Gibson, 548 00:27:03,920 --> 00:27:06,040 Speaker 1: Come See Me in the Good Light, will be available 549 00:27:06,040 --> 00:27:08,879 Speaker 1: on Apple TV Plus this fall. I imagine it's going 550 00:27:08,920 --> 00:27:11,320 Speaker 1: to hit a lot harder now that we've lost them. 551 00:27:12,000 --> 00:27:15,639 Speaker 1: Losing poets and musicians I think hurts the most. No 552 00:27:15,760 --> 00:27:18,960 Speaker 1: more new gifts, no more new revelations. It feels like 553 00:27:19,040 --> 00:27:22,560 Speaker 1: their work ends when they're gone, But we can revisit 554 00:27:22,600 --> 00:27:25,360 Speaker 1: it over the many years of our lives and marvel 555 00:27:25,520 --> 00:27:28,280 Speaker 1: as the words and the songs begin to sound different, 556 00:27:28,800 --> 00:27:31,880 Speaker 1: as the words and the songs somehow change with us, 557 00:27:32,600 --> 00:27:35,800 Speaker 1: Gibson's words will continue to resonate and change and hum 558 00:27:35,920 --> 00:27:38,600 Speaker 1: and sing with all of us, especially as we age 559 00:27:39,040 --> 00:27:41,960 Speaker 1: and feel the fear and uncertainty that they had about 560 00:27:42,000 --> 00:27:47,080 Speaker 1: their terminal diagnosis, wrote Gibson in love letter from the Afterlife, quote, 561 00:27:47,440 --> 00:27:49,040 Speaker 1: Dying is the opposite of leaving. 562 00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:51,720 Speaker 2: When I left my body, I did not go away. 563 00:27:52,240 --> 00:27:54,920 Speaker 1: That portal of light was not a portal to elsewhere, 564 00:27:55,000 --> 00:27:58,040 Speaker 1: but a portal to hear. I am more here than 565 00:27:58,080 --> 00:28:01,320 Speaker 1: I ever was before, more with you than I ever 566 00:28:01,359 --> 00:28:04,360 Speaker 1: could have imagined. Why did no one tell us that 567 00:28:04,400 --> 00:28:07,760 Speaker 1: to die is to be reincarnated in those we love 568 00:28:08,040 --> 00:28:09,159 Speaker 1: while they are still alive. 569 00:28:09,840 --> 00:28:12,280 Speaker 2: One day you will understand end quote. 570 00:28:13,080 --> 00:28:15,760 Speaker 1: So grab one of their seven books, like You Better 571 00:28:15,800 --> 00:28:19,320 Speaker 1: Be Lightning, Take Me with You, or Lord of the Butterflies, 572 00:28:19,840 --> 00:28:22,919 Speaker 1: listen to one of their seven albums, or read the 573 00:28:22,920 --> 00:28:25,960 Speaker 1: gorgeous tributes that are popping up all over social media, 574 00:28:26,000 --> 00:28:31,280 Speaker 1: written by friends, admirers, and those Gibson touched, moved, inspired, 575 00:28:31,880 --> 00:28:35,960 Speaker 1: or in some cases, truly saved with their words they 576 00:28:36,000 --> 00:28:38,640 Speaker 1: will be so missed. If you've got a favorite work 577 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:40,959 Speaker 1: of Gibson's, I'd love to hear it, so send it 578 00:28:40,960 --> 00:28:43,240 Speaker 1: my way. We do always love to hear from you, 579 00:28:43,240 --> 00:28:45,880 Speaker 1: so hit us up on email good game at wondermedianetwork 580 00:28:45,920 --> 00:28:48,280 Speaker 1: dot com, or leave us a voicemail at eight seven 581 00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:52,200 Speaker 1: two two o four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe, 582 00:28:52,240 --> 00:28:53,200 Speaker 1: Rate and review, y'all. 583 00:28:53,320 --> 00:28:54,080 Speaker 2: It's real easy. 584 00:28:54,160 --> 00:28:57,680 Speaker 1: Watch a building size tribute to a larger than life 585 00:28:57,760 --> 00:29:01,160 Speaker 1: legend of the game, rating one out of ten stories 586 00:29:01,240 --> 00:29:06,200 Speaker 1: high review. Congrats to WNBA legend Tamika Ketchings on the 587 00:29:06,280 --> 00:29:09,760 Speaker 1: unveiling of a new mural honoring her in downtown Indianapolis. 588 00:29:09,960 --> 00:29:13,320 Speaker 1: The legendary Hooper spent her entire fifteen year career in 589 00:29:13,360 --> 00:29:17,280 Speaker 1: a Fever uniform, leading Indiana to thirteen playoff appearances and 590 00:29:17,320 --> 00:29:20,600 Speaker 1: their only WNBA title in twenty twelve. A ten time 591 00:29:20,640 --> 00:29:23,320 Speaker 1: All Star and five time Defensive Player of the Year, 592 00:29:23,640 --> 00:29:26,880 Speaker 1: Catchings is the only player in franchise history to win MVP, 593 00:29:27,320 --> 00:29:29,480 Speaker 1: and her number twenty four jersey is hanging in the 594 00:29:29,560 --> 00:29:33,520 Speaker 1: rafters at Gamebridge Fieldhouse. The mural honors not just Catching's 595 00:29:33,560 --> 00:29:35,800 Speaker 1: time with the fever, but her years playing for Pat 596 00:29:35,840 --> 00:29:39,240 Speaker 1: Summit at Tennessee, representing the US in the Olympics, and 597 00:29:39,320 --> 00:29:42,440 Speaker 1: her efforts in the community, which include her three ts 598 00:29:42,680 --> 00:29:46,240 Speaker 1: Me cafes and her Catch the Stars Foundation, which helps 599 00:29:46,280 --> 00:29:49,880 Speaker 1: local kids with literacy, fitness, and more. The mural is 600 00:29:49,920 --> 00:29:52,920 Speaker 1: a great honor for an all time great hooper and 601 00:29:53,000 --> 00:29:56,240 Speaker 1: great person. And I'm so impressed that I managed to 602 00:29:56,280 --> 00:29:59,040 Speaker 1: talk about Tamika catchings without mentioning the time I blocked 603 00:29:59,040 --> 00:30:00,280 Speaker 1: her at the free throw line in then took the 604 00:30:00,280 --> 00:30:01,040 Speaker 1: ball down for a layup. 605 00:30:01,040 --> 00:30:03,520 Speaker 2: Oh my god, I did it again. I did it again. 606 00:30:04,320 --> 00:30:07,240 Speaker 1: Now it's your turn, rate and review. Thanks for listening, y'all. 607 00:30:07,320 --> 00:30:10,600 Speaker 1: See you next week. Good game, Grady, Good game, Tamika, 608 00:30:11,440 --> 00:30:17,200 Speaker 1: you ovarian cancer. Good Game with Sarah Spain is an 609 00:30:17,240 --> 00:30:20,520 Speaker 1: iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports 610 00:30:20,520 --> 00:30:23,480 Speaker 1: and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, 611 00:30:23,560 --> 00:30:27,160 Speaker 1: Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Production by 612 00:30:27,200 --> 00:30:31,080 Speaker 1: Wonder Media Network, our producers are Alex Azzie and Misha Jones. 613 00:30:31,360 --> 00:30:35,480 Speaker 1: Our executive producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan, 614 00:30:35,600 --> 00:30:39,520 Speaker 1: and Emily Rudder. Our editors are Emily Rutter, Britney Martinez, 615 00:30:39,560 --> 00:30:41,200 Speaker 1: Grace Lynch, and Gianna Palmer. 616 00:30:41,560 --> 00:30:43,600 Speaker 2: Our associate producer is Lucy Jones. 617 00:30:43,880 --> 00:30:47,720 Speaker 1: Production assistance from Avery Loftis and I'm Your Host Sarah 618 00:30:47,720 --> 00:30:48,040 Speaker 1: Spain