Equal Play
Chicago Sun-Times
Subscribe
Join Sun-Times multimedia journalist Annie Costabile in 'Equal Play,' where we aim to highlight the brightest women in sports from the field to the front office.
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
May 13, 2023
Paige Crawford on creating a League Of Their Own
Founder of League Of Their Own Paige Crawford discusses the mission behind her community organization connecting women and nonbinary people of all backgrounds through recreational sport and wellness.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Mar 4, 2023
Dr. Kensa Gunter on sports global impact on mental wellness
Director of the WNBA and NBA Mind Health and clinical and sport psychologist Dr. Kensa Gunter discusses her path to becoming one of professional sports leaders in mental wellness, how athletes' courage and vulnerability are changing mental health conversations globally and the media's role in sharing these stories.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 21, 2023
Val Ackerman on the birth of the WNBA
Founding President of the WNBA and current Commissioner of the Big East, Val Ackerman discusses the significance of being one of the first women to receive an athletic scholarship at the University of Virginia, the years she spent working in the NBA alongside Hall of Fame Commissioner David Stern, the WNBA's inception and how she's approaching NIL and conference realignment as the leader of the Big East.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 17, 2022
Kayla Jeter on pushing past perceived limits
Wellness, fitness and lifestyle coach Kayla Jeter discusses getting "1% better every damn day," how some of life's most unimaginable challenges have led her to a deeper understanding of herself and how she built her ultra successful health and wellness brand, @fitandfullbykayla.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 10, 2022
LaChina Robinson on honoring your gut over fear, what it takes to be a founder and WNBA free agency
Multi-hyphenate basketball host and analyst LaChina Robinson discusses valuable lessons that contributed to her success in sports media, why now is the right time for you to become a founder and the most shocking moments from the 2022 WNBA season, plus bold predictions for 2023 free agency.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 26, 2022
Ashley ShahAhmadi on the importance of perseverance and being proactive in pursuit of your dreams
Charlotte Hornets live host and sideline reporter, Ashley ShahAhmadi, discusses her journey from local television to national sports broadcasts and the mental fortitude it took to make her dreams a reality.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 12, 2022
Jessica Robertson on the coexistence of new media and legacy outlets
Co-founder and chief content officer at TOGETHXR, Jessica Robertson, discusses her journey from music to sports media and this critical juncture we're at in the sports media landscape, specifically regarding women's sports.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jun 28, 2022
Rebekah Gardner on being a 31-year-old "rookie" in the WNBA
Rebekah Gardner joins the Equal Play podcast to discuss her 10-year overseas career and how timing and trust played a role in her opportunity with the title-defending Chicago Sky.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
May 5, 2022
Chicago Sky GM and coach James Wade talks 2022 the night before season opener
The Chicago Sky’s head coach and general manager, James Wade, joins ‘Equal Play’ podcast host and Sun-Times multimedia journalist, Annie Costabile, at the infamous Wiener's Circle to talk about the Sky’s 2021 WNBA championship and what to expect in the upcoming season.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Mar 23, 2022
Taylor Burner on founding Agency 3-2
A former professional basketball player turned marketing executive and founder of Agency 3-2, Taylor Burner discusses her journey from playing the game to helping some of the brightest stars in basketball build their brands.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 28, 2022
Ann Wauters on transitioning from player to coach
WNBA Champion Ann Wauters discusses her playing career that spanned over two decades and why now was the right time to make the jump into coaching.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 1, 2022
Cheryl Reeve on USA basketball
3X WNBA Coach of the Year, 4X WNBA championship head coach and Minnesota Lynx/USA Women's National Team head coach Cheryl Reeve discusses the challenges of repeating as champions in the WNBA, the future of USA basketball and 2022 WNBA free agency.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 17, 2021
Pokey Chatman on WNBA coaching vacancies
Sky coach/general manager from 2010-2016 Pokey Chatman discusses her journey in the league, leading the Sky to their first Finals appearance in 2014, free agency predictions and what's next for her as a head coach.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 2, 2021
Stefanie Dolson on her post-championship offseason
Stefanie Dolson discusses opting not to head overseas and how she's bettering herself on and off the court this offseason.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 18, 2021
Kahleah Copper on 2022 WNBA free agency
WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper discusses her "breakout" season and how it will impact her as a free agent.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 3, 2021
James Wade on the Chicago Sky's championship season
WNBA Championship-winning head coach/general manager James Wade discusses his WNBA coaching journey, leading the Sky to their first-ever title and 2022 WNBA free agency.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jun 12, 2021
Jashvina Shah on hockey's toxic culture and how to fix it
Journalist and author Jashvina Shah discusses her journey covering hockey and her experience co-authoring Game Misconduct: Hockey’s Toxic Culture and How to Fix it with Sun-Times journalist Evan Moore. The book is now available for preorder here: https://linktr.ee/gamemisconduct
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
May 22, 2021
Jacki Gemelos on her journey from player to coach in the WNBA
WNBA journeywoman and current assistant for the New York Liberty, Jacki Gemelos, discusses trading in her jersey for a whistle and how all the highs and lows of being a player prepared her to be a coach.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
May 1, 2021
Katrina Adams on how to Own the Arena
The first Black person, first former professional tennis player and youngest person ever to serve as United States Tennis Association President, Katrina Adams discusses her career on the court and her new book Own the Arena.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Mar 27, 2021
Kendall Coyne Schofield on being "the first"
Two-time Olympian, six-time world champion, the first woman hired as a player development coach by the Chicago Blackhawks and new owner of the Chicago Red Stars Kendall Coyne Schofield discusses her record-breaking career on the ice and change-making career off of it.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Mar 14, 2021
Justine Siegal on being the first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball organization
The first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball organization coaching for the A’s fall instructional league in 2015 and the first woman to throw batting practice for an MLB organization in 2011 when she threw for Cleveland and the founder of Baseball For All, Justine Siegal discusses her journey in baseball and how the sport has shaped her entire life.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Mar 6, 2021
Sarah Spain and Colleen Mares on becoming owners of the Chicago Red Stars
Award-winning journalist, Sarah Spain and music executive Colleen Mares discuss the choices that led to becoming part owners of the Chicago Red Stars and why investing in the team was a "no brainer".
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Feb 26, 2021
Rachel Folden on becoming the first woman coach hired by the Chicago Cubs
Equal Play, in partnership with Chicago Baseball & Educational Academy Women in Baseball Series, brings you this special episode where Rachel Folden discusses her journey from playing baseball growing up to playing professional softball for five seasons in the NPF (National Pro Fastpitch), which ultimately led to her becoming the first woman coach hired by the Chicago Cubs.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Feb 20, 2021
Symone Abbott on being part of Athletes Unlimited's inaugural volleyball season
Symone Abbott details her journey in the sport of volleyball from playing overseas in Turkey, Italy and France to this new opportunity stateside with Athletes Unlimited.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Feb 13, 2021
Courtney Cronin on what it takes to cover the NFL for ESPN
Courtney Cronin's journey as a sports journalist has taken her all over the country. From her start in Indianapolis to Mississippi and the Bay Area, every stop prepared her for her current role as the Minnesota Vikings beat reporter for ESPN.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Feb 6, 2021
Nadia Bibbs on her future with USA Football
Former Hillcrest basketball star and Northwestern standout, Nadia Bibbs discusses being selected for the 2021 U.S. Women’s Flag Football National Team by USA Football.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 30, 2021
Arielle Chambers on why "the WNBA is so important"
Bleacher Report talent, producer and voice of HighlightHer, Arielle Chambers discusses her career, being named to Forbes' 30 under 30 list, and the power that lies in the women of the WNBA.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 15, 2021
Swin Cash on her 15-year hall of fame WNBA career
Vice President of basketball operations and team development for the New Orleans Pelicans, Swin Cash discusses her hall of fame WNBA career, preparing for life off the court and transitioning to a front-office position in the NBA.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Jan 9, 2021
Collette V. Smith on beginning her professional football career at 42 and becoming the first Black woman to coach in the NFL in 2017
Collette V. Smith discusses her professional football career which began when she was 42 years old and making history in football when she became the first Black woman to coach on an NFL sideline in 2017 and the first woman to coach for the New York Jets when she was hired by the organization as a coaching intern.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 11, 2020
Grace Guerrero Zwit on her nearly 40-year career with the Chicago White Sox
Grace Guerrero Zwit discusses her career in Major League Baseball which began in 1982 with the Chicago White Sox where she still works as the team's senior director of minor league operations. She has worked with many notable names in baseball including Miami Marlins general manager, Kim Ng, and shares how the baseball landscape is changing for women.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Dec 4, 2020
Dr. Jen Welter on her history-making career in football
Dr. Jen Welter discusses her career in football which began when she was 22 years old. She became the first woman to coach in the NFL when she was hired by Bruce Arians and the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 but before that she was the first woman to play on a men’s professional team in a contact position when she came into a game for the Indoor Football League’s Texas Revolution in the third quarter at running back.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 20, 2020
Jenny Boucek on her storied coaching career in the WNBA and NBA
Assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks, Jenny Boucek discusses her career in basketball that took her from the University of Virginia to playing in the WNBA's inaugural season. She went on to coach in the league and became the first woman hired as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 13, 2020
Nancy Lieberman on her hall of fame basketball career
Head coach in the Big3, Nancy Lieberman discusses her hall of fame basketball career, including how she got the nickname Lady Magic, her experience coaching in the NBA and when she thinks we will see a woman in a head coaching position in the league.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Nov 6, 2020
Dr. Wendy Borlabi on her journey in sports psychology
Director of mental performance and health for the Chicago Bulls, Dr. Wendy Borlabi discusses her journey in sports psychology, mental health in the NBA, how she prioritizes her own mental health and her non-profit organization, Wisdom Knot.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Oct 30, 2020
Cat Osterman on winning gold, losing gold and her experience suffering from anxiety
3X national player of the year, 4X All-American, 2X Olympic medalist and 3X Olympian, USA softball pitcher Cat Osterman has won gold and lost gold in the Olympics. Both experiences impacted her life on the field and off in a critical way. Osterman discusses her softball career, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and her personal experience suffering from anxiety on this episode of Equal Play.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Oct 23, 2020
Brooke Weisbrod on her journey to becoming an ESPN reporter/analyst
Brooke Weisbrod's road to becoming an ESPN reporter/analyst wasn't easy. She elaborates on the challenges, decisions and guidance from the universe that led her to this moment in her career.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Oct 16, 2020
Sarah Gorden on her USWNT call up and voting in the 2020 election
Sarah Gorden hasn't taken a traditional path to the USWNT stage. The Chicago Red Star defender discusses her professional soccer journey, the 2020 election and her new nonprofit Hood Space on the first episode of Equal Play.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add
Oct 14, 2020
Introducing 'Equal Play' from the Chicago Sun-Times
Join Sun-Times multimedia journalist Annie Costabile in 'Equal Play,' where we aim to highlight the brightest female stars in sports from the field to the front office.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
playlist_add