Show Me Something

Episode: Sophie Cunningham REACTS to Aces-Mercury WNBA Finals & West Wilson shares Summer House secrets (October 15, 2025)

Hosts: Sophie Cunningham (WNBA & Indiana Fever) and West Wilson (Reality star, Bravo’s Summer House)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the realities of professional sports and reality TV, from Sophie’s behind-the-scenes insights about the WNBA playoffs and locker room culture to West’s unfiltered, often hilarious takes on life after sports and secrets from Summer House. The duo also answers lively listener questions, delivers inspirational advice, and reflects on transitions, loyalty, and growing pains in both careers and friendships.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Personal Triumphs and Life After Sports

• Public Speaking & Recognition:
  • West recounts giving a high-profile speech at his alma mater, which was nerve-wracking due to the audience including boosters and school leadership. Despite his nerves, family support made the moment memorable.

    “My dad was like. I could tell he, like, really approved of it. And he texted me before I got back to their table and was like, you crushed? So I felt good.” – West (04:00)

• Significance of Traditions:
  • Emotional story about finally getting his letter jacket returned after it was stolen years prior in a car break-in (07:00–08:00).

2. College Sports Loyalty & Transfer Culture

• Both hosts reflect on today’s transfer portal culture and the fleeting nature of loyalty in college athletics.
  • Sophie stresses how facing adversity builds character:

    “Where do you really learn character? Like, where do you learn how to like...we think sports is hard in college. That's nothing compared to like when you're actually in the real life and you actually have real responsibilities.” – Sophie (08:43)

  • West wonders about identity for athletes who transfer frequently:

    “When you're like a party as like a 28 year old, like, where do you tell people you even went to school?” – West (08:05)

  • Memorable maxim:

    “Sometimes you just got to go through the shit in order to be the shit. Is that a bar?” – Sophie (10:31)

3. WNBA Playoff Reactions

• Aces-Mercury Finals:
  • Sophie reacts positively to the Las Vegas Aces’ sweep, crediting their adversity and the overall increased viewership of the playoffs (+6% YoY). She notes the Indiana-Phoenix series drew higher ratings than the finals, underscoring increasing interest in the league (23:10–25:01).

    “The players who are playing their asses off and...at the level they are is just a big deal. And it's just a fun time to be a part of the W.” – Sophie (24:18)

  • Sophie’s competitive fire comes out:

    “A couple calls going our way, we would be in, we would have been in the finals, which is insane to think about.” – Sophie (25:01)

4. Life in the WNBA: Phoenix vs. Indiana

• Sophie contrasts her experiences, focusing on Phoenix’s vibrant city life and Indiana’s unmatched hoops culture.
  • “Indiana, I think the basketball piece and the way that the Midwest people and culture love their sports teams, hands down. Yes. You can't compare.” – Sophie (35:07)
• She’s grateful for positive experiences with both organizations, acknowledging others aren’t as lucky (35:54).

5. Summer House Reality TV Secrets

• West describes how Summer House is filmed (multiple days, no staging, constant cameras), making “acting” impossible and forging real bonds.

  “If you were gonna try to be produced or act...it would be exhausting...there are cameras on us for three straight days and mics in every corner.” – West (15:49)

  • Both reflect on newfound friendships and the authentic connections made under unique, shared circumstances (29:35–30:14).

6. Listener Questions & Real-Life Advice

a) Handshake Line in WNBA ([45:22])

• A listener asks why there’s no post-series handshake line like in the NHL.
  • Sophie points out COVID changed traditions, but laughs off the idea that many players wouldn’t mean it anyway.

b) Moving to a New City Despite Family Pushback (48:13)

• Liz, a soon-to-be college grad, asks for advice about moving solo.
  • West: “It is truly the best thing you can do for yourself…you can always go home.”
  • Sophie parallels with her moves for pro ball, crediting it for her personal growth.

c) Getting Back Lost Taylor Swift Vinyls (52:30)

• Steve seeks advice about recovering his records from an ex-friend.
  • Both hosts say assertively: “Go get your stuff; they’re yours!” advocating standing up for what’s rightfully his.

7. Cultural Moments and Personal Growth

• Sophie talks about starting a new diet even as the show picks up Arby’s as a sponsor, embracing balance via the “80/20 rule” (32:56).
• Candid reflections on appreciating home after leaving, the value of discomfort, and maturing through new experiences (51:13).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On adversity in sports:
  “Every time something’s tough, you transfer. I don’t know how you actually ever come to terms with like, I can overcome obstacles...” – West (10:40)
• On authenticity in reality TV:
  “If you try to be produced or act or whatever, it would be exhausting, and it would be impossible because...there are cameras on us for three straight days.” – West (15:49)
• On professional gratitude:
  “I know this sounds, like, dumb...but, like, at the end of the day, I’m so blessed to get to dribble a damn basketball for a living. So why would I not embrace and just, like, pour into my body more than ever?” – Sophie (32:41)
• On moving & growing up:
  “Once I left home, I was like, oh, these things make me who I am...that’s when I really started to appreciate Missouri barbecue, my dad’s farm, like, the Chiefs...” – West (51:13)
• Fun banter on team invitations:
  “If we got engaged and we got married, would you invite all the summer house people?” – Sophie (29:11)

Important Timestamps

• Life as a sports alum/robbery & letter jacket: 04:00–07:44
• Transfer portal & loyalty discussion: 08:00–10:45
• WNBA Finals Reflection: 23:06–25:43
• Comparing Phoenix & Indiana: 34:06–36:06
• Summer House production secrets: 14:36–17:54
• Listener Q&A: Handshake line: 45:22–47:58
• Listener Q&A: Moving to a new city: 48:56–52:13
• Listener Q&A: Taylor Swift vinyls: 52:27–54:41

Episode Tone & Dynamics

High-energy, direct, and playful with healthy doses of inspiration and honesty. Sophie brings reflective positivity, athlete candor, and humor; West balances with self-deprecation, storytelling, and reality TV insight. Their chemistry shines, making even practical advice both real and relatable.

For Listeners Who Haven’t Tuned In

• Get an insider’s peek into the worlds of pro basketball and reality TV.
• Learn what’s changing (and what matters most) in college/pro sports and on-screen friendships.
• Receive real talk on navigating crossroads in life—moving out, standing up for yourself, and building new relationships.
• Enjoy plenty of unfiltered laughs, memorable banter, and practical wisdom.

This is a can’t-miss episode for anyone who loves sports, pop culture, or just honest, hilarious conversation about growing up and seizing opportunities.