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/

In this episode, I spoke with L'Oreal Gamble, who shared her extraordinary journey from Fayetteville State University to professional basketball overseas. L'Oreal takes us through the unique challenges HBCU athletes face in breaking into pro sports, her eye-opening experiences playing overseas, and the bold decision to create a women's basketball league in Raleigh. She provides insights into the financial realities of running a women's sports organization and discusses the current landscape of investment in women's athletics. This conversation offers valuable perspective on player development, emerging opportunities, and what it takes to build sustainable platforms for female athletes. Whether you're a basketball fan, aspiring athlete, or business enthusiast, L'Oreal's story demonstrates how passion combined with strategic vision can transform sports at the community level. Follow along on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lg3baby

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

Dominic Lawson is the host of Black is America, a podcast highlighting African American figures and stories. He created an incredible narrative podcast episode about 3 Black women icons in track and field: Wilma Rudolph, Florence Joyner Griffin, and Sha’Carri Richardson. I sat down with him to get some behind-the-scenes insight into the premise of the episode, why he chose to highlight these 3 women, and how he feels about the current state of women’s track and field.

There are so many accomplished Black women runners, it can be easy to forget that they all started by putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes the biggest challenge for a runner isn’t being fast, it’s learning to lead a life as an athlete who wants to get paid for their passion.

Find the original episode here: https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/wilma-florence-and-shacarri-american-women-of-speed/

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

I sat down with the founder of Tough Cutie, Brittany Coleman to talk about her active sock brand. She's a part of Founded Outdoors, and enjoys camping, hiking, and cycling. We talked about representation for women and people of color in the outdoor apparel industry, and the gap she hopes to fill with her company. Check out Tough Cuties: https://www.toughcutie.com/

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

In this episode, Alissa Lay shares how she retraced the historic 1928 cycling route from Harlem to Washington, DC, along with insights into her rigorous yet contrasting training regimes for bodybuilding, long-distance running, and cycling. She also recounts her involvement in promoting trail running among Black, Indigenous, and people of color through organizations like Dirtbag Runs, now We Run Long. Alissa emphasizes the importance of accessibility and representation in sports, highlighting her journey from sprinting to endurance running, including completing a 50K trail race shortly after giving birth to twins (yes, you read that correctly). This episode showcases Alissa’s dedication to multiple sports, her advocacy for inclusivity, and the transformative power of coaching and community support.

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

I spoke with marathon runner Mary Fleming as she shares her remarkable journey from the couch to accomplished marathoner. In this in-depth interview, Mary discusses her training evolution, nutrition strategies, and the profound impact running has had on her mental health. Learn how she's built a supportive running community while helping others achieve their running goals. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, Mary's insights and encouragement offer valuable lessons about perseverance, personal growth, and the transformative power of running. Discover how running can be more than just exercise - it's a path to self-discovery and community building.

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