Barely Famous Podcast: Leah Van Dale - Speaking Her Truth

Hosted by Kail Lowry on PodcastOne
Release Date: March 7, 2025

1. Introduction

In this candid episode of Barely Famous, host Kayla sits down with Leah Van Dale, formerly known as Carmella in the WWE. Leah opens up about her 12-year journey in professional wrestling, the unexpected end of her WWE career, her experiences with motherhood, and the challenges she faced during this transition.

2. Career in WWE

Leah Van Dale recounts her early days as a cheerleader and dancer for the NFL and NBA before making the leap to WWE—a decision influenced by her father's wrestling background.

• Leah: "I never in my life imagined I would end up in WWE as a dancer. My whole life, I cheered in the NFL and then the NBA, and then this opportunity just kind of snowballed."
  (03:12)

She expresses pride in her accomplishments, including winning titles and being part of WWE's women's evolution.

• Leah: "I made it to the top. I became champion. I made history and got to be a part of this huge women's evolution."
  (03:44)

3. Pregnancy and Injury

About ten years into her WWE contract, Leah decided to pursue motherhood. Her pregnancy journey was complicated by severe nerve damage resulting from a prolonged labor and the use of an epidural.

• Leah: "I got pregnant and then I had my son, and during childbirth, I sustained deep fibular nerve damage. I couldn't really walk for weeks after."
  (05:30)

Despite her injury, WWE was initially supportive, freezing her contract and providing paid leave.

• Leah: "They were really cool about it. They paid me, and they've paid every woman that's been pregnant before under contract."
  (05:37)

4. Contract Termination

Leah was blindsided when WWE decided not to renew her contract shortly after her injury. The company reinstated her contract for a mere seven weeks postpartum, differing from the standard practice of extending contracts based on the injury duration.

• Leah: "They reinstated my contract for seven weeks postpartum without informing me that my contract expiring would mean termination."
  (09:43)

This abrupt termination left her feeling undervalued and questioning whether gender bias played a role.

• Leah: "I feel like it is because I had a baby, like point blank. We still have a long way to go with equality."
  (14:20)

5. Impact on Personal Life

The end of her WWE career coincided with Leah's efforts to recover from her injury and embrace motherhood. Her husband remains employed with WWE, adding to the emotional strain of her situation.

• Leah: "It hurts because my husband still has a job and I don't. How is that fair?"
  (18:19)

Despite this, Leah remains supportive of her husband and the WWE community, emphasizing her gratitude for the 12 years she spent with the company.

6. Creation of Snatch

Leah channels her experiences into creating Snatch Co., a platform designed to support women going through similar challenges, particularly those related to pregnancy and miscarriage.

• Leah: "Snatch is a platform where women can chat, ask questions, and find support. I wanted to let other women know they're not alone."
  (26:04)

She shares how Snatch has already made a meaningful impact, helping women navigate difficult times.

• Leah: "Yesterday, someone reached out thinking she's having an ectopic pregnancy. I'm grateful I created this because she knows to ask questions and seek help."
  (28:25)

7. Reflections on Gender Inequality

Leah reflects on the broader issues of gender inequality within WWE and the entertainment industry. She highlights the lack of support systems for mothers and the undervaluing of women's contributions.

• Leah: "Women in WWE are extremely underpaid compared to men. It's important to speak up and advocate for equality."
  (20:15)

She calls for improved communication and support for female athletes who wish to balance career and motherhood.

• Leah: "There needs to be more communication and support for moms in this workspace. Athletes should be able to have children and still have a career."
  (37:32)

8. Future Plans

Embracing a new chapter, Leah discusses her aspirations beyond WWE. She expresses interest in hosting, potentially on Broadway, and continues to prioritize her role as a mother.

• Leah: "I would love to get into hosting or maybe even Roxie Hart on Broadway. That's my dream job."
  (63:17)

Leah remains optimistic, believing that her journey will lead to new and fulfilling opportunities.

• Leah: "If this wasn't happening right now, it's going to lead me to a different path. I’m excited to see what's next for Leah."
  (24:58)

Notable Quotes

• Leah Van Dale: "I've been honest about this entire process, and I want to be open and honest for other women in the future."
  (50:39)

• Leah Van Dale: "Something else is coming, and I feel like something good is gonna come from this."
  (24:58)

• Kayla: "It's insane when you think about it."
  (62:25)

• Leah Van Dale: "Women should be able to have children and still have a career."
  (37:32)

Conclusion

Leah Van Dale's heartfelt narrative sheds light on the intersection of professional sports, motherhood, and gender inequality. Her transparency serves as a rallying cry for better support systems for women in demanding careers, and her initiative with Snatch Co. underscores her commitment to fostering community and resilience among women facing similar challenges.

For more insights and updates on Leah's journey, follow her on Instagram at @leahvandale and visit her website Snatch Co..

Note: This summary intentionally excludes advertisements and non-content sections to focus solely on the meaningful dialogue between Kayla and Leah Van Dale.