Podcast
Butterfly Road
Hosted by Cari & Ginny · EN
Cari & Ginny here — we’re two unapologetic, sports-loving, reality TV-obsessed besties who can’t stop talking about our emotions. After years of rambling to each other about our life experiences with mental health and sports, we decided it was time to publicly talk about the stuff that still gets brushed under the rug way too often. Butterfly Road is where we will be offering lighthearted insight, relatable stories, and straight-up positive vibes for anyone that wants a brutally honest and refreshing take on mental health in the sports world and beyond.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Guest Appearance: Ava Cook
Jun 1001:00:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Chicago Stars forward Ava Cook to hear the remarkable story of her journey through the NWSL. From her beginnings at a Division II university to transferring to Division I and eventually earning her spot with the Stars, Ava takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped her path. She reflects on the thrill of being drafted, the heartbreak of a season-ending ACL tear in 2024, and the long, grueling road to recovery.Ava speaks candidly about the mental and emotional challenges she faced during rehab, the support systems that helped her persevere, and the ways the experience reshaped her mindset both on and off the pitch. Her story is one of grit, selflessness, and unwavering determination. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about resilience, growth, and her journey back from adversity.
Transcribe →Doing Your Best
Nov 28, 202400:30:15Tap to summarizeWe’re back! After a little break for the NWSL season, we’re refreshed and ready to dive into a topic that’s been a long time coming—doing your best. What does it actually mean to give your best, and how can you shift your mindset when your "best" looks different from day to day? If you've been feeling like your best hasn't been enough lately, we've got you covered! Tune in and let us remind you—you’re doing better than you think!
Transcribe →Post-Vacation Blues
Apr 3, 202400:28:35Tap to summarizePicture this: You've been counting down the days to your vacation, or maybe it's that much-needed semester break, or you've finally reached the off-season. You've worked your tail off to get here, and now you can't wait to kick back and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. But as the return date approaches, a sense of dread starts creeping in. Suddenly, you're bombarded with questions: Am I ready to jump back into the grind? Did I make the most of my time off? And what's waiting for me when I get back? You're caught in this transition where you can't shake off the worry about what's coming up next. But fear not! This week, we discuss how to shake off those post-vacation blues. Join us as we share some tips and tricks to smooth out the return to reality and make the most of your precious time off.
Transcribe →Embracing Pressure
Dec 20, 202300:39:02Tap to summarizeIt’s a Christmas miracle! We’re back to discuss pressure, the different kinds, and how to handle them!While we acknowledge pressure is a privilege, we know it can be daunting and overwhelming. If you’re not prepared to embrace your own pressures, you may not reap as many benefits from those experiences. Tune in to hear about the pressures we face on and off the field and the tricks we use to alleviate them.
Transcribe →Guest Appearance: Monica Flores
Jul 12, 202300:54:01Tap to summarizeThis week we sit down with Monica Flores. Monica is an integrative health practitioner who looks to enhance the lives of others through holistic measures. Recently retired from professional soccer, Monica is now continuing her journey to change how people understand the connection between diet and mental health.During this episode, we discuss the mind-gut connection and how important a healthy diet is to mental health. Flores works with numerous athletes and attempts to shift their focus from societal expectations of appearance to fuel and performance through small changes. Flores also dotes on how the way one eats is a form of self love and nourishment, rather than restriction; through this, she candidly opens up about her own struggles regarding her relationship with food. We are so grateful to have our good friend and former teammate on the podcast with us — make sure to tune in!
Transcribe →Confidence & Self-Worth
Apr 25, 202300:57:58Tap to summarizeIndividuals are no strangers to the ups and downs of life. And with those ups and downs comes a struggle to maintain your confidence and self-worth. Factors out of your control, like playing time, injuries, job success, and outside opinions can threaten your identity. How do you maintain a steady mindset in the midst of it all? How do you stay confident through adversity?This episode, we answer those questions and discuss how to build self-confidence and self-worth on and off the field. It’s a common struggle we all face. But it’s manageable with the right tools. Join us!
Transcribe →Sunday Routines
Jan 10, 202300:33:12Tap to summarizeFor as long as we can remember, Sundays have been our least favorite day of the week. The excitement and activities of the weekend are gone, and you’re staring at five days of responsibilities until another weekend comes around. The temptation to be a couch potato is strong, but you know it’ll make things even worse. So, what do you do?Join us this week as we discuss creating your own Sunday routine and things you can do to hit the ground running on Monday.
Transcribe →Athlete Spotlight: John Wall
Dec 1, 202200:34:56Tap to summarizeThis episode we dive into the life of five-time NBA All-Star, John Wall. Wall made a name for himself as a point guard for the Washington Wizards, starting in 2010. He faced a storm of hardships including his mother’s death, a ruptured Achilles tendon, as well as getting traded from the Washington Wizards. Through these events, Wall battled with clinical depression and detailed his struggles in a Players’ Tribune article. We discuss the hardships, but more so, the inspiration Wall used to pull himself out of his depression. Once again, we see the positive effects of vulnerability and how speaking out can not only help your own healing, but others’ too.
Transcribe →The High School to College Transition
Oct 6, 202200:40:46Tap to summarizeOne of the biggest universal experiences all humans face is transition. Transition in where you live, transition in where you work – transition is unavoidable. And often, transitions bring about a ton of stress and anxieties. This episode we discuss the transition from high school to college, and the obstacles you face with this change in relation to your sport. Suddenly, you’re in an entirely new environment, learning the ropes, trying to make new friends, all while fighting for a spot in the lineup. Join us as we discuss our experience with the high school to college transition, what helped us cope, and what we would tell ourselves now looking back to freshman year.
Transcribe →Fill Up Your Cup
Jul 19, 202200:30:27Tap to summarizeExpansion teams come with a lot of press, buzz and excitement. But rarely does the public hear about the growing pains of the team's first season. An entirely new roster, coaching staff, front office, and routine are a few of the obstacles expansion teams face. That paired with the transition from your previous club can be a daunting task to face. But with this challenge comes immense growth, and ultimately, amazing life experiences that make you stronger and better on and off the field. Experiences Cari wouldn't trade for anything! Join us as we discuss Angel City's wild ride as one of the NWSL's two expansion teams this year!
Transcribe →