Podcast
Leo's Den
Hosted by Chris Stafford · EN
A podcast with USA Rugby Sevens players, Naya Tapper and Ilona Maher, discussing every aspect of being a pro athlete from body confidence to dating to life on tour.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Phaidra Knight: Breaking Barriers in Rugby and Beyond — A Journey of Power, Purpose & Perseverance
Dec 10, 202100:49:41Tap to summarizeIn this intimate and inspiring episode, we sit down with Phaidra Knight — trailblazing rugby player, World Rugby Hall of Famer, attorney, coach, and entrepreneur — for a raw and personal conversation about her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in rural Georgia to becoming one of the most respected figures in international rugby, Phaidra shares the defining moments, struggles, and triumphs that shaped her path. Discover how she broke barriers in a male-dominated sport, her transition from athlete to advocate, and the deep sense of resilience, identity, and empowerment that fuels her mission today. This episode dives into the mental and emotional side of sport — exploring what it truly means to lead with strength, authenticity, and compassion on and off the field. Perfect for sports lovers, changemakers, and dreamers, this conversation is a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t just about victory — it’s about courage, purpose, and staying true to who you are.🎧 Tune in on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Google Podcasts to hear the full story behind one of rugby’s most influential voices.Tags / Keywords:Phaidra Knight, rugby podcast, women in sports, female athletes, rugby union, sports leadership, athlete interviews, women’s empowerment, breaking barriers, resilience, mindset, athlete stories, sports equality, diversity in sports, LGBTQ athletes, motivational podcast, inspirational women, athlete to entrepreneur, personal growth, mental toughness, AART podcastThis week’s guest on the season finale is not only a USA rugby legend but a legend around the world. She has made three appearances in the Rugby World Cup and was selected as the top player in the world in her position in 2002 and 2006. In 2010, she was named the U.S. Rugby Player of the Decade. In November 2017, she was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Currently she has her own clothing line called the PSK collective, which Naya is an ambassador for and is a commentator on the world rugby sevens series so you've probably heard her voice before. She has paved the way for women in rugby and is constantly taking on new projects, most recently MMA. Phaindra shares her passions with us and what's on her bucket list, some of which may surprise you...or not... if you know how invincible this woman is.Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherRecorded: December 7, 2021For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Ilona Maher: The Real Price of Passion — Inside the Finances of Professional Rugby
Nov 26, 202100:39:20Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take — financially, emotionally, and personally — to chase your dreams in professional sport? In this intimate and revealing interview, Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher opens up about the financial realities of being a professional rugby player — from managing sponsorships and side hustles to navigating the challenges of earning a living in women’s sport. With honesty and humor, Ilona shares how she balances her career, brand, and identity while breaking barriers in a sport still fighting for equality and recognition. This episode goes beyond the field — it’s a rare look into what it truly costs to follow your passion when the paycheck doesn’t always match the performance. Perfect for fans of sports, women’s empowerment, athlete finance, and authentic storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to rethink what it means to “make it” as a professional athlete.🎯 Keywords / Tags:Ilona Maher, Rugby, Professional Rugby, Women’s Rugby, USA Rugby, Rugby Sevens, Olympic Rugby, Athlete Finances, Sports Economics, Athlete Branding, Sponsorships, Women in Sports, Female Athletes, Athlete Life, Sports Business, Rugby Podcast, Athlete Interview, Rugby Career, Mental Health in Sport, Sports Inequality, Financial Reality of Sports, Rugby Star, Rugby USA, Rugby OlympicsThis week’s topic is finances and how professional rugby players manage their salary and portfolio. Our favorite Leo’s explain how they earn a living through the sport, how some players have a side gig and others have sponsorships. Lo explains how she has made some money through being a social media influencer even so it’s a lot of work. Naya explains how budgets work for her and Lo reveals she loves to save money. And although she’s a saver, she confesses that she’s learnt to treats herself when she want something because it gives her a spark of joy. The girls answer some great cub questions and close by giving us two challenges when it comes to money. This is a super insightful episode and has some great advice about preparing for the future.Host: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherRecorded: November 24, 2021For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Teammates & Truth: Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, Nicole Heavirland & Jay Gray on The Finances of Friendship
Nov 12, 202100:43:04Tap to summarizeWhat happens when world-class athletes sit down to talk about something most people never do — money and friendship? In this deeply honest and refreshingly unfiltered episode, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, Nicole Heavirland, and Jay Gray open up about the realities of finances in professional sport, the pressures of success, and the complex balance between friendship and financial independence. From navigating sponsorships, budgeting, and social media fame to supporting each other through the highs and lows of rugby life, this conversation reveals a side of elite athletes rarely seen. It’s funny, raw, and profoundly human — a behind-the-scenes look at how money shapes relationships, identity, and resilience both on and off the pitch. Whether you’re a fan of rugby, women’s sport, or simply love real talk about money and meaning, this episode will stay with you long after the final whistle.🎧 Keywords::Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, Nicole Heavirland, Jay Gray, USA Rugby, women’s rugby, rugby sevens, rugby podcast, athlete finances, money in sport, women in sport, friendship and money, financial wellness, team dynamics, sports psychology, athlete stories, women’s empowerment, athlete interviews, behind the scenes rugby, USA Rugby Sevens, sports friendship, mental health in sport, professional athlete life, sports podcast, women’s rugby team, personal growth, money talk podcast.Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherRecorded: November 10, 2021For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Unfiltered Power: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper on Social Media, Authenticity, and the Game Beyond Rugby
Oct 29, 202100:46:51Tap to summarizeIn this raw and revealing episode, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper open up about the power, pressure, and purpose of social media in women’s sports. From navigating fame and criticism to staying authentic online, Ilona and Naya share what it really takes to balance being elite athletes, public figures, and role models. This deeply personal conversation explores the intersection of identity, confidence, and connection—on and off the field. Join us for a rare, introspective look at how two of rugby’s biggest personalities use their platforms to inspire, empower, and challenge stereotypes—while keeping it real every step of the way. Perfect for fans of sports psychology, women’s empowerment, athlete branding, and digital authenticity, this episode reveals the heart behind the hashtags.📌 Keywords/Tags:Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, women’s rugby, social media in sports, athlete branding, women in sport, body positivity, authenticity online, female athletes, sports and mental health, rugby podcast, athlete interviews, sports empowerment, influencer athletes, personal growth, confidence in sports, digital identity, women leaders in sports, rugby sevensHosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.69 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Strong Minds, Strong Bodies: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper on Mental Health, Pressure, and Power in Women’s Rugby
Oct 15, 202100:43:29Tap to summarizeIn this deeply personal and empowering episode of Unfiltered Power, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper open up about the realities behind the strength. From the outside, they’re fierce athletes and viral personalities—but behind the scenes, both women face the invisible battles of mental health, self-doubt, and emotional resilience in elite sport. Together, they break down how social media, expectations, and the constant push to perform can take a toll on the mind—and how they’ve learned to protect their mental space, support teammates, and redefine what real strength means. This is an honest, raw, and hopeful look at mental wellness in professional sports, especially for women navigating fame, identity, and authenticity in the digital age. Whether you’re an athlete, fan, or simply someone trying to stay strong in a demanding world, this episode offers inspiration, vulnerability, and truth straight from two of America’s most powerful women in rugby.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms.SEO Tags & Keywords:Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, women’s rugby, mental health in sports, athlete mental health, female athletes, mental wellness, sports psychology, resilience, body image, self-care, women in sport, rugby sevens, mindfulness, athlete interviews, mental health podcast, Unfiltered Power podcast, women empowerment, vulnerability in sports, emotional resilience, social media and mental health, pressure in athleticsHosts: Naya Tapper & Leo's DenFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.69 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Unfiltered Power: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper — Inside the Tokyo Olympics and the Mental Game of Rugby
Oct 1, 202100:42:10Tap to summarizeStep inside the minds of two of USA Rugby’s most dynamic stars — Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper — as they open up about their life-changing journey to the Tokyo Olympics. In this deeply personal and introspective episode of Unfiltered Power, Ilona and Naya share the raw emotions, pressure, pride, and resilience behind representing Team USA on the world stage. From Olympic highs and heartbreaks to team chemistry, body image, social media, and mental strength, this intimate conversation pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to be an elite female athlete in today’s world. Honest, funny, and fearless — Ilona and Naya prove that power isn’t just physical, it’s emotional. Whether you’re a rugby fan, an athlete, or simply love stories of grit and authenticity, this episode delivers inspiration and humanity in equal measure.🎯 Keywords / Tags (SEO Optimized):Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, Tokyo Olympics, Women’s Rugby, Olympic Athletes, Team USA, Rugby Sevens, Female Athletes, Mental Health in Sports, Athlete Mindset, Rugby Podcast, Olympic Stories, Women in Sports, Empowerment, Resilience, Unfiltered Power Podcast, Sports Psychology, Motivation, Behind the OlympicsHosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →World Tour Warriors: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper on Life Beyond the Rugby Field
Apr 16, 202100:45:26Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and unfiltered episode of Unfiltered Power, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper open up about the real life of professional athletes on the world stage. From the highs of international competition to the quiet moments between matches, they share what it truly means to live life on tour — the friendships, the fatigue, the freedom, and the fight to stay grounded while constantly on the move. Hear Ilona and Naya as you’ve never heard them before — honest, raw, and full of laughter — as they take you inside the emotional and physical rollercoaster of representing your country while navigating life, identity, and purpose around the globe. Whether you’re a rugby fan, athlete, or someone chasing big dreams, this intimate conversation reveals the truth about what it’s really like to live the global athlete lifestyle.🎧 Keywords/Tags:Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, rugby sevens, women’s rugby, rugby podcast, life on tour, athlete lifestyle, sports travel, women in sport, professional rugby, rugby life, mental health in sport, team USA, global athletes, sports journey, Unfiltered Power Podcast, motivational sports stories, behind the scenes rugby, athlete interviews, rugby cultureHosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Fueling Greatness: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper on Food, Flavor, and Fueling the Elite Athlete
Apr 2, 202100:46:55Tap to summarizeIn this mouthwatering and deeply personal episode of Unfiltered Power, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper dive into one of their favorite topics — food. From pre-match meals to guilty pleasures, from the science of nutrition for elite athletes to the comfort of a good home-cooked dish, Ilona and Naya reveal how what they eat shapes who they are — on and off the pitch. With humor, honesty, and heart, they open up about the balance between performance nutrition and enjoying life’s flavors, the challenges of eating well while traveling the world, and how food connects teammates, cultures, and memories. Whether you’re an athlete, foodie, or fan, this episode serves up insights, laughs, and real talk about the fuel behind the fire of two of rugby’s most inspiring women.🎧 Keywords / SEO Tags:Ilona Maher podcast, Naya Tapper podcast, USA Rugby, women’s rugby, athlete nutrition, elite athlete diet, food and performance, sports nutrition, Ilona Maher interview, Naya Tapper interview, rugby life, athlete lifestyle, fueling athletes, healthy eating, sports fuel, rugby podcast, Unfiltered Power, women in sport, rugby sevens, mental health and nutrition, athlete recovery food, food and fitnessHosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Love, Locker Rooms & Life on the Field: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper Get Real About Dating
Mar 19, 202100:47:43Tap to summarizeIn this unfiltered and deeply personal episode of Unfiltered Power, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper open up about one of the most relatable — yet rarely discussed — parts of being an elite athlete: dating while playing professional sport. From navigating relationships on the road to finding partners who understand the grind, Ilona and Naya share hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally honest insights into love, attraction, and vulnerability behind the powerhouse personas. This candid conversation dives into how confidence, independence, and ambition shape their views on dating, what red flags they’ve learned to avoid, and how they balance being fierce competitors with the desire for genuine human connection. Whether you’re a rugby fan, athlete, or just curious about the love lives of strong women who own their space — this episode will make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired.🎙️ Tune in for real talk, real laughs, and real love stories from two of rugby’s biggest stars.Keywords:Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, women’s rugby, dating as an athlete, athlete relationships, rugby podcast, women in sports, love and sports, athlete lifestyle, female empowerment, sports podcast, rugby sevens, relationships, women’s empowerment, female athletes, behind the scenes rugby, Unfiltered Power Podcast, dating podcast, athlete dating stories, sports and love, motivational podcast, female sports icons, athlete interviews.For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →Breaking Barriers: Ilona Maher & Naya Tapper on Being a Black Woman in Sport
Mar 5, 202100:38:49Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and deeply personal episode of Unfiltered Power, USA Rugby stars Ilona Maher and Naya Tapper open up about what it truly means to be Black women in professional sports. From navigating stereotypes to finding strength in representation, this intimate conversation dives into the realities of identity, visibility, and empowerment both on and off the field. Ilona and Naya share raw insights on breaking barriers, using their platforms for change, and the importance of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. This episode isn’t just about rugby — it’s about resilience, pride, and the ongoing fight for equality in athletics and beyond. Whether you're an athlete, fan, or advocate for diversity in sport, this candid discussion will leave you inspired and motivated to push for progress.Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Google Podcasts SEO Keywords / Tags:Ilona Maher, Naya Tapper, USA Rugby, women in sport, Black women athletes, diversity in sports, representation in sports, equality in athletics, rugby podcast, Unfiltered Power, women’s rugby, empowerment, identity in sports, sports inclusivity, female athletes, sports interviews, women empowerment podcast, inspiring athletes, Black excellence in sports, sports and culture.Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona MaherFor more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com.
Transcribe →