Episode Summary: "Kylie on Ziplining in Stadiums, NFL Group Chats & Egg Freezing Reality with Kaylee Hartung | Ep. 19"

Released on April 17, 2025, as part of Wave Originals' "Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce", Episode 19 features an in-depth conversation between host Kylie Kelce and NFL reporter and Today Show correspondent Kaylee Hartung. Recorded while Kylie was 38 weeks pregnant, the episode navigates through Kaylee's professional journey, personal challenges, adventurous spirit, and her courageous decision to freeze her eggs.

1. Introduction to Kaylee Hartung

Kylie Kelce opens the episode by sharing her current life phase—being on maternity leave—and introduces her guest, Kaylee Hartung. She expresses excitement about bridging her maternity experiences with meaningful conversations outside her role as a "football wife."

Notable Quote:

• Kylie Kelce [00:59]: "Let's get this podcast started."

2. Kaylee’s Path to Journalism

Kaylee Hartung delves into her early life and the pivotal moment that steered her towards journalism. She recounts the tragic loss of her father in an airshow accident when she was ten, highlighting how this event ignited her passion to tell impactful stories with depth and empathy.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [06:07]: "I just thought I want to tell other people's stories and I want, when I have the privilege of telling someone's story, I want them to feel like justice is done to their story."

3. Balancing Tragedy and Triumph in Reporting

The conversation shifts to the emotional toll of covering tragic events. Kaylee shares her experience at CNN, where she focused primarily on negative stories, leading to burnout. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance by transitioning to NBC, allowing her to celebrate positive moments alongside reporting on adversities.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [10:01]: "I came to the realization, like, this is not the right fit for me."

4. Building a Supportive Community Among Women in Sports Media

Kylie and Kaylee discuss the camaraderie among women in the sports media industry. Kaylee highlights her close-knit group chat with fellow reporters like Maria Taylor and Laura Rutledge, underscoring the mutual support and shared experiences that strengthen their professional and personal bonds.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [15:34]: "We have just been able to like be on the journey together."

5. Adventurous Spirits: Ziplining Across Falcons Stadium

Highlighting her thrill-seeking nature, Kaylee recounts her daring experience ziplining across the Falcons stadium for a Today Show segment. Despite initial apprehensions and last-minute changes, Kaylee embraced the challenge, demonstrating her ability to adapt and find joy in unexpected scenarios.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [24:50]: "I actually had a blast."

6. Envisioning Future Adventures: Skydiving with the Golden Knights

The duo engages in a playful discussion about manifesting future adventures, with Kaylee expressing her dream of skydiving with the U.S. Army's Golden Knights to deliver game balls live during broadcasts. This segment highlights Kaylee's continuous pursuit of unique and exhilarating experiences.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [28:50]: "I want to skydive into a stadium pre kick and, like, deliver the game ball."

7. Kaylee’s Fertility Journey: Freezing Eggs

A significant part of the episode focuses on Kaylee’s personal decision to freeze her eggs. She opens up about the motivations behind this choice, the meticulous process she underwent, and the emotional resilience required. Kaylee emphasizes the importance of being open about such experiences to empower other women facing similar decisions.

Notable Quote:

• Kaylee Hartung [34:45]: "I decided I was going to freeze my eggs... I have been such a proponent of women who are even thinking about it to do it."

8. Empowering Women Through Shared Experiences

Kylie reflects on the broader implications of Kaylee's story, discussing the evolving landscape of women's empowerment. She underscores how Kaylee’s openness about her fertility journey serves as an inspiration for women to take control of their reproductive choices without societal pressure.

Notable Quote:

• Kylie Kelce [41:12]: "It doesn't mean that I don't have to have a family. It doesn't mean that I have to make this decision now."

9. Maintaining Friendships Across Life Stages

The conversation returns to the theme of sustaining friendships despite differing life paths. Kylie shares her experiences as a new mother balancing friendships with peers who are at different stages in their lives, advocating for understanding and mutual respect in evolving relationships.

Notable Quote:

• Kylie Kelce [32:37]: "Just because it's not a child doesn't mean that it's not truly important to me and what I'm doing with my life."

10. Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, both Kylie and Kaylee express gratitude for the heartfelt and empowering conversation. Kylie highlights the importance of featuring strong voices like Kaylee’s on her platform, reiterating the show’s commitment to authentic and impactful storytelling.

Notable Quote:

• Kylie Kelce [43:08]: "I cannot thank you enough for getting on here today with me."

Takeaways:

• Resilience and Purpose: Kaylee Hartung’s journey from personal tragedy to a fulfilling career in journalism exemplifies resilience and a strong sense of purpose.

• Importance of Community: Building supportive networks among women in demanding industries like sports media is crucial for personal and professional growth.

• Empowerment Through Openness: Sharing personal experiences, especially around sensitive topics like fertility, can empower and inspire others to make informed decisions.

• Balancing Professional and Personal Life: Navigating the complexities of career demands and personal life changes, such as motherhood, requires understanding, flexibility, and mutual respect in friendships.

This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of storytelling, friendship, and personal empowerment, offering listeners valuable insights into the lives of women making their mark in sports media and beyond.