Podcast
Mixed Doubles: A Women's Sports Podcast
Hosted by Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay · EN
Welcome to the Mixed Doubles podcast! Meet your hosts Maggie Robinson & Josh Smythe-Macaulay, two co-workers in the sports industry who are passionate about all things women’s sports. What you can expect: Good chats, top stats, and highlights across the women's sports landscape. Listen in weekly on Tuesday mornings and find us on Spotify, iHeart, Apple Podcasts… we’re on them all!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Championing Change: A Conversation with MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills
Jul 2401:03:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mixed Doubles podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay sat down with Sonja Stills, Commissioner of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). Stills, the first woman to hold this position in MEAC's history, discusses her career journey, facing imposter syndrome, and her commitment to elevating HBCU athletics. The episode covers the importance of strategic partnerships, the impact of the changing landscape of college athletics, NIL implications, and the significance of diversity and inclusion initiatives. Stills’ vibrant energy and dedication are palpable as she shares inspiring stories about leading with intention and making a difference in the world of college sports. Hang around after to episode for The Debrief ™ where Maggie and Josh break down the episode and catch up on life. 00:48 Introducing Sonja Stills: A Trailblazer in Sports 01:44 Sonja's Journey at the MEAC 05:05 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 12:07 Responsibilities of a Commissioner 14:58 The MEAC's Rich History and Achievements 20:02 Strategic and Long-Range Planning 23:55 Expanding the MEAC: Criteria and Considerations 27:10 Building Strategic Partnerships 33:23 Exciting New Coaches in the MEAC 35:21 Investing in Student Athletes and Community 35:42 Excitement for Upcoming Media Day 36:49 Innovative Changes in the MEC 41:36 Supporting Diversity and Inclusion in Athletics 44:20 Navigating NIL and Budget Constraints 54:25 Reflecting on Leadership and Legacy 56:53 The Debrief ™ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Unrivaled Excellence: A Chat with Ivy League Commissioner Robin Harris
Jun 26, 202500:58:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mixed Doubles podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay sit down with Robin Harris, the executive director of the Ivy League. With backgrounds as former Division I Ivy League student-athletes and employees in professional sports, Maggie and Josh explore Robin's career, impact, and vision for the Ivy League. The conversation delves into the unique characteristics and values of the Ivy League, including the focus on balancing academics with athletics, health and safety initiatives, and the implications of recent developments such as NIL and the House vs. NCAA settlement. The episode also highlights the Ivy League's media rights deal with ESPN and the ongoing commitment to providing a holistic student-athlete experience. Robin shares her insights on the evolution of the league, her career journey, and the broader landscape of college athletics. The episode closes with reflections from Maggie and Josh on their personal experiences as Ivy League athletes. 02:42 Robin Harris' Career Journey 10:13 Balancing Academics and Athletics in the Ivy League 15:20 Football in the Ivy League and FCS Playoffs 21:38 NIL and the Ivy League's Stance 28:36 Media Rights and Future of Ivy League Broadcasting 35:08 Columbia Football and Ivy League Success 36:47 Ivy League's Commitment to Social Issues 38:06 Handling the COVID-19 Pandemic 40:06 Core Values of the Ivy League 41:31 The Unrivaled Ivy League Experience 46:58 The Debrief 55:29 Upcoming Episode Teaser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →NCAA v. House Biggest Losers & Updates Arounds the Leagues
Jun 17, 202500:43:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay bring you all the updates from around women's sports, from college athletics to professional leagues. The conversation opens with the impact of the recent House vs NCAA lawsuit on mid-major women's sports teams. They delve into the growth of women-specific sports bars, the ongoing dramatic expansion in women's hockey, and the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, backed by the MLB. They also discuss broadcasting issues at the French Open and wrap up with highlights from the start of the WNBA season and its most valuable teams. 02:42 Big Plays and Big Players 02:57 The Impact of NCAA Lawsuit on College Sports 07:08 Introducing Charlie Baker and NCAA Changes 09:39 Spotlight on Jenny Nguyen and The Sports Bra Expansion 13:19 PWHL Season Recap and Expansion Drama 17:37 Texas Tech's Million Dollar Pitcher and College Softball 21:00 Launch of Athletes Unlimited Softball League 23:14 Challenges in Sports Broadcasting 25:16 Women's Tennis at Roland Garros: A Scheduling Controversy 30:00 Coco Gauff's Historic Win and Post-Match Drama 34:34 WNBA Season Highlights and Player Updates 39:02 Valuation of Women's Sports Teams Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Crafting a Winning Culture: Insights from Boston Fleet GM Danielle Marmer
Jun 5, 202500:59:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay interview Danielle Marmer, General Manager of the Boston Fleet in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). They delve into Danielle's inspiring journey from her youth in Massachusetts and Vermont, where she fell in love with hockey, to her impactful collegiate career at Quinnipiac University, and her transition into coaching and player development. She shares her experiences as the first woman to hold an on-ice role for the Boston Bruins and discusses the challenges and achievements in her role as GM of the Boston Fleet. Danielle highlights the importance of building a strong team culture, the excitement of the PWHL's expansion, and her vision for the league's future. 01:18 Danielle's Early Life and Introduction to Hockey 02:23 Growing Up in Vermont and Developing a Passion for Hockey 10:04 Transition to Competitive Hockey and Boarding School 11:11 College Hockey Journey at Quinnipiac 15:36 Struggles and Growth in College Hockey 20:34 Pursuing a Career in Coaching and Player Development 29:05 Overcoming Early Career Challenges 30:20 Joining the Bruins' Mentorship Program 32:40 Transition to Player Development 37:45 Becoming a GM in the PWHL 47:04 Building a Winning Culture 52:14 Future of the PWHL and Expansion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Empowering Female Coaches with Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCoach
May 13, 202500:45:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie and Josh interview Vanessa Fuchs, the CEO of WeCoach, a non-profit dedicated to recruiting, advancing, and retaining women coaches in all sports and levels through year-round professional growth & leadership development programs. Vanessa discusses her career journey from being a former dual-sport athlete at Florida State University (FSU) to becoming the first woman to lead the FSU Athletic Department. The conversation then delves into the changing landscape of college athletics, the importance of female leadership in sports, and Vanessa's impactful experiences throughout her career. Vanessa emphasizes the critical need for professional development and support for women in coaching, addressing challenges such as underrepresentation and retention. 00:27 Introducing Vanessa Fuchs: CEO of We Coach 01:37 Vanessa's Journey as a Dual Sport Athlete 05:11 Lessons from College Athletics 08:32 Navigating Career Paths in Sports Administration 12:30 Returning to FSU: Leading the Athletics Department 18:00 Advice for Aspiring Athletic Directors 21:38 Funny Stories from FSU Athletics 22:07 The FSU Logo Redesign Controversy 23:35 A Generous Donation of Palm Trees 26:30 The Future of College Athletics 31:59 The Mission of WeCoach 35:29 Challenges and Initiatives for Women Coaches 41:46 Future Goals and Success Metrics for WeCoach 43:06 Final Thoughts and Gratitude Check out WeCoach on all platforms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wecoachsports/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wecoach/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Advice Line!
Apr 11, 202500:17:04Tap to summarizeIn this special solo episode, host Maggie Robinson shares valuable career advice she has compiled from previous interviews with accomplished women in the sports industry. Maggie focuses on offering guidance for those facing significant life changes, particularly those in transitional periods of their careers. She features advice from Caroline Chagares (Director of Marketing and Commercial Ops at NWSL ), Emily Proud (CBS sports reporter), Tish Carmona (Director of Communications for Unrivaled), Cathy Yancy (Vice President of Broadcasting at the NFL), and the founders of Launch Break, Teresa Saputo-Crerend and Philippa Portnoy. Each guest shares insights on networking, work-life balance, breaking into the industry, finding one’s passion, and ignoring discouraging statistics to stay focused on one's mission.00:48 Advice from Caroline Chagares: Building Relationships03:58 Emily Proud: Balancing Work and Life07:00 Tish Carmona: Breaking into the Sports Industry09:51 Cathy Yancy: Finding Your Passion12:09 Launch Break Founders: Focus on Skills, Not Stats14:33 Conclusion and Personal Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →New IOC President, an NWSL Rebrand, and March Madness Recap
Apr 4, 202500:30:57Tap to summarizeWe're back with your women's sports news updates! Listen in as hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe-Macaulay tell you all you need to know about women's sports from the past week. They provide updates on Maggie's upcoming move and final month at the NFL, leading up to the Draft. The hosts transition into several significant highlights, including the global rise of women's soccer with the advent of World Seven Football and Juju Watkins winning the Naismith Player of the Year in college basketball. They further cover Kirsty Coventry's historic appointment as the first female and African president of the International Olympic Committee and Boston's NWSL team's rebranding to Boston Legacy FC. They delve into the unveiling of New York Liberty's new practice facility, the excitement of the Miami Open, PWHL's current standings and collaboration with Barbie, and the thrilling developments in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, including the standout teams and players heading into the Final Four. The episode wraps up with reflections on Dawn Staley’s potential second consecutive championship win with South Carolina and Paige Buecker’s final matches before heading to the WNBA.Listen in!02:02 Maggie's Big Move and NFL Draft Insights04:04 Big Plays and Big Players08:56 Historic First for the IOC12:33 NWSL Club Name Controversy13:50 Boston Legacy FC: A New Beginning15:46 New York Liberty's State-of-the-Art Practice Facility18:42 Miami Open Highlights and Winners20:48 PWHL Standings and Exciting Collaborations23:44 March Madness: Women's Basketball Final Four29:12 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Doubles Partners to Business Partners: Meet The Columbia Duo Behind LaunchBreak's Success
Mar 21, 202500:28:42Tap to summarizeWelcome back to our interview series! In this episode of the Mixed Doubles Podcast, hosts Maggie Robinson and Josh Smythe Macaulay sat down with Teresa Saputo-Crerend and Philippa Portnoy, the founders of LaunchBreak, an innovative networking platform for women athletes. Teresa and Philippa, former doubles partners and Columbia University alumni, discuss transitioning from corporate careers to launching their platform. They share insights on the impact of their athletic background on their professional success, the importance of mentorship, and the drive to support female athletes. The conversation covers their collegiate experiences, the significance of community, and practical advice for young women pursuing careers. The episode offers a deep dive into the vision behind LaunchBreak and its growing community.00:31 Meet the Guests: Teresa and Philippa01:26 Columbia University and Tennis Background03:44 Corporate Careers and LaunchBreak07:06 The Birth of LaunchBreak12:13 Columbia University Experience18:41 Running a Business Together23:41 Advice for Young Athletes and Professionals26:22 Conclusion and ShoutoutsConnect with LaunchBreak on LinkedIn: Teresa Saputo-Crerend & Philippa PortnoyLaunchBreak website: https://launchbreak.com/Columbia & Barnard Background:Teresa Saputo-Crerend Chair of the Columbia Alumni Association's Mentoring and Networking Committee Member of Columbia Alumni Association Board &Columbia University Women's Alumnae Engagement Group Key leader for the first-ever three-day Women’s Conference across eighteen Columbia University schools. Keynote speakers featured Ruth Bader Ginsburg Served on the Board of the Columbia College Alumni Association, the Dean’s Alumni Task Force, the Board of Columbia College Women, and the CAA’s Strategic Planning Committee Served as CoChair of She Opened the Door, the first-ever Columbia University Women’s Conference Member of the Columbia Alumnae Legacy Circle, the Women's Leadership Council, and the Columbia College Board of Visitors Recipient of Columbia Alumni Association Medal for Distinguished Service Philippa Portnoy Founding member of Barnard’s Athena Center for Leadership Studies On the board of Barnard College Board of Trustees & Columbia University Board of Directors Co-founder of Columbia’s Women’s Leadership Council for Athletics Member of the University Alumnae Engagement Committee and Strategic Planning Committee Member of Columbia Alumni Association (CAA) Board and Women Creating Change Leadership Council Serves on Columbia University Club of NY Board, and co-chair of CAA Arts Access Named one of the 50 most influential female athletes in Columbia’s 50th Anniversary of Title IX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Cathy Flowers Yancy: ESPN, 30 Super Bowls and Work-Life Balance
Mar 14, 202501:08:51Tap to summarizeWelcome back to another edition of our interview series! Today we sat down with Cathy Flowers Yancy, Vice President of Broadcasting at the NFL. Cathy shares her illustrious career journey, from being the first female producer of SportsCenter at ESPN to negotiating groundbreaking deals like the WNBA's broadcast rights. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of working in sports media, the significance of mentorship, and balancing a demanding career with family life. Key moments include Cathy's advice on raising kids alongside a career, her experiences at numerous Super Bowls, and the pivotal role she played in advancing women's sports. The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of Cathy's legacy and her ongoing impact in the industry.00:36 Introducing Cathy Yancy: A Trailblazer in Sports Broadcasting00:55 Cathy's Early Career and ESPN Journey08:29 Cathy's Transition to the NFL24:09 The Founding of the WNBA and ESPN's Role32:10 Challenges and Progress in Women's Sports35:46 Balancing Family and Career in Sports37:22 The Importance of Taking Kids to Work38:17 A Daughter's Perspective on Career Choices40:25 Transitioning from ESPN to the NFL44:53 Super Bowl Experiences and Memories49:50 Handling Unexpected Challenges: The New Orleans Super Bowl XLVII Blackout55:10 The Intricacies of Live Sports Broadcasting01:01:10 Reflecting on Legacy and Mentorship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Sierra Brooks: NCAA Gymnastics, NIL, and the Gymternet
Mar 7, 202500:50:52Tap to summarizeWelcome back to our interview series! Today we sat down with Sierra Brooks, a decorated gymnast from the University of Michigan. The conversation spans her early beginnings in gymnastics at age three, her rise to a 13-time All American, and her pivotal role in Michigan’s first NCAA championship in 2021. Sierra shares insights on handling pressure and expectations, her decision to forego elite gymnastics in favor of collegiate competition, and the impacts of NIL on college athletes. She also reflects on her transition to life after gymnastics and her other passions like photography and graphic design. The discussion is a powerful narrative of dedication, balancing multiple interests, and maintaining high standards both on and off the mat.00:28 Introducing Sierra Brooks: Gymnastics Superstar01:05 Sierra's Journey into Gymnastics02:52 Balancing All Four Events04:41 Handling Pressure and Expectations09:15 Early Graduation and Transition to College13:57 Choosing Between Elite and Collegiate Gymnastics22:52 Life as a Michigan Gymnast27:38 Mental Preparation and Visualization Techniques30:43 The Impact of NIL on College Athletes34:57 Memorable Moments and Achievements40:41 Transitioning from College to Corporate Life44:04 Exploring Creative Passions Beyond Gymnastics47:47 Reflecting on Role Models and InspirationsFind Sierra here:InstagramLinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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