The First Woman Coach in the NHL: Jessica Campbell

Summary

House of Mar Podcast Summary: Episode - The First Woman Coach in the NHL: Jessica Campbell

Release Date: July 29, 2025

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Introduction

In this compelling episode of House of Mar, hosted by Wave Originals’ sisters—Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher, “Girl Dinner” creator Olivia Maher, and human rights advocate Adrianna “Dre Baby” Maher—listeners are introduced to a groundbreaking figure in the world of professional sports: Jessica Campbell. As the first woman to coach an NHL team, Jessica brings a wealth of experience, passion, and unique perspectives to the conversation.

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Jessica Campbell’s Journey from Player to Coach

Jessica Campbell shares her seamless transition from a celebrated hockey player to an esteemed coach. Having played for the Canadian Women's National Team, where she secured a gold medal in 2014, Jessica's athletic prowess extended beyond the rink. She also helmed the German National Team and founded her own venture, JC Power Skating.

Notable Quote:

“Hockey's pretty much consumed my entire life, and I've loved every second of it. Transitioning into coaching felt like a natural progression.”
— Jessica Campbell [20:52]

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Breaking Barriers: The First Woman Coach in the NHL

Being the first woman coach in the NHL comes with its unique set of challenges and responsibilities. Jessica discusses the initial skepticism she faced, particularly being perceived through the lens of her femininity in a predominantly male sport.

Notable Quote:

“When I walk into a room, I lean into my differences because that's my greatest asset.”
— Jessica Campbell [31:39]

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Coaching Philosophy: Communication and Vulnerability

Jessica emphasizes the importance of human connection in her coaching style. She believes that building trust and fostering open communication are paramount, especially in the high-pressure environment of the NHL. Her approach integrates her feminine traits, challenging traditional notions of leadership in sports.

Notable Quote:

“Good coaches never really all look the same. They show up differently, but the core elements of caring and respecting the player remain constant.”
— Jessica Campbell [30:05]

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Managing Pressure and Inspiring the Next Generation

Acknowledging the immense pressure that comes with being a trailblazer, Jessica discusses how she channels this stress into motivation. She views the attention and expectations as both a privilege and a responsibility to pave the way for future generations of women in sports.

Notable Quote:

“The pressure is a signal that you're doing something special and important. I've learned to channel that pressure into fuel for the fire.”
— Jessica Campbell [39:03]

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Personal Insights and Advice for Young Athletes

Jessica reflects on her pivotal moments that solidified her love for hockey, including watching the 2002 Olympics and being inspired by Cassie Campbell. She underscores the significance of visibility in inspiring young athletes and breaking down barriers.

Notable Quote:

“Visibility is so important because you have no idea what impact it has on young hearts and minds.”
— Jessica Campbell [42:53]

When addressing a listener's submission about an 8-year-old girl discouraged by a teammate, Jessica offers empowering advice, encouraging resilience and self-belief.

Notable Quote:

“If they don't know what you're capable of, their opinion doesn't matter. Keep pushing forward.”
— Jessica Campbell [55:38]

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Wrap-Up: Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

As the episode winds down, Jessica shares her favorite reads, including The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The 5 AM Club, emphasizing continual personal growth and discipline. The hosts also engage in a lighthearted discussion about favorite books, showcasing the sisters' camaraderie and diverse interests.

Notable Quote:

“If you're not a morning person, you still can find your version of the 5 AM Club. It's about making time work for you.”
— Jessica Campbell [53:16]

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Conclusion

This episode of House of Mar not only highlights Jessica Campbell's significant achievements but also delves deep into her coaching philosophy, the challenges of breaking gender barriers in sports, and her unwavering commitment to inspiring the next generation. Jessica's authentic and human-centered approach offers valuable lessons for athletes, coaches, and listeners alike.

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Key Takeaways

• Trailblazing Leadership: Jessica Campbell's role as the first woman coach in the NHL serves as a beacon for gender equality in sports.

• Human-Centric Coaching: Emphasizing trust, respect, and open communication to enhance player performance and team dynamics.

• Handling Pressure: Viewing pressure as a privilege and a source of motivation to drive excellence.

• Inspiring Future Generations: The critical role of visibility in empowering young athletes to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

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Notable Quotes

1. “Good coaches never really all look the same. They show up differently, but the core elements of caring and respecting the player remain constant.”
   — Jessica Campbell [30:05]

2. “The pressure is a signal that you're doing something special and important. I've learned to channel that pressure into fuel for the fire.”
   — Jessica Campbell [39:03]

3. “Visibility is so important because you have no idea what impact it has on young hearts and minds.”
   — Jessica Campbell [42:53]

4. “If you can inch out an hour of time in the morning, your life will change.”
   — Jessica Campbell [53:16]

5. “If they don't know what you're capable of, their opinion doesn't matter. Keep pushing forward.”
   — Jessica Campbell [55:38]

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Stay Connected

For more insights and behind-the-scenes content, follow House of Mar on social media at @HouseOfMar and subscribe to their YouTube channel. New episodes release every Tuesday.

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This summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners or those interested in Jessica Campbell's inspiring journey and coaching philosophy.

Transcript

[Alona Mar]

I love to wear makeup when I play. Wearing makeup doesn't take away from how hard I'm going to tackle or how well I'm going to play it. And I imagine even through coaching sports, like, wanting to, because I think the big thing was like, oh, here's this really attractive woman coaching a men's sport. That's crazy. And then you almost get doubted because, sorry, God made me hot. Sorry, God made you hot, Jessica, you know. Welcome to House of Mar A Wave original sponsored by Visible. We have a few house rules.

[Audriana War]

Girls are magic.

[Alona Mar]

Reading is hot, and so are you. And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube so you can see kind of this side part thing Ajana got going on. Almost a. Almost an emo do. Put it back again over your eye like it was in love with an.

[Olivia Mar]

Emo girl in love with an E. You're really giving it.

[Alona Mar]

Okay, wait, can we. Can I say probably not.

[Jessica Campbell]

Isn't it.

[Alona Mar]

It's like an acronym. I don't know, guys.

[Olivia Mar]

She's giving. She's giving alternative.

[Alona Mar]

She's giving raw.

[Audriana War]

Is it too much of a side part?

[Alona Mar]

It's. It's just like. It was just really laying across your eye there.

[Olivia Mar]

It's new for you.

[Alona Mar]

I like it. I like. It's hard.

[Olivia Mar]

Now you're giving old Hollywood meets 2009.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, that's cute. Yeah, it is hard with headphones to get, you know, your hair. Like, Olivia, I think, has just her whole hair underneath her headphones.

[Olivia Mar]

You guys, I wanted to make my face shape look nice. Please don't call it out.

[Alona Mar]

No, it's gorgeous.

[Jessica Campbell]

You can.

[Alona Mar]

You can call something out on me, but I feel like if I was.

[Olivia Mar]

A pop star and I was in the stude, I'd be like. I would do it like this so.

[Alona Mar]

I could be like, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

You know what I mean?

[Audriana War]

Well, you gotta have one ear off.

[Olivia Mar]

You're so right. Is that allowed?

[Audriana War]

So you can hear yourself?

[Olivia Mar]

Which we call Alona out for you.

[Alona Mar]

Actually looking a little glowy, Alona. Thank you.

[Audriana War]

I can talk about whatever the frick is behind you on that desk.

[Olivia Mar]

Don't look over there, guys.

[Audriana War]

Don't look.

[Alona Mar]

Guys.

[Audriana War]

Hey, blur that charger.

[Alona Mar]

Sorry, I got so distracted by Adriana's hair thing. You guys probably don't know me. I'm pretty quiet, demure. I don't like to post a lot or talk a lot, but I am the middle sister, Alona.

[Olivia Mar]

I am the eldest daughter, another woman of mystery, Olivia Mar.

[Audriana War]

And I don't shut the up. I'm Audranowar.

[Alona Mar]

And that's true. Actually.

[Audriana War]

I haven't told you this, Alona. I burned my neck with a curling iron and it looks like I got a hickey. And I was getting coffee with a friend and she's like, what's on your neck? And I go, it's a hickey. And she's like, no, you would have told me. I was like, I move in silence. She started cracking up. She was like, no, no, you don't.

[Alona Mar]

I know I want to move in silence. I never have a day in my life. I'd say I'm not good for it. I sometimes think like, no, I don't have to tell people about this. That happened. I one, one call, one minute into our call and I have to share. I need to be more mysterious, truly, I think.

[Olivia Mar]

But then the more mysterious you are and the less you say or put out into the universe, the less that can happen for you or you get to like, bond with people. Or I'm like, oh, I'll be mysterious. I don't need to talk about this on the Internet. But then I'll talk about on the Internet and amazing things come from it. You know, I said, I was like, I've never had a seafood boil on my story. Boom. Guess who went to a seafood boil that week with a friend. You know that can happen.

[Audriana War]

If you didn't post that, you would have been so mysterious.

[Alona Mar]

I know the ball on that one, truly. Coming up on today's episode of House of Mar. We're talking trap talks, vulnerable leadership with the first female coach in the NHL. And we also have a sister. Settle it from a young fan.

[Olivia Mar]

Guys, let's catch up a little bit. What has been going on alone. You're gonna be playing in. In Canada. You're heading north this upcoming weekend, right?

[Alona Mar]

Yes, I am heading up to Ottawa to play Canada. Give them a little go. They are a top notch team, a top notch side. I think that they're second in the world right now. They're one of the top three, but solid squad. We got to play them in Kansas City, you know, months ago. So it'll be good to get another go at them and just see how we have improved, see if we can keep up. It's also just prep for the World cup, but they are going to give it to us and you know, they, they, they have a certain level that they play at. So I'm excited to try and see what we can do. A lot of the girls on that team play sevens, actually. So I know a lot of them and I've met a lot of them but it's going to be an Ottawa mom and dad are going to come. They're going to you know bring their bikes with them to be able to bike around and they, they love going to games around there. So I'm excited to see I guess that the, the tickets have been selling so hopefully it's a good game just for viewers as well.

[Olivia Mar]

This game this upcoming weekend be streamed like can people watch it?

[Alona Mar]

I'd hope so.

[Olivia Mar]

Well keep an eye out on our socials houseofmar on all platforms to find out where it will be streamed, how to watch and all that over the next week before Alona plays this weekend.

[Audriana War]

Because you're going to want to check it out.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, you're going to want to tune in.

[Alona Mar]

It should be exciting. Yeah. There's a great players on there player that I really admire. Sophie DeGood. Amazing player, kind of like shaped like me. Tall and really, really powerful. She actually tore her ACL before the Olympics when we were at camp together in Chula Vista they came down to play us and I remember watching that and getting like I was so sad about it. But she's coming back now and so I think be her like third game back or so. So she's ready for the World Cup. She's one of the best players in the world. Some great players like Christy Scarfield on the wing and live apps at 9 so it is like going to be some solid talent and they Canada were the silver medals in Paris as well for sevens and is too good.

[Olivia Mar]

Is she the rugby nepo baby? Talented. Talented though is that she is.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah. Sophie's parents both played for Canada and so she just comes from rugby family immensely talented. Tried her, tried her hand at sevens and also was great there.

[Audriana War]

So what does on the wing mean for people who don't know it's just.

[Alona Mar]

A position in rugby it's usually the person who's on the outside kind of by like the out of bounds line what you'd call it. And usually you're faster people, you're your steppy people. So like Portia Woodman is a wing. I played wing when I was at Bears so it's just another position which is so confusing. There's so many positions in rugby I can't get into it all.

[Audriana War]

Nor does she want to.

[Olivia Mar]

Fun fact about rugby positions is that the number in your jersey correlates to the position that you're playing.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

At the start of the match. Right?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

So you can tell that person is Whatever position, because they've got the number 13 on their back, Right?

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

For you. Gotcha.

[Alona Mar]

Yes. So in rugby, it's like it goes one to 15. One is a tight head prop, two is a hooker, three is a loose head prop, four and five are your second rows or locks. You have seven, six and seven as your flankers. And eight, who's just called an eight man. Couldn't think of a crafty name on that. Then you go to a nine, who is a scrum half. Your 10 is your fly half. And whenever I explain rugby to people, I kind of call like, your 10 or nine like they're the quarterbacks in a way. They're kind of leading play. And then 12 and 13 are centers, which is what I play. 13 outside center, 11. Sorry. There's so many numbers, guys.

[Olivia Mar]

We need those math graphics over the page.

[Alona Mar]

11 and 14 are wings, and then 15 is a fullback. And so there's just a lot happening. So it's kind of cool that our sport does that, that. That numbers, positions. But then it's also tough because, like, you don't have a number that's your own. Like, you. You hope to get that. I hope to get that 13 jersey when we play Canada, but I don't know if I will. If I could get, like, the. The 23 jersey, you know, for a sub.

[Olivia Mar]

Right, right, right. Now, what do you think, Adriana? I would be. Where would we be at? What would our positions in rugby be?

[Alona Mar]

Adriana would be a lock, no doubt. You both actually would be locks, honestly.

[Olivia Mar]

Why?

[Alona Mar]

That means you Both would be 4 and 5. They're taller, they're powerful. I don't remember either of you being the fastest. Huh?

[Olivia Mar]

Now that hurts.

[Audriana War]

I one time won the relay race.

[Alona Mar]

That's because.

[Audriana War]

And it was a team of throwers, and we still.

[Alona Mar]

For a team of throwers, you're fast. Okay, cool.

[Audriana War]

I'll show you speed.

[Olivia Mar]

I'm going to go down my block and record it.

[Alona Mar]

Right. Okay. No, I think you two would both be locks.

[Olivia Mar]

I never thought I would be the same position as Adriana. I just think. I feel like we've got different skill sets.

[Alona Mar]

You could maybe. I see myself as. What's it, the fly half?

[Jessica Campbell]

The.

[Alona Mar]

The. The cool, hot girl that kicks the ball? Yes. That could be you. Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

Cool. I'll take that one.

[Alona Mar]

Right. Perfect. Easy.

[Audriana War]

Ilona. If we all line up, all three of us, and we do a race, obviously you're winning by.

[Alona Mar]

How much do you think? Obviously.

[Olivia Mar]

Why is that obvious, Olivia?

[Audriana War]

You went on one jog.

[Alona Mar]

The other day.

[Audriana War]

And. Yes, and then you said, my knees hurt.

[Olivia Mar]

That has nothing to do with speed, though. That's got nothing to do with speed in the moment. I could take off of the clip if I needed to.

[Alona Mar]

Do you think you could beat me genuinely, Olivia?

[Olivia Mar]

Yes.

[Alona Mar]

No. You don't genuinely believe that. You don't genuinely believe that.

[Audriana War]

You forget.

[Olivia Mar]

Maybe we need to test it. Maybe we need to go to a field. I need to have plates on.

[Alona Mar]

I don't like to test people in, like, sprint. Like, sprints like that. Because you have it warmed up properly and you're gonna pull a hammy if you don't.

[Olivia Mar]

Let's get warmed up.

[Alona Mar]

I will warm up. Obviously, I. Obviously, I'm faster than everybody on this call right now. Even the producers and the camera guys. I'm faster than everybody on this call. Okay? Probably stronger, too, if I'm being honest.

[Olivia Mar]

I mean, there's footage of me kicking butt in Greece when we were at the birthplace of the Olympics.

[Audriana War]

Ms. False start over there.

[Olivia Mar]

I don't think that's what happened.

[Alona Mar]

Right. Well, okay, so I think we could have. We could have some locks, or we could have maybe a fly half. Maybe flanks. I. I just haven't seen you guys actually be athletic in a couple years.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay, I'm done with this conversation.

[Audriana War]

I am catching strays left and right.

[Olivia Mar]

The next time you see Audrey and I, we are like bulk to the up. We are like. We are so athletic. All right, let's touch some grass. It's so easy to take life a little too seriously.

[Alona Mar]

We gotta.

[Olivia Mar]

We gotta disconnect to reconnect. You know what I'm saying? Let's ground ourselves. Let's touch some grass. Let's talk about trap talks.

[Audriana War]

Have you guys heard this?

[Alona Mar]

Trap talks. Trap talks. Botox. Trap talks for your traps. Oh, yeah, I have heard of that. Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

To, like, what does it do? Does it, like, relax them or something? Does it make them go away? I actually don't actually know what Botox does.

[Alona Mar]

I'm not positive either.

[Audriana War]

Nurse. Nurse.

[Alona Mar]

I know.

[Audriana War]

Doesn't it, like, freeze your muscles so you're not using it? So you're kind of, like, degrading the muscle?

[Alona Mar]

I heard trap talks released. Why are we. Is it trap talks? Are you making that up? It's trap Botox.

[Olivia Mar]

Yeah, but people have tried, like, haven't they?

[Alona Mar]

They call it trap talks, do they not? No. I don't know. Because to me, trap talks could also be in the trap in. In, like, where you sell your drugs and it's a. You're making a TikTok in it. It's a trap talk. So that's why I got confused.

[Audriana War]

All right.

[Olivia Mar]

Maybe I heard on TikTok they were short to that trap talks.

[Alona Mar]

They probably are. It is probably certain to. Trap talks.

[Olivia Mar]

Trap. Botox.

[Alona Mar]

Botox.

[Olivia Mar]

Actually see the full name. What's the full muscle name? Trapezius.

[Alona Mar]

Trapezius.

[Olivia Mar]

Trapezius. Botox.

[Alona Mar]

So I have seen the girls who get it and then their. Their traps really decrease because I. I mean, I'll show you now.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, give.

[Alona Mar]

I got. That's my trap. Everyone. If you guys should Watch this on YouTube if you want to see some real trap action, everyone get your traps out.

[Olivia Mar]

You can see my traps on me.

[Alona Mar]

These are my traps here. Everybody. Let's see. So I have like a trap. I don't. I don't. I'm. I'm very trap dominant. Always have been. I do a lot with my traps. I have some really nice traps. But there also means it pulls everything. So I actually, when I sit, I sit actually kind of hunch because everything's pulling and like my trainers and doctors have told me that. So I kind of pull like this.

[Olivia Mar]

What are they pulling though? I don't get that.

[Alona Mar]

It's just. It's so strong. I don't know. This is just what they told me. I'm hyping myself up. It's just very strong and it's very tight. So it's like pulling kind of my things everything down because it's just like really tight. So maybe I should get trapped. Botox. No, no, I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.

[Olivia Mar]

But I do want to say trap Trapezius. Final boss would be Taylor Lautner in New Moon. Once he gets beefed up, his traps are crazy. Final boss.

[Alona Mar]

But isn't that also Casey. Whatever. Isn't it Casey Frey.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, remember his videos up.

[Audriana War]

Oh, doesn't he like, you can flex him weird and make him go out. I don't think I have that agility in my muscle. But I just can't stand this trend. It's called like the 90 degrees shoulders and they want them like flat.

[Alona Mar]

And people always use oh, yes.

[Audriana War]

Jenny from Blackpink because she is very. Just straight and they're like. I want to look like that. Like collarbones out.

[Olivia Mar]

Oh, it's like a 90 degree angle from your neck because it's down to your.

[Alona Mar]

Oh. There's no like, not me.

[Audriana War]

Not Alona.

[Alona Mar]

Couldn't be alone. Not. Could be Alona. But I just.

[Audriana War]

I can't imagine potentially like, permanently harming your muscles, your strength. What you need to get, like, by every day for just looks. I've never looked at someone and be like, you got big traps.

[Alona Mar]

Ew.

[Olivia Mar]

I've never seen it.

[Alona Mar]

If you're doing it for looks, I think it is wrong. But if you're doing it because you genuinely are, like, feeling neck pain and because you can feel some neck pain with your chaps being too tight, if you're doing it for that, I can understand it. But that scares me that there's a shot you can take to decrease your powerful, gorgeous traps. You'd have to. If I did do it, I'm not going to do it. If I did do it, I'd have to go in for, like, so many treatments.

[Audriana War]

Yeah, we need another syringe.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah. God, these are thick. Give me another. I can only imagine.

[Olivia Mar]

That's so stupid.

[Audriana War]

That's what they're saying.

[Olivia Mar]

Same thing with, like, masseter Botox. That's this right here, right? They inject the Botox here to. People do it for aesthetic purposes, like to slim the face, right? But also for people that have, like. Like lock jaw, bad tmj, grand grind their teeth. They're too super, like, at night. And so, like, see, for those same thing. For those reasons, you're in pain. You are. Your jaw is not. Well, for sure. But people that do it for, like, aesthetic purposes, I've seen them, like, and then they're like, I can't really use a straw. I can't, like. Or not. Not straw. Sorry. It's not straw. They can't, like, use. Chew well. Like, they don't have as much muscle to, like, chew properly with their, like, molars and whatnot. I'm like, oh, you guys, such a risk.

[Alona Mar]

Can I.

[Audriana War]

While we're just talking about procedures, I'm scared of Lasik. I've got a bad eyesight and people are like, are you going to get Lasik? No.

[Alona Mar]

I've seen some bad TikTok stories on that. But it also sounds cool to wake up and able to see.

[Olivia Mar]

But I raised you this. I talk about this all the time. There was a panel of the top Lasik eye surgeons in the world. They were on a panel together, the top Lasik eye surgeons. Every single one of them was wearing glasses. Oh, what's that tell you? They wouldn't do it.

[Audriana War]

I have been. I got glasses in fifth grade. And so I. It's such part of my routine that, like, oh, I need glasses, I need contacts that, like, it's not like a. Hassle to have to, like, put them on in the morning, you know, that I'm like, why would I risk, like, harming my eyes? Or also, what if I get Lasik and then my eyes are gonna get worse?

[Alona Mar]

I wouldn't need glasses again.

[Olivia Mar]

I just learned about that. It's not a forever fix. Your eyes will still continue to age and change and get old and deteriorate, so you could get Lasik. But a few years down the line, they will still continue their natural progression of getting worse. So you would need it again.

[Alona Mar]

Didn't our grandmother get Lasik? Yes, yes. But later on in life, maybe that'll be an option. Later on in life, I might think about. Exactly.

[Audriana War]

After she got her surgery, she was no longer at the level to be legally visually impaired. But knowing our family's history of eye problems, I'm saving potential eye surgeries for later. Later on. Like, what if I need something else, but I already have a flap open in my eye because I wanted perfect vision in my twenties.

[Olivia Mar]

Don't you already complain about, like, floaters or something?

[Audriana War]

I got a few floaters, but, like, they're. It's like, kind of like little squigglies. And it's only when it's, like, really bright, I can see it. I've taken baseline photos with my ophthalmologist and stuff. Just my eyes.

[Olivia Mar]

Are you not hallucinating?

[Audriana War]

No, they're always there. I know which ones they are, so that's a lot of opinions. Botox on your trip. Trapezis.

[Alona Mar]

Trapezius. Russell, your trapezius.

[Olivia Mar]

Famously, your trapezius.

[Audriana War]

I renamed it Lasik.

[Olivia Mar]

Lacedisic.

[Audriana War]

Lacedius. Hey, I completely forgot. What else did we talk about?

[Olivia Mar]

Masseter. Botox. Just changing things for aesthetic versus, like, you know, bettering yourself, bettering your life.

[Alona Mar]

People be toxin, for sure.

[Audriana War]

There's always pros and cons to every procedure. You know, like, if you want to get something done, look at it all, be very scared of the cons, make a list, and do what's best for you.

[Olivia Mar]

Everyone loves a good hack.

[Alona Mar]

Like warming up your mascara in your.

[Olivia Mar]

Bra or convincing your sister to buy a pair of pants because you want to borrow them. You can steal that one from me. That's a really good tip. But what if I told you there was a wireless hack? Wireless that lets you live in the know. Well, there is, and it's called Visible.

[Audriana War]

I love a good hack, especially the ones that involve me borrowing live and alone as clothes. But visible is the ultimate wireless hack.

[Alona Mar]

If you're not plugged in you won't be able to message me that cute sweater you just saw. So to be stylish and in the know, you got to be smart and plugged in. But you also need great wireless. Visible is wireless that lets you live in the know.

[Olivia Mar]

Visible is the ultimate wireless hack. You get unlimited data and hotspot so you can stay connected on the go. Since I'm always traveling, I love knowing.

[Audriana War]

I always have a hotspot and it's powered by Verizon. Visible runs on Verizon's 5G network, so you know you get great coverage. I don't have to think twice if I'll be able to share my photos from Alona's rugby games on the road because I know Visible has a reliable connection.

[Alona Mar]

Level up your wireless with new Visible plus Pro plan. It's premium wireless without the premium cost. Visible gives you access to 4K streaming, which makes it easy to watch my upcoming match Against Canada on August 1st. Anywhere you want.

[Olivia Mar]

The best part, Visible is an all digital wireless service. So you can literally just use the phone you have, then activate and manage your plan all in the app on your phone or online.

[Audriana War]

Terms apply. See visible.com for plan features and network management details.

[Alona Mar]

Ready for wireless that lets you live in the know. Make the [e-mail] One Line Wireless starting at 25amonth for our best features, get the Visible Plus Pro plan for $45 a month. Visible Live in the know. Okay, I get the pleasure of introducing our guests, and I love introducing guests because I get to just like watch them. As I say, all of the accolades they have, they just have to sit there nodding like, did that, did that. Okay, so today we have Jessica Campbell. She's the assistant coach of the Seattle Kraken, the first woman to coach an NHL team. You've probably seen her looking gorgeous on the sidelines on all the videos when it was announced, and it was just amazing to see. She's an extremely accomplished coach and player, coaching for the German national team. She played for the Canadian women's national team in 2014 and her team took home gold. Owns her own power skating business, JC Power skating. I'm not sure power skating is. We'll get into that. And all around pioneering badass. How do we know each other? We don't really, but you feel like you know someone through, you know, socials and I feel like I know you.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, likewise. I think it takes one to know one and you're a badass yourself.

[Alona Mar]

So.

[Jessica Campbell]

Super looking forward to this chat.

[Alona Mar]

Appreciate it. I mean, you've been, you've been kind of killing it. So as I said, like, I remember seeing you, you kind of made waves by being there on the sideline with the men's team. And everyone's like, who is this? Who is this lady out there, you know, doing it? And so the, you know, you've been a hockey player for a while now and have your own accolades, and so you know the game. And so I think it only makes sense that you're a coach. How did that come about, from player to coach?

[Jessica Campbell]

Well, I mean, probably most athletes can understand the, you know, the transition from playing to what's next. There's like an identity crisis moment almost when you're so deep in playing. And I've been playing, or I was playing hockey since basically the time I was walking. So hockey's pretty much consumed my entire life or for the betterment of it. And I've loved every, every second of it. So I transitioned right into coaching the year after I finished playing. I found myself exploring, like, what do I want to do next? And I just loved being on the ice. I love teaching. And I, you know, I didn't really deep, deep dive into that as a player because you don't think about those things when you're actively playing. But once I found myself back on the ice as a coach, I'm like, wait, this is so much better. I don't have to do the work, but I could do different kind of work without the physical part.

[Alona Mar]

Right, right. And you, you started playing just boys hockey, which is very similar to rugby, too, for a lot of rugby players. And especially like in New Zealand and England, a lot of girls start with the boys and that's how they kind of grow up. Because there's not oftentimes, you know, high level girls teams.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, exactly. I, you know, and it's a testament to how far the game has grown. And women's hockey has grown because obviously now it's totally different. But when I was a kid, we're Talking like early 2000s, there was no all girls competitive teams, or at least where I was from, in small town Saskatchewan and Canada. So my upbringing was like the typical Canadian one. Born with skates on my feet, had older brothers and older sister. We all played on boys hockey teams. And yeah, I was often the only girl walking into the room full of boys, which, you know, full circle now. I think there's some, some little seeds that were planted early on from a comfortability standpoint for me that I can connect back on now. But yeah, I Found myself just, you know, trekking down my own path and falling in love with the game itself.

[Alona Mar]

Did you play other sports? Our dad was always like, you know, we played basketball. Feel like he's softball or were you like hockey? Day one. This is it. I'm playing this game.

[Jessica Campbell]

No, I was not from a family like that. My parents are much like you're speaking to. I played softball all summer long and we did track. We did all the school sports that you could basically sign up for just to like be on teams and be competitors. We were all competitive kids, so I tried to compete in anything that I could. Singles sports and team sports. But now it's totally changed. Like specialized training way too early on, like for me. We put our hockey, our hockey skates and our bags away for the summer and we played softball, which I'm so grateful for now because I think it helped me develop actually as, as a full 360 degree athlete, not just a specialized hockey player.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah, I always. Because I started rugby. I didn't start rugby Till I was 17 years old because there, you know, isn't any high level around really. So. But I felt like because I played such high level basketball, field hockey, softball, I could take the little things from everything and like, it'll help me in rugby. So, like for you, with the softball, you don't think a lot of it would carry over, but there's, there's things that do. Whether it's decision making or hand eye coordination. I imagine I was a softball pitcher myself. What did you play?

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, I was a catcher. We would have made a great, we would have made a great tandem. But yeah, it's the hand, it's the hand eye. We got to find ourselves a bat, a ball, some gloves, and a place we can meet. But yes, absolutely, like the hand eye coordination, all of it, running, like, it's just. There's so many different pieces that I think transferred over to even some of my hockey training. Like being down in a squat and moving left to right. Agility, like the strategy is a little bit the same. Yeah. Just maybe should have been a goalie. I don't know. That was my, that was my love for softball.

[Alona Mar]

Goalie, like across goalies. Hockey goalies sound like probably the worst position in sports. You're just getting things flung at you at the highest of speeds and you have to stop them with your body. I don't know about it.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah. I always question the parents in the one moment they have when their kids, like buy me goalie pads or hockey gear and the Parents have like that window to say, like, no, watch how fast you can skate and do all this other stuff. Like, I'm signing up for myself. The stress and the anxiety to be like the last line of defense when, like, not all the blame's on the goalie, but that's the reality. Plus, you're getting hit with pucks all day long. As your job seems crazy right now.

[Alona Mar]

What made you want to, I guess, go more to. So coaching amazing as well? I don't think I could be a coach, personally. I. I've always. I don't know, I'm just one of those, like, I just gotta play. What made you want to step into men's sports and coaching that as well? Because I think not the easy route, but it would have been like, oh, yeah, women coach women's sports. That's kind of the. The narrative on that. And yet you're changing it here.

[Jessica Campbell]

It's so interesting of a question. I actually thank you for asking it because it's one that I haven't really answered. I actually never chose the men's game or the women's game. I actually found myself teaching skating and skills to both sides. And all I cared about was working with the best athletes. So I wanted to work with the highest level. And I was training Olympic level female athletes. And then eventually junior pro NHL players started to come through the door. And ultimately I was. I was kind of carving out my teaching strategy, my voice, my style of coaching organically through that process. And so there was never a choice. But what I found was as I was teaching my, you know, my work and my approach, I was reaching a lot of pro men's players. They were the ones coming through my door. And so I just found that my style of coaching and communication was hitting with them differently. And the opportunities that started to come my way were actually in the men's game. And so, you know, all things transcending gender related, I think it was my style of communication was almost a way that they were receiving me differently in a way that was bettering their development. And so ultimately I just found myself continuing down paths and opportunities that were strictly in the men's game. And there was never the choice. And now full circle. I think that because I'm different, I bring something different to the men's game. And that's exactly why I got into the position. There was never like, how do I do this? It's about this, it's not about that. But there was careers, like financial careers, specifically at that time, and more of them. In the men's game. So I just kept kind of following that path and the next opportunity.

[Alona Mar]

What is it you find that you do a little differently?

[Jessica Campbell]

Well, I think because there's a lot of things, but because I have different experiences, because I come from a different background, playing included, even a lot of my feminine traits shine through in my style of coaching. But what I do differently, I think, is I communicate on a very human level. I've morphed my coaching style into. Well, I aspire to it every day to the type of coach that I wanted, that I would have really benefited from and that would have been someone that was very human athlete first just treating the person on a level where connection and trust and the relationship is the core foundation and then finding ways to work through them to better their game as an athlete. And obviously that goes into the actual tactical side and the technical side of the coaching, but really establishing strong communication and also playing more into the vulnerable side of the game, I find like, at least in the men's game, I bring, I think, a vulnerability that's real to them and so they're not afraid to have some of the harder conversations. I always say it's kind of like you go to mom and dad for different things. Oftentimes, and I go to my mom for different things, I go to my dad for different things. And sometimes those are harder scenarios. But I find they come to me in many ways for different conversations. And that's, I think what is, you know, set me apart and made my type of coaching hit with them the most.

[Alona Mar]

I bet it's a refreshing take for them as well. I was watching a boys like lacrosse camp and it's just interesting the different communication styles I think used across the games. I don't think one's better than other. I think there's just different ways to coach. And I've had many different coaches in my days. I've had coaches who've been, I would say, mean, you know, but I think it's all like, it's different. So I think even my coach for the Sevens team, she cares so much and she, she's one of the only. Was one of the only head coaches, female head coaches, and she coaches in a different way. And I think that it's like, I can't say one is better. I think that caring about your players as people and letting them be vulnerable can also help. Even though it was always thought of like in sport to not be vulnerable, especially for, I imagine, NHL, big old hockey players, you know, it's like Almost a trait they're maybe not told to be okay with, right?

[Jessica Campbell]

And you just hit it on the head. Like the two core elements to me that make for a good coach are caring and respecting the player. Like once it's so cliche to say, but they do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. And that care can be shown in different ways. Like you just, you just hit on it like tough love or more sensitive style, more like soft spoken. But doesn't matter how that care shows up. It's about the communication that demonstrates and like the actual actions that demonstrate that care, that builds the trust, but then also the respect, like the level of respect. And I think that's earned over time through again, action and items where like you can have different coaches and male, female, it doesn't even matter. But how they show up and respect you is going to be hopefully different than how they show up and respect other players. But like the standard of the excellence is still the same. Right. And so those like two elements, once they're there, you can. That's why good coaches, great coaches, never really all look the same. They show up differently. But I think those two core pieces are, are huge when it comes to the receiving end as a player. And the coaches that figure that out the quickest are the best, in my opinion.

[Alona Mar]

So you are in a lot of rooms where you are the only woman. I spend time in rooms where I usually am the majority in my team on, on all my teams with my sisters, friends and whatnot. How have you, I guess, learned to carry yourself? How have you learned to kind of earn that respect? And what is it like now to walk into those rooms?

[Jessica Campbell]

Well, I think the biggest thing for me is always focusing on the work and being prepared. Like those two things are paramount to anything. That you can't walk into any room and not feel a sense of discomfort if you haven't proven that you're capable to yourself and worthy of that role. So for me, I'm always ensuring that my work and my preparation is up to par. But the second thing I think is very important is showing up as my authentic self. Like, I never tried to fit a mold or I haven't tried to stray away from myself through this process. And that's been honestly, probably the thing I'm most proud of in my journey is I've tried to remain through every step and every opportunity is just being Jess, embracing my femininity, never trying to dress down or dress differently. Like obviously in sport we throw on our tracksuits our skates. And other than the ponytail hanging outside out of my hat, like, I approach my work and my process the same as everyone else, but the reality is I am different. And when I walk into a room, there is a moment in a space where I think, I try to lean into my differences and know that that's where I can captivate attention and lean into the fact that the way I see it, the way that I present, the way that I communicate is different. And therefore, that's what sets me apart. And so I'm always trying to authentically embrace my differences and know that that's actually my greatest asset, because I think when you're part of a team and you also get this, it doesn't matter if you're in a room full of females or if you have female coaches or not, Everybody on that team has different strengths and bring something to the table in a different role. And so I know that by leaning into my strengths and my differences, that I'm bringing something to the table that the team needs. And so I never try to shy away from that. And so, honestly, it's like looking in the mirror every day and knowing that that's what makes me different. That's the point.

[Alona Mar]

I like what you said about femininity and trying to keep that with you, because I think that. And it's something I'm, you know, battling is I love to wear makeup when I play it. I remember there was a time when I would look at other players. Like, in college, a girl would wear a full face of makeup, and I'd be like, why is she wearing makeup? We're about to play rugby. You know, what the heck? Leave that. And I've just so changed my view about that, because it's like wearing makeup doesn't take away from how hard I'm gonna tackle or how well I'm gonna play it. I hate that I think we're changing that, but I hate that it almost was thought of that way and that, oh, well, you know, we have to leave what we. What are classically feminine traits that make us feel so beautiful and good at the door to play sports? Because sports are. Are masculine and for men. So we got to try to assimilate as best we can. So I think that's been something I've tried to do as well, is like, while I'm tackling, people still try to be my femininity. And I imagine even through coaching sports, like, wanting to. Because I think the big thing was like, oh, here's this really attractive Woman coaching a men's sport, that's crazy. And then you almost get doubted because, sorry, God made me hot. Sorry, God made you hot, Jessica. You know, and it's almost like you're doubted for that. So I love that you're sticking with that femininity because it's almost would be easier to be perceived more as like, no, you know, tough, masculine. And because people, you know, align that traits with leadership in many ways.

[Jessica Campbell]

You have such a tasteful way of saying it, but, you know, it's, it's so interesting because assimilate is the best word that I've heard explain it. Because like, when I step behind the bench, even like this this year, it's hard to find female suits, to be honest. Like, there was a fashion trend where all of a sudden suits were all sold two piece sets. But like, there's a dress code for my co workers, right? Suit, tie, it's pretty, you know, it's pretty much in this mold. And for me it's like, okay, how do I show up? What is the standard? I'm not looking to anybody else. I'm looking to the corporate world of like, what do you female leaders wear in business rooms? But at the end of the day, I think by showing up as your authentic self and the best empowered version of yourself, it's like, look good, feel good, play good. Right to your point. And if you need to put on makeup before a game to show up as your most badass, confident self, great, do it. If I want to put on gold hoops and jewelry, that means something to me. That allows me to show up fully present as my strongest self. I feel very much so over time, I've learned this, especially through this year. I'm giving others permission to do the same. And that's what sport is about. By showing up as your best self, whatever that looks like, without judgment, you're. You're giving permission for others to do the same. And that's just a beautiful thing. And why hold that back?

[Alona Mar]

Were you kind of like shocked when it was all out? Everyone was going crazy about, you know, you coming on the team because to you, you're just doing your job. You're on, you know, you're on the bench ready to coach, and everyone is, you know, making a big stink about it. But did that, did that shock you in a way? Or was it like, fuck yeah, here.

[Jessica Campbell]

We go, locker room talk. Let's go. Yes and no. So I've been fully entrenched in men's pro hockey now for five years. I Started off on my own, doing it myself, in my own business. When I finally got, you know, on the minor pro stage, and now the National Hockey League stage, that pressure and attention grew, obviously, with just the nature of media and sport. But there was a moment for me this year where it really, really hit, and that was on opening night. It was obviously our home opener, my first time behind an NHL bench, regular season game, being welcomed to the Seattle community, and they introduced our entire staff. And when it came to my name being announced, the whole arena exploded. Like the response from the crowd. I remember in that moment just being so shook, and I'm getting chills because my family was there, my best friends were there, all the people that helped me get there were there to experience it. But it's crazy, because as loud as it was for me, inside, everything was silent. I realized in that moment, holy. This is not just coaching. I felt a huge sense of pressure and privilege rise in me, where it's like, I have something in this moment that's such a greater responsibility for hockey, but for sport itself. Because in this moment right now, all eyes are on me, and this is what redefining leadership looks like. And I felt a huge, huge, obviously, wave of gratitude to finally feel like I made it. But at the same time, I felt, wait a minute. I'm, like, awakened to the fact that I'm not just coaching here. I'm gonna have to move the envelope forward and hold the door open for others, and I'm gonna have to figure that out along the way. And I'm not gonna do it perfectly. I'm gonna fail a lot. But I'm gonna do as best of a job as I possibly can to make sure that I'm not the last one to do this.

[Alona Mar]

I like what you said. Like, I sometimes feel a lot of pressure, like, when I go out to play, because almost like a trailblazer like yourself, people come to watch me play, and little. Little girls coming to watch me play. So I want to do well for them so that they're going to play. So for you, you know, you want to do well, you want to keep coaching for them so that they could see, you know, something to look for. But I feel this, like, pressure at times. I'm like, okay, we gotta do this. Do you feel that being right now, like, you're paving the way that you like this pressure to be successful and to be. To do all this? Because sometimes it really weighs me down.

[Jessica Campbell]

100% and checking it, right? Like, first of all, that signal of the pressure is a good thing. It means that you're doing something special and important and the adrenal of it. I think the greatest athletes and coaches have learned to channel that pressure into fuel to the fire. And you do it so tastefully because, like I said, everyone feels like they know you in a way where you're a symbol of athlete and femininity and all these awesome traits where it's inspiring. And I think when you feel that pressure but you don't show it, it's actually so inspiring and motivational for others that are like, wow, she's always on. But inside, it's like this constant almost explosion, right. Or volcano, where you feel like you're erupt, but you're channeling it. And I just find it's such a unbelievable feeling to even get to experience that. And I've had to learn, and I'm still learning, much like you said, of how to channel it in ways where it doesn't, like, affect me negatively, but I'm learning how to put it into my work and then check and leave the game at the rink and then find the balance I need away from the rink to not come back to reality, because I'm always in it. I'm trying to be as present as possible, but just, like, own the fact that, like, I can cry after some games, too. And that was, like, a lot, too much, but, like, not being afraid to, like, speak that into words to people that are in my support circle, especially teammates, friends, obviously, co workers. But I think that's the realness of, like, actually leaning into the pressure.

[Alona Mar]

We have, like, a great sports psych. And I always, you know, we go with the pressure as a privilege. And the thing with the nervous is I always. I always get nervous before any game. It doesn't matter. It could be an Olympic quarterfinal. It could be just pool play against a team we've beaten 50 times. And I've talked to my sports psych about it. Like, to me, nerves just mean you care so much. And, like, wanting to do a good job just means that you. You care about it. So I don't mind being nervous. I like being nervous for a game. But I have to remind myself when it's, you know, I feel like I'm gonna throw up. I'm like, it's okay. This is just something, you know, you want to do well. You. You care about the sport you care about. If I wasn't nervous, I think that's when it would be a little bit like, you know, you've lost your kind of hunger. For it or your thirst for it.

[Jessica Campbell]

I think the best trick or tool that I've learned through playing to now coaching. When you feel that pressure, that window, take a second to, like, honor exactly all the work you just put in, because then you can channel it in a way where it's like, you know what? I'm ready. Like, I'm feeling these nerves because I care. I want to win. I'm a competitor. But nerves can come from a place where it's like, I have not prepared. I'm not ready for this. But for you, it's like, I've been here a hundred times before. I've executed on that play a million times. Like, I'm ready. I'm capable. And it's just like, going through that checklist mentally, and you're like, all right, I got this. And immediately, it's like, it's in your system.

[Alona Mar]

Dang. Thanks, Jessica.

[Audriana War]

Taking that with me.

[Jessica Campbell]

Try it. Let me know how it goes.

[Alona Mar]

Right, right. There we go. Do you have, like, a moment that, like, made you fall in love with hockey? I remember my first rugby game where I stiff arm somebody, and I was like, all right, this is it. Like, do you know that you remember it?

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah. Okay. So I was in a basement at my friend's house. We were, like, 8 years old. This is, like, a very vivid memory for me because it was my first taste of the Olympics and 2002 Olympics with Canada. So I was playing boys hockey. I'm playing mini sticks, like, little plastic sticks in the basement with mini nets with my friends that are all boys. And the games were on. And Cassie Campbell, she's now a friend, a mentor, support to me, but she was the captain of Canada at that time. And I just remember being glued to, like, this little vintage TV with the. You know, and I was, like, so taken by. I'm like, oh, my God. Like, that's it. Because obviously, you could dream of playing in the National Hockey League. There was no pro women's hockey league for me to look up to. So it's like I saw myself in the game at the highest level, and I just remember being like, I want to be the next camel to wear the maple leaf. And that became my, like, mission in life. And when I got there, I remember Cassie, you know, she now calls me young sis or cousins along the way. I just remember that was, like, the best compliment in the world, because all I wanted to do was be her. But that's when definitely the dream was unlocked for me, was just seeing it. And that's why I think visibility is so important. Like we can't have enough visibility because you have no idea what visibility does when it reaches young hearts, young minds. And that's what it was for me.

[Olivia Mar]

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[Alona Mar]

I need to be able to read my cowboy romances anywhere. And with Visible you get unlimited data and hotspot so I can read anytime, anywhere and look up reviews so I can pick the best ones.

[Audriana War]

Visible is the ultimate wireless hack. I love knowing I'll always be connected on the go.

[Olivia Mar]

And it's powered by Verizon. Visible runs on Verizon's 5G network, so you know you get great coverage. Imagine being on a rooftop wanting to look up the next spot in town to go. Your friends are waiting for you to choose a spot and your phone is still loading. With Visible, you have a reliable connection you can trust.

[Alona Mar]

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[Audriana War]

Visible is an all digital wireless service so you can literally just use the phone you have, then activate and manage your plan all in the app on your phone or online terms apply.

[Alona Mar]

See visible.com for plan features and network management details.

[Olivia Mar]

Ready for wireless that lets you live in the know. Make the [e-mail] One Line Wireless starting at $25 a month for our best features. Get the new Visible Plus Pro plan for $45 a month. Visible live in the know.

[Alona Mar]

Do you still play at all? Because I don't know if I'm playing when I'm done rugby, I think I'm checking out.

[Jessica Campbell]

I. I have not played like a game, a pickup, you name it, drop in since literally my last professional hockey game and I don't think I will.

[Alona Mar]

That's me too.

[Audriana War]

That's me too.

[Jessica Campbell]

I get it. You're on your way.

[Alona Mar]

I'm not running anymore after this. I'm not. I don't want to get tackled. I don't want to get anything and say for. I mean both hockey, rugby, very physical games, right? And. And I mean you probably feel the same way at times. I'm like, I am putting my body on the line for this, for this game. I am really giving it all to something that. And especially probably when you were playing, I imagine, what was it? Making a pretty penny. We really give it all. We really give it all for these sports, right?

[Jessica Campbell]

It's. Yeah, I can't even. That's a whole podcast for itself. It's just putting your body on the line for the love of the game. But kudos to you. I don't ride a bike anymore because I have, like, trauma of so many bike tests that I'm like, I can't get on a bike. I'm like. I'm, like, locked into, like, VO2 stress mode and my body goes into, like, trauma. That's probably something I should unpack. But I get it. There's parts of our job we don't love that we just have to do. And that's part of sport.

[Alona Mar]

It's so interesting because it's like, why the heck do I do this? And then there's those moments, you know, when you're with your teammates, like, okay, this is it. But then, you know, I'm at training camp, it's so hot, Jessica. It's like 96 degrees, 100 degree humidity, and you're out there just like getting tackled by your teammates. Everything's wet. And so you're like, why the heck am I doing this? And then it's like those little moments that you hold on to. And I think for me, I'm trying to, like, look at my teammates and see, okay, we're all struggling. It's not just me. It's like, this is hard for everybody, and we're in this together. And that's why I've always been a team sport athlete. I've never done individual sports. I don't know what it's like.

[Jessica Campbell]

No, this. If we want to talk about pressure and stress, like, that's all on you.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Jessica Campbell]

Shared accountability. Team sports all the way.

[Alona Mar]

I love it. I love those ladies out there. And that was what helped me got get through, like, a lot of Olympic pressure and afterwards and whatnot, is that I'm not out there on my own. And it. Hockey, rugby, whatever it is, there's so many moments that lead to a win. So even though somebody might miss the tackle, that leads to the other team winning. What about the other thing that happened before? I just. I love that about sports, that you have so many people, so many different personalities that make up a team, which I imagine as a coach, you have to take into account as well, because, I mean, there is just. But that's what's so fun about it. There's some people who are just so annoying myself, you know, there's some people who are so down to earth, but it's like all of this cohesive unit that's creative. And as a coach, do you like to know kind of the personalities of each of your players?

[Jessica Campbell]

Yes. And it's kind of like, I don't have kids, but I've heard this in parenting or I've, like, learned this long way. Like, some of your kids are harder to love than others. It's the same in coaching. Like, you might be easier, hard to love. I don't know. I haven't coached you, but, like, the reality is, is it can come easy and it can come hard, but the most rewarding ones are the projects. Like, that's true coaching. And also the ones that are so good, and you unlock, like, that much more, and you're like, wow, you just had your career year. Like, it's. It goes both ways. Right. But the difficult ones. Yeah, you got to really, like. You got to, like, meditate your way.

[Alona Mar]

You're always going to have some. You're always going to have some.

[Jessica Campbell]

You just want to kick them to the side. You're like, I don't want to deal with it. Yeah, we've had. I've had those experiences, but they do turn out rewarding at the end. Yeah.

[Alona Mar]

Right, Right. Okay.

[Jessica Campbell]

Just.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah. I'm going to talk to you about something that I'm not sure how you feel about.

[Jessica Campbell]

Okay.

[Alona Mar]

Hockey romances. I can't even read them. I can't read sport romances because I'm like, that's illegal. That shouldn't be done. What are your thoughts on it? TikTok loves them. As a hockey coach, do you. What are your thoughts?

[Jessica Campbell]

Okay, so I know nothing about them for all of the reasons you just said. Because I won't even. I won't even open. To me, it's like when you're reading something that is captivating because for the right or wrong reasons, I'm like. Because I find I'm in a position where I'm like, that's what creates stigma. And then we're out here trying to break stigma, and you're like, why would I even open this up for enjoyment? I mean, like, look, I watch the Kardashians and, you know, selling Sunset and things that are just, like, for me, have nothing to do with my work, that are, like, odd pleasure or enjoyment entertainment. But, like, opening up a book like that, to me seems like criminal.

[Alona Mar]

Oh, My gosh. I. I've tried a couple. I. As an athlete myself, I would say don't get into it. You can't. You will be so uncomfortable.

[Jessica Campbell]

I have to, like, hear someone tell me that I'm going to become better for it from it. If that's the case, then, like, I'm open. But, like, if that's not the case.

[Alona Mar]

No, you won't. You won't. No. Stay away. Stay away. On that note, I'm gonna bring my sisters in.

[Jessica Campbell]

Okay? Please do.

[Audriana War]

Not too much on those books, Ilona.

[Alona Mar]

Okay, now I bring in my sisters because. Adrianna, what do you need? What do you have to say? I dabble.

[Audriana War]

I do like them, but it's because I'm not part of that world. And like, I've told Alona, there's, like, rugby ones, and I'm like, I can't do that. That feels, like, sacrilegious. It's because I'm a step away. That it's like, these authors really know how to write a romance book. That's all I'm saying.

[Jessica Campbell]

I'm, like, so cringing over here. I love you. I just met you, but I'm cringing. I'm like.

[Alona Mar]

It's truly that. It's like, that's not right. That's not how it is, guys. And all these girls are lapping this up.

[Jessica Campbell]

Actually, no, you're. You're exactly who I need. I need you to go read a hockey one and then tell me about, like, what's in it so I'm aware.

[Alona Mar]

Don't. Don't do it. But do you. Are you a reader yourself?

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, I love reading.

[Alona Mar]

But tell me. All right. Favorite book? We love talking about books. What's a book you're reading?

[Jessica Campbell]

Well, I mean, right now I'm reading all, like, leadership books, but. Alchemist. Gotta read the Alchemist.

[Alona Mar]

Okay.

[Jessica Campbell]

That's, like, this long. And you'll get something out of it on the plane.

[Alona Mar]

Mm. Very nice. We're fantasy readers, but we should read more to learn.

[Jessica Campbell]

Okay. My guilty pleasure when I was playing this, like, actually allowed me to check out when I was, like, in international competition. I would always, always read a Nicholas Sparks book.

[Alona Mar]

Why?

[Olivia Mar]

Just for funsies.

[Jessica Campbell]

I would come back from the rink. Funsies. Yes. I would come back from the rink after pregame skate. Like, I'm not kidding you. Like, before, gold medal, Canada versus usa. I was reading, like, the Longest Ride. Nicholas Sparks.

[Olivia Mar]

First of all, you've seen that movie.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yes.

[Olivia Mar]

You've seen the movie.

[Audriana War]

It's an amazing movie.

[Olivia Mar]

I cry My eyes out of those books, though. So were you not like in an emotional state for all of this?

[Jessica Campbell]

No, I think what it actually allowed me to do was check out of my reality for, you know, into somebody else's world. And then when I got to the rink, I was just like, here we go. I don't know, cry, fall in love. I'm. I don't know. Then I just got so hyped, like, going to the movie to watch these come to life and others, you know, disappointed or not. So, yeah, Nicholas Sparks.

[Olivia Mar]

If there was one book you wanted to recommend to us or art readers, that is maybe a smart book, you know, maybe like, you know, an inspirational book. What are you choosing?

[Jessica Campbell]

The Monk who Sold His Ferrari. There's something for everybody in that book. Jot that down, Dre. The Monk who Sold His Ferrari. And if you're like, really badass, read the 5am Club.

[Alona Mar]

I don't know if I'm badass.

[Jessica Campbell]

If you're not a morning person, you are. You are.

[Alona Mar]

Okay.

[Jessica Campbell]

But if you're not a morning person. Are any of you guys morning people? Because I like, thrive in the morning. Then you have to read it because you could, like, don't start at 5:00am Club. Just like, move it to seven. Like find your. Find your 5:00am Just, you'll find it. If you can inch out an hour of time in the morning, you guys, your life will change.

[Alona Mar]

I see the thrill in it.

[Olivia Mar]

Can my 5:00am be 10:00am? Like, is that. Yeah.

[Jessica Campbell]

Depends what time you go to bed at night. If that's when you start your day.

[Alona Mar]

I want to. I. Whenever. Like, you know, when you're jet lagged and you wake up at 6am because of it. I feel like I can take on the day. I'm like, all these lazy people are still sleeping. Not me. I'm up working, I'm up grinding. And then I get on the time zone. I'm back to waking up at 9. But I see the thrill of waking up early.

[Jessica Campbell]

You get to taste it. So come on, give yourself like an honest week, you guys.

[Alona Mar]

Fine.

[Olivia Mar]

I'll lock in for you.

[Alona Mar]

Only just try Jessica. They're not locking in. They're still 9am I so real. They're not locking in. Maybe it's an audiobook.

[Jessica Campbell]

She's like, I'll read the romance book though. I'll read the hockey romance for you.

[Olivia Mar]

She is where she draws a line.

[Audriana War]

Well, we like to sometimes end our show with what we call a sister Settle it. So some of our listeners send submissions in with Usually like sibling related or just friends, romance. Anything related. So I will read us this one prompt. This comes to us from Brett. Alona, I believe you actually met this young girl who this is about. My daughter has started playing rugby and she loves it. She's eight years old. She got into rugby because she saw Alona play for the Bristol be. She has been loving playing tag rugby and recently scored her first try. But the other day at a tournament, a boy, her own teammate, told her she wasn't strong enough to play rugby, which made her incredibly sad and withdrawn from rugby. What would you Recommend to an 8 year old girl to encourage her to play again?

[Alona Mar]

I don't know. I mean, Jessica, I think probably you'd be better to explain this. You've played with boys. Were you ever told you weren't strong enough to be there or not good enough to be there? Oh, they accept you as one of their own. I heard it all.

[Jessica Campbell]

Yeah, I heard it all. If they don't know you, their opinion doesn't matter. It's always what I've said. If they don't know you, what you're capable of and you wouldn't go to them for advice, then don't care about what they'd say.

[Alona Mar]

I love that. I'm actually listening to that too. Thank you. Thank you to the haters online. I think it's so true.

[Jessica Campbell]

Like if you would not go to them for advice yourself, why give an ounce of energy into what they think? And that goes for the haters, that goes for the boys that are saying you're not strong enough, fast enough, capable, like they're not in your shoes.

[Alona Mar]

Yeah.

[Olivia Mar]

And I wonder, is this boy jealous of her? Is she stronger and a better rugby player than him? Oh, you know, so never listen to that either.

[Alona Mar]

And to this little girl, if you are my fan, you, you. I think you care about what I think of you and just know I think you're strong and you can come to me for advice and I say you keep playing rugby. So don't listen to that boy because Alona Mar says you should play rugby.

[Jessica Campbell]

Hell, there you go.

[Alona Mar]

Hell yeah. We solved it. She'll be fine. Now.

[Audriana War]

That's our best answer yet.

[Alona Mar]

Jessica, thank you so much for popping on. Honestly, it was so cool to. To hear from you and to learn from you. What else? I mean I have more to chat about but I also like, I want to just sit down, have a glass of wine. We chat about, you know, shoot the. Sometime. We'll do that. We'll do it. We'll do it the other time.

[Olivia Mar]

Okay.

[Alona Mar]

You don't have to tell your life story now, but I mean, you are making, you're paving the way for so many people and I know all my teammates and I just to see what you're doing, you know, it, it makes a space for us in rugby as well to show what is possible. So thank you so much and thank you for popping into the house of Maher.

[Jessica Campbell]

Thank you guys. You rock.

[Audriana War]

Thank you so much.

[Olivia Mar]

Thanks for coming over.

[Jessica Campbell]

Of course. Thanks for having me.

[Audriana War]

Thanks so much for coming over to the House of Mar Wave Original sponsored by Visible.

[Alona Mar]

Be sure to watch and subscribe on YouTube and listen wherever you get your podcast.

[Olivia Mar]

Plus follow the show on social media at HouseOfMar for clips and behind the scenes content.

[Alona Mar]

Thanks for stopping by.

[Olivia Mar]

Miss you already.

[Alona Mar]

See ya.