Podcast Summary: Beyond the Sidelines: Women Reshaping Sports Journalism
Podcast: BILFPOD
Host: Mara Dorne
Guest: Kendra Douglas (two-time Edward Murrow Award-winning sports reporter)
Date: February 5, 2026
Episode Overview
This inspiring episode centers on the remarkable journey of Kendra Douglas, a former Division I track athlete turned trailblazing sports journalist. Mara Dorne and Kendra dive deep into the realities of pursuing bold dreams, the grit required behind the glamorous facade of sports media, and the unique challenges—and triumphs—of being a Black woman in a predominantly male industry. The conversation also branches into hot topics such as representation, ethics in sports media, social media’s impact, and the evolving role of women on and off the sidelines.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kendra’s Early Life and Competitive Drive
[01:42–02:46]
- Kendra shares how her mother encouraged her to “dream the boldest dreams”—advice that became her mantra.
- Grew up a dedicated track athlete; her dad (also her coach) fostered her relentless drive.
- Realized in college that her future wasn’t competing but storytelling, inspired by her journalist mother.
“My mom always told me to dream the boldest dreams… it has totally just transformed my life.” — Kendra Douglas [01:43]
2. First Big Break: Reporting at the Olympics
[02:50–05:06]
- As a college student, participated in a rare opportunity to report at the Brazil Olympics alongside her friend, Jenny.
- Covered Usain Bolt’s historic final race, experiencing the surreal effort and long hours behind major sports moments.
“We would leave early…get there maybe at like 3pm, 4pm to now, 3am… just to get this guy. And I was willing to make the sacrifice.” — Kendra Douglas [05:09]
3. Transition from Local News to NBA/NFL Coverage
[06:16–08:57]
- Detailed struggle post-Olympics: scarcity of sports media jobs led her to a general assignment role in Wilmington, NC.
- Highlighted the importance of persistence and seizing any opportunity to build credibility and a reel.
- Moved to Wichita, Kansas—covered the Kansas City Chiefs (Mahomes’ rookie years) and then, with the help of an agent, to Orlando to cover the Magic and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (including Tom Brady’s historic Super Bowl run).
“Everything is happening for me. Like, everything I’m dreaming of.” — Kendra Douglas [08:47]
4. Representation & Navigating Male-Dominated Spaces
[09:35–13:49]
- The reality of being “the only Black woman in the locker room,” and forming bonds with peers.
- Respect was earned through preparation, competence, and confidence—not just “acting like the guys” but claiming full belonging.
- For Kendra, seeing herself as a co-worker among athletes fosters mutual respect and trust, leading to better storytelling for audiences.
“I just felt like I deserve to be in this room. I’ve worked my butt off… I was ready.” — Kendra Douglas [11:48]
5. Most Memorable Reporting Moments
[14:20–15:59]
- Covering the Super Bowl during COVID was especially surreal: “no one’s there,” yet it was Tom Brady’s career finale.
- First time covering a Magic game at Madison Square Garden as a lifelong dream: “this is the Mecca.”
“Walking up the huge ramp to get to the court, I was like, Oh my God, I'm here.” — Kendra Douglas [15:25]
6. Confronting Racism & Sexism in the Industry
[16:29–18:10]
- Faced the most explicit bias early in her career, especially in rural areas as “the only one.”
- Shared an anecdote from Kansas when a stranger recognized her—offering a moment of belonging.
- Emphasizes her unshakeable sense of self: “this is who I am, and I’m good at what I do.”
7. “True or False” Sports Media Rapid Fire
Segment Starts [20:11]
Key Highlights:
- All athletes respect female reporters: “True. For me, that’s fine.” [20:23]
- Social media improved sports journalism: “False. We gotta do better… Sometimes it’s better to vet a situation.” [21:41]
- Athletes too sensitive to criticism: “True. I think everybody’s too sensitive… just let it go.” [22:08]
- Women need to prove themselves more: “A thousand percent true.” [23:19]
- Media is more about entertainment than journalism: “True, but I’m not mad at it…if you can still hold that journalistic integrity—why not?” [23:29–24:23]
- Male jealousy over women getting access: “I’ve never had to deal with that.” [25:47]
- Stick to sports is code for ‘don’t speak on social justice’: Explores how holding a platform and using it for issues that matter is valid, despite pushback. [28:09]
- NIL deals (college athletes getting paid) are disrupting college sports: Mixed feelings—happy for athletes, but sees chaos and loss of stability/fan loyalty. [30:40]
- WNBA should get equal pay: “If more, they deserve more. Pay the players.” [32:13]
8. Personal Sacrifices and Resilience
[35:00–36:36]
- Admits to the “loneliness” and social sacrifices: missed friendships, challenges in dating, relentless travel.
- Expresses gratitude for friends and family support—and the strains those relationships sometimes feel.
“It does get lonely in this world. You’re constantly traveling…you don’t always have your best friends with you.” — Kendra Douglas [36:28]
9. Accolades, Family, and Staying Grounded
[37:24–40:19]
- Shares pride in being honored with a proclamation by the Kansas governor for contributions to women in sports broadcasting.
- Credits a large, tight-knit family and active group chat for keeping her humble and connected.
“They will keep me humble. In a heartbeat… But I love it.” — Kendra Douglas [40:11]
10. Rapid Fire: Fun and Inspirational Q&A
[40:19–42:08]
- Best athlete interview: Paolo Banchero [40:27]
- One thing to change in sports media: More women invited to the table [40:42]
- Dream interview: A’ja Wilson (WNBA) [40:54]
- Advice for young women: “Keep going. Accept criticism from the right people.” [41:23]
“Accept criticism from the right people... Sometimes people…will just talk about you and say things to you.” — Kendra Douglas [41:47]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “If you leave after watching this, if anything you take away, it’s just to continue to dream the boldest dreams, go after them, and then, like, don’t be silent about your dreams.” — Kendra Douglas [00:00, repeated at 43:43]
- “I just want everyone to feel comfortable when I’m talking…like I’m talking to you for years.” — Kendra Douglas [13:49]
- “Sometimes you plant a seed not to eat right now, but to eat later.” — Podcast Host [09:17]
- “I didn’t feel intimidated…I just felt like I deserve to be in this room.” — Kendra Douglas [11:48]
- “You have to believe in yourself… I am so crazy, but I believe it’s gonna work.” — Kendra Douglas [43:31]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Kendra's journey from athlete to journalist: 01:42–02:46
- Brazil Olympics reporting experience & ‘aha moment’: 02:50–05:06
- First jobs, struggle, and “breaking in”: 06:16–08:57
- Navigating male-dominated locker rooms: 09:35–13:49
- Most memorable big-game coverage: 14:20–15:59
- On racism, sexism, and earning respect: 16:29–18:10
- “True or False” segment: 20:11–34:12
- Personal sacrifice & impact on relationships: 35:00–36:36
- Family & staying grounded: 37:24–40:19
- Rapid fire Q&A: 40:19–42:08
- Advice and final words: 42:08–43:43
Final Message and Takeaways
Kendra and Mara both agree:
- Relentlessness, self-belief, and resilience are essential for women breaking into sports journalism or any male-dominated space.
- Sacrifices are real, but so are the rewards and personal growth.
- Representation matters—there’s never been a better time for women to claim space, elevate one another, and change the media landscape.
“Don’t ever give up on who you are. Go all in—full belief in yourself. It might take a little while, but you’ll get there.” — Podcast Host Mara Dorne [43:27]
Listener Challenge:
Both host and guest urge women with big aspirations to literally write down three dreams and send them in for support, echoing Kendra's signature advice:
“Don’t be silent about your dreams. Speak it out, write it down, everything. Show yourself—what do I need to do to get there?” — Kendra Douglas [43:43]
Follow Kendra Douglas on all social media (@KendraDouglas), and tune in to see which bold, history-making sports moment she covers next.