Unbreakable: The Female Athlete Podcast

On this episode of the Unbreakable Female Athlete podcast, Andra Douglas shares her journey from athlete to trailblazing owner of the New York Sharks — one of the most successful women’s tackle football teams in history.Andra opens up about the challenges of navigating a male-dominated sport, building a team from the ground up, and creating opportunities for women to feel seen, supported, and empowered through athletics. She also shares lessons on resilience, leadership, advocacy, and the importance of building community in women’s sports.This episode is for athletes, coaches, and anyone passionate about breaking barriers and creating more opportunities for women in sports.

In a world where endurance sports have often been perceived as a male-dominated arena, Renee stands out as a beacon of inspiration. At just 17 years old, she is not only the youngest female to complete an Ironman but is also on a mission to break records and encourage more women to embrace endurance sports. This blog post delves into her remarkable journey, training experiences, and aspirations for the future.Renee's journey into triathlons began at the tender age of 16 when she completed her first Olympic distance triathlon. That experience ignited a passion for long distances, leading her to sign up for her first Ironman at just 17. "I knew I could do more," she recalls, highlighting the moment she decided to tackle the challenging Ironman distance. Completing her first Ironman in New Zealand, she felt the overwhelming support of fellow competitors calling out her name, a testament to the camaraderie that exists in the sport.The Ironman consists of a grueling 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike ride, and a 42 km run. Renee's determination to push her limits led her to set an ambitious goal: to complete an Ironman on every continent and become the youngest person to achieve this feat. "I felt like maybe I should go for it," she explains, after learning about the current record held by a male athlete. With her coach's support, she is preparing to tackle three Ironmans in one year—an impressive undertaking that showcases her discipline and commitment.Throughout her journey, Renee has been acutely aware of the gender disparities in endurance sports. With only 18% of Ironman finishers being women, she feels a strong responsibility to inspire younger girls to participate in these sports. "The more women athletes you have, the more younger girls you are inspiring to set big goals and break records," she asserts. Her passion for representation is fueled by her own experiences growing up, where she idolized female gymnasts like Simone Biles and Ali Raisman but noticed a lack of female role models in endurance sports.Contrary to popular belief, training for an Ironman is not just about following a plan; it requires immense dedication. "It takes a lot to get to that point where it becomes effortless," Renee explains, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into training. Balancing her ambitious training schedule with her studies in data science and applications is no easy feat, but with the support of her professors and a structured daily routine, she manages to thrive.One of Renee's most challenging races was the Ironman 70.3 Weymouth, where she faced unexpected difficulties, including a bike malfunction and the need for personal hygiene supplies during the race. Her father was there to support her, showcasing the importance of having a supportive network. "Imagine if somebody was alone and where would they go?" she reflects, highlighting the need for better provisions for women in endurance sports.Renee's jou

In this conversation, Phillis shares her journey from a young girl discovering golf through her father's influence to becoming a world champion in long drive. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in the golf industry, the impact of social media, and the importance of community support. Phillis reflects on her personal growth through adversity, the cultural differences between New Zealand and the U.S., and her desire to inspire the next generation of female athletes. She s

In this conversation, Kayti Simonson shares her journey as an athlete, discussing her transition from Canada to the US sports scene, the challenges she faced with coaching, and the importance of balancing academics with athletics. She emphasises the need for communication, building a strong support system, and shifting from focusing on outcomes to enjoying the process. Kayti also reflects on the significance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and the role of women supporting each other in sports. Her insights provide valuable advice for young athletes navigating their own journeys.

In this conversation, Tash Phillips shares her inspiring journey from discovering rowing at a young age to overcoming significant challenges, including injuries and the impact of COVID-19. She discusses her transition to beach sprints, the importance of resilience, and her entrepreneurial venture with her sister, The Stitched Oar. Tash emphasises the significance of mental strength in sports and offers valuable advice for young female athletes.

In this episode, Jason shares his journey from regular gym goer to a startup co-founder, detailing how his startup, Ganance, has shaped his life and work ethic. He discusses the importance of fitness in his daily routine, emphasising how it fuels his productivity and creativity. Jason also dives into the challenges of balancing a full-time job with running a startup, highlighting the necessity of prioritising tasks and knowing when to say no. He reflects on the learning curve of entrepreneurship, the importance of customer feedback, and the role of social media in building his brand.The innovative product Ganance sells, called the Heir, which aims to merge traditional wristwatches with smartwatch capabilities. He explains the product's features, its development journey, and the target demographic, which he describes as 'corporate athletes.' Jason emphasises the importance of adaptability and learning from failures in the startup world, sharing insights on how to maintain balance and motivation amidst the pressures of entrepreneurship.He concludes with advice for aspiring female athletes and entrepreneurs, encouraging them to embrace challenges and keep pushing forward.

In this episode, Charlotte Dixon discusses how mindset not only influences performance but also shapes the athlete's approach to challenges and goals.Charlotte's journey takes us from riding to indoor rowing, through CrossFit and all the opportunities seized. She shares her journey across sports and boarders encouraging everyone to explore new opportunities.

In this conversation, Ashley Dyce shares her journey of being selected for a wild card spot, highlighting the anticipation and excitement leading up to the moment she received the news. She emphasises the importance of continuous training and dedication, which ultimately led to her achievement of attending the Paris event.

In this conversation, Vwaire shares her journey from discovering rowing to becoming a competitive athlete on the world stage. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from indoor to outdoor rowing, the importance of coaching, and the mental health aspects of being a high-performance athlete. Vwaire also reflects on her experiences with injuries, the significance of team dynamics, and the impact of representation in sports. Throughout the discussion, she emphasises the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and the journey of self-discovery in the context of being an athlete.

In this conversation, Mia Zambarano shares her journey from being a Division I soccer player to becoming a licensed mental health therapist. She discusses the importance of empowering athletes to help themselves, the role of social media in mental health awareness, and the significance of self-assessment and goal setting. Mia sctive strategies for athletes to maintain their mental well-being. She also addresses the role of coaches, the impact of medication, and the importance of communication with parents. Throughout the discussion, Mia highlights the value of resilience and the journey of self-improvement for athletes.

In this conversation, Becky Wilde, a GB rower, shares her journey from being a swimmer to becoming a successful rower, including her experiences with injuries, the challenges of competing at the Olympics, and the importance of mindset and preparation. She discusses the highs and lows of her athletic career, the impact of role models, and the significance of finding balance in life beyond sports. Becky shares the complexities of being an elite athlete.

The conversation explores the inception and growth of Game Changer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for women to play basketball. Founders Dr. Rebecca Heis and her partner, Leigh Irwin discuss the challenges they faced in establishing the nonprofit, the importance of community and support for women's health and confidence, and the impact of sports on mental well-being. They emphasize the need for inclusivity and safety in sports, the benefits of participation, and the transformative power of stress.

This episode explores the intense emotions and experiences faced during the Olympic Final in Paris 2024, highlighting the thrill of competition and the joy of victory. Eve reflects on her reaction to challenges and the significance of celebrating achievements and navigating injury.

In this conversation, Ashley Sessa shares her journey as a field hockey player, from her early beginnings inspired by her mother to competing at the Olympics. She discusses the challenges of being a young athlete on Team USA, navigating ADHD, and the importance of supportive coaches and family. Ashley emphasizes the significance of building trust within teams, coping with bullying, and creating a positive team culture. She also highlights her commitment to giving back to the community and shares her goals and aspirations both on and off the field. Throughout the conversation, Ashley reflects on the importance of enjoying the journey and learning from experiences, making her a true embodiment of an unbreakable female athlete.

In this conversation, Soph Pepper and Stephanie discuss the critical aspects of sports nutrition, focusing on the importance of proper fueling for athletes. Stephanie shares her personal journey into sports nutrition, the challenges athletes face with under-fueling, and the impact of social media on their perceptions of nutrition. They explore the role of dietitians, the dangers of calorie counting, and the significance of hydration and regular blood work. The discussion emphasizes the need for personalized nutrition plans, the importance of building a positive relationship with food, and the tools athletes need to thrive both physically and mentally. Ultimately, the conversation aims to empower athletes to take control of their nutrition and performance.

In this episode, Hailey D'Lynn Smith shares her inspiring journey from gymnastics to becoming a seven-time All-American cheerleader and advocate for women in sports. She discusses the challenges of injuries, the impact of the Netflix show 'Cheer', and the ongoing fight for cheerleading to be recognized as an Olympic sport. Hailey emphasizes the importance of resilience, trust in teammates, and the financial challenges faced by cheerleaders. She also offers valuable advice for young female athletes on finding their voice and the significance of confidence and authenticity in their journeys.

In this episode of the Unbreakable Female Athlete podcast, we sit down with Teahna Daniels, a professional sprinter and Olympian, to explore her incredible journey in athletics. From her early days running barefoot in her neighborhood to representing Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Teahna shares her passion for track and field, her unexpected foray into bobsleigh, and the importance of mental health and resilience. She opens up about the challenges of navigating contracts, the impact of COVID-19 on her career, and her aspirations beyond the track. Join us as Teahna discusses her role models, her commitment to youth development, and what it truly means to be an unbreakable female athlete.

In this conversation, Soph Pepper interviews Rachel Frantz, a passionate lacrosse coach who shares her journey into the sport, the impact of female coaches, and the importance of mindset in athletic performance. Rachel discusses her experiences with eating disorders, the role of vulnerability in coaching, and how to build confidence in athletes. She emphasizes the significance of creating a supportive environment for female athletes and the lessons learned from her recovery journey. The conversation concludes with valuable advice for athletes on embracing their unique paths and the importance of love and connection in sports.

In this conversation, Sydney shares her journey as a para-athlete, discussing her passion for sports, the challenges she faced after losing her leg, and her experiences in adaptive track and field. She emphasizes the importance of accessibility in sports, the changing perceptions of para-athletes, and the influence of family support. Sydney also reflects on the mindset required to overcome challenges, the impact of injuries, and her role as the first Paralympian on the Stanford track team. Throughout the discussion, she advocates for greater representation and opportunities for para-athletes in sports, highlighting the value of teamwork and the privilege of competing.

SummaryIn this episode of the Unbreakable Podcast, host Jaecee Hall speaks with Angela Teeple, a veteran coach and educator, about her journey in sports, the importance of mental fitness, and the role of parents in supporting young athletes. Angela shares insights on her upcoming book, 'The Bench Between Us,' and discusses the concept of resilience, emphasizing that it is about growth through challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of kindness, uniqueness, and the internal strength that makes us unbreakable.To follow All In on Instagram, click here. To view the All In website, click here. To read Angela's first book, click here. To purchase apparel from Unbreakable Female Athlete, click here.

In this episode of "Unbreakable," host Jaecee Hall sits down with Claudia Trejos, a trailblazer in sports journalism. Claudia shares her journey as a Hispanic woman thriving in the male-dominated world of sports media.From being the first woman to cover boxing in Saudi Arabia to becoming a member of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, Claudia's story is one of resilience and inspiration. She discusses the importance of staying true to oneself, the power of passion over mere motivation, and the impact of holding the door open for others. Tune in to hear Claudia's insights on navigating challenges, embracing individuality, and the true meaning of being unbreakable.To follow Claudia, click here.To visit Claudia's website, click here.To shop the Unbreakable Female Athlete website, click here.

In this episode of Unbreakable, host Jaecee Hall interviews Coach Jeff Garbutt, head coach of the University of Iowa Women's Rowing Team. They discuss Coach Garbutt's journey into coaching, the unique culture of Iowa rowing, and the importance of empowering female athletes. The conversation highlights the blend of local and international talent within the team, the significance of building trust and confidence among athletes, and the goals set for athletes as they transition beyond their rowing careers. Coach Garbutt emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, loyalty, and the ability to remain fearless in pursuing one's dreams.To follow Iowa Rowing on Instagram click here. Interested in rowing at Iowa? Click here. Interested in purchasing Unbreakable Female Athlete apparel? Click here.Interested in sponsoring this podcast? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Unbreakable podcast, host Jaecee Hall sits down with Molly Shannon, a former Division I athlete and emerging musician. They discuss Molly's journey from rowing at the University of Iowa to pursuing her passion for music, the challenges faced as a student athlete, and the importance of teamwork and resilience. Molly shares her experiences transitioning from athletics to the real world, the discipline gained from sports that translates into her music career, and offers advice for young dreamers. The conversation emphasizes the meaning of being 'unbreakable' and the significance of supporting one another in their journeys.You can follow Molly's musician Instagram hereYou can follow Molly's personal Instagram hereYou can follow Molly's Singer and Musician Facebook here