As the WNBA CBA negotiations deadline has been extended, again, I share my thoughts on the players' collective bargaining power. From media rights to media brands, women professional athletes are arguably in their most powerful moment yet.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I sit down with April Pullins, an Atlanta-based runner and founder of Be Light Compression Socks. Known affectionately as the 'Crazy Sock Lady', April shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal challenges during COVID-19, discovering running as a therapeutic outlet, and transforming her passion for tie-dye socks into a thriving business. We dive deep into her mental and emotional journey, the impact of running on her life, and her commitment to helping women through the Selah Movement Club. April's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of staying active. Tune in to hear about her vibrant personality, entrepreneurial tips, and her mission to spread positivity and light.

00:00 Introduction to April Polands: The Crazy Sock Lady

02:44 From Fun to Business: The Birth of Be Light Compression Socks

04:20 The Therapeutic Power of Running

06:06 Group Walks and the Selah Movement Club

07:40 Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Rest

13:04 Challenges and Successes in Business

15:35 April's Running Journey and Community Support

22:27 Giving Back and Mentoring Others

24:12 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I'm joined by Doc Holiday Golden, a dynamic triathlete and ultra-marathoner. Referred by past guest Mary Fleming, Doc shares her inspiring journey into endurance sports. We dive into how she met Mary, her beginnings in marathon running, the transition from running to triathlons, and the importance of community support. Doc also discusses her coaching role, nutrition strategies, and the mental barriers she's faced during races. Tune in as we explore her story of growth, determination, and the power of pushing boundaries.

00:00 Meeting Mary Fleming

01:54 Doc's Athletic Beginnings

02:49 First Steps into Distance Running

05:25 Community and Motivation

08:04 Journey into Triathlons

11:02 First Triathlon Experiences

17:29 Balancing Marathons and Triathlons

21:30 Rest and Recovery

23:04 Balancing Nutrition and Training

29:29 Coaching and Mentoring in Triathlon

36:51 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Races

41:28 The Power of Action and Consistency

43:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Dismuke, a world champion triathlete who opens up about her journey from dealing with PTSD as a paramedic in Boston to becoming a passionate triathlete. Jamie shares her origins in Boston, how she started in triathlons, and her first experience with a sprint triathlon as a way to manage work-related stress. She also delves into her transition to competing in a full Ironman, the challenges she faced, and her strategies for overcoming them. Jamie discusses her relationship with swimming, the differences between pool and open water swimming, and the role of sports in building confidence. Additionally, Jamie talks about her experience with coaches, her partnership with Varlo, and her future plans, including aiming for the USA team for Abu Dhabi and qualifying for Kona. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an undying passion for triathlons.

00:00 Journey to Becoming a Triathlete

01:20 First Triathlon Experience

03:59 Challenges of Open Water Swimming

07:58 From Sprint to Ironman

09:11 Training for the Ironman

12:19 Overcoming Race Day Obstacles

16:17 The Role of Coaches and Mentors

20:58 Partnerships and Personal Life

29:32 Future Goals and Reflections

31:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Women's Sports Wednesday, a weekly series covering the top headlines in women's sports. This week: the first Black women on the US Hockey Team, LOVB gets a new partner, the Portland WNBA team reveals their name, and more!

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Join me as I welcome Renee Hess, founder of Black Girl Hockey Club, to Melanin MVP. We delve into Renee's journey from attending academic conferences to becoming a passionate hockey fan, the challenges of being a Black woman in hockey spaces, and how she founded the Black Girl Hockey Club to create a supportive community. We explore the influential role of Black women as fans, mothers, and leaders in hockey and discuss the importance of diversity and representation in sports. Don't miss Renee's inspiring stories and insights about creating a safe and inclusive environment for Black women and other marginalized groups in the world of hockey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:34 Renee's Journey to Becoming a Hockey Fan

04:29 Founding of Black Girl Hockey Club

08:40 Experiences and Challenges in Hockey Spaces

12:35 Women's Hockey and Advocacy

18:43 Community and Support for Black Women in Hockey

31:15 Partnerships and Future Plans

34:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, I welcome fellow podcaster and newly-minted half-marathoner DJ Tricey Trice (A Trice Rias-Thompson). She shares the spontaneous decision-making process that led her to take on a half marathon, her solo training regime, and the mental and physical challenges she overcame to complete it. The discussion also touches on the importance of nutrition, the benefits of running groups, and the unique experience of participating in the Nike After Dark Half Marathon event. Shifting gears, DJ Tricey Trice is also the host of LA Sparks Weekly, so I had to ask her about her thoughts on her favorite team this season. We dived into an in-depth analysis of the WNBA, discussing team dynamics, key players, and the current season’s surprises and challenges. Part race report, part WNBA season analysis, part comedy show. I hope you enjoy, and check out her show: https://www.instagram.com/djtriceytrice/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 The Decision to Run a Half Marathon

01:58 Training for the Half Marathon

06:58 Race Day Experiences and Challenges

12:44 Post-Race Reflections and Continued Running

20:40 Basketball and the LA Sparks

25:33 Coaching Changes and Player Movements

26:30 Jordan Canada's Impact and Future

26:46 Nneka Ogwumike: The Underrated MVP

28:34 Dallas Wings' Strategy and Player Dynamics

32:53 Phoenix Mercury's New Era

43:34 Sparks' Future Lineup and Strategy

46:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Thanks for joining us!

Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/

This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/