Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" (February 8, 2025)
Introduction
In the February 8, 2025 episode of Morning Wire, hosted by John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe, the discussion centers around the newly signed executive order by former President Donald Trump, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports." The episode delves into the implications of this order, public reactions, and the ongoing efforts by advocacy groups to protect women's and girls' athletic spaces. The primary guest is Jennifer Tsay, founder of XXXY Athletics, who provides insightful perspectives on the movement's progress and future directions.
Executive Order Overview
The episode opens with a brief overview of President Donald Trump's executive order, signed on February 5, 2025, which bans men from competing in women's sports. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe highlight that this move fulfills a significant campaign promise and aligns with the growing public support for safeguarding women's and girls' athletic opportunities.
Interview with Jennifer Tsay
Jennifer Tsay, the founder of XXXY Athletics, is introduced as a pivotal figure in the movement to ensure fairness in women's sports. She recounts her experience attending the signing of the executive order:
"We were so thrilled. We've been pushing for this for many, many years, for basic common sense, logic, fairness for women and girls. So to have the opportunity to witness the signing of the EO is thrilling and we're all super excited." ([00:48])
Tsay emphasizes that while the executive order marks a significant victory, the battle is far from over. She discusses the limitations of the order, noting that it primarily affects federally funded institutions and does not extend to organizations like the International Olympic Committee or private races such as the Boston Marathon.
"This landscape is incredibly fractured. And my sort of intention in starting this brand ten months ago, XXXY athletics, was to change the culture and give people the confidence that it's appropriate to stand up and say, we're not going to take this anymore." ([02:28])
Public Reaction and Impact
The conversation shifts to public reactions following the executive order and the broader cultural implications. Tsay mentions the release of a short film and viral commercials, including one targeting Nike, which have significantly amplified their message.
"We've had over 40,000 people share the ad and endorse it and say that it brought them the tears. And they're so glad to see this. That is the kind of views you want." ([04:00])
Tsay attributes the movement's momentum to widespread public support and a collective desire to reject what she terms "woke capitalism" and corporate hypocrisy. This support has translated into tangible actions, such as increased brand loyalty and consumer engagement for organizations aligned with their cause.
Branding and Marketing Efforts
The hosts and Tsay discuss the strategic timing of their advertising campaigns, particularly leveraging high-visibility events like the Super Bowl to maximize reach.
"We launched it before the super bowl purposely, because, as you point out, people are almost paying more attention to the ads at this time than the matchup." ([03:51])
Tsay highlights the success of their "Real Girls Rock" ad, which celebrates female athletes' dedication while addressing the harassment they face for advocating the integrity of women's sports. The ad's virality, amplified by endorsements from influential figures like J.K. Rowling, underscores the effective melding of marketing prowess and advocacy.
Critique of Nike and Corporate Hypocrisy
A significant portion of the discussion critiques major corporations, particularly Nike, for their perceived hypocrisy in supporting women's causes superficially while failing to uphold genuine support.
"They have a long history of profiting off of pretending to support women and doing no such thing... they're capitalists at heart. Right. They work in big businesses. And people are tired of that hypocrisy." ([04:00])
Tsay elaborates on specific instances where Nike has fallen short, such as the mistreatment of endorsers like Allyson Felix and Mary Kane. She remains skeptical about Nike's willingness to change, suggesting that any positive shifts would be driven by external pressures rather than intrinsic values.
"I don't trust any decision they would make. Every decision they make is because of pressure, not because of any desire to do the right thing." ([08:26])
Future Directions and Cultural Shift
Tsay expresses optimism about the future, believing that the executive order has opened doors for broader cultural changes. She underscores the importance of continued activism and public support to influence other governing bodies and private organizations to adopt fair practices in women's sports.
"Trump has passed us the baton and we need to take it and run through the next door and the next door and the next door, because this is not over yet." ([02:28])
The hosts echo this sentiment, recognizing the critical nature of the issue and the ongoing efforts required to secure lasting change.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the movement's goals and gratitude towards supporters who champion fairness in women's athletics. Jennifer Tsay's insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by advocacy groups in the wake of significant political actions like the executive order.
"An absolutely critical issue here that your team and ours here at the Daily Wire has been very focused on highlighting. And now we're seeing some real change here." ([10:25])
Morning Wire successfully captures the complexities surrounding the executive order "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports," offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the interplay between politics, culture, and advocacy in the realm of sports.