← Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
Sunday Sports Club with Allison Kuch
Horse girls go to the Kentucky Derby with guest Lindsay Czarniak
01:27:22
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- [00:00]
A
The following podcast is a Dear Media Production.
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B
What's up, guys? Welcome back to Sunday Sports Club Podcast, a podcast all about sports told by a woman. And that woman is me. Hi guys, I'm Alison Cooch, your host of Sunday Sports Club podcast. And a sport that we have yet to discuss on this podcast ever is horse racing. So today I am sitting down with guest Lindsey Zarniak and we are going to be talking all about the Kentucky Derby imposter syndrome, her career as a sportscaster, and how her and her husband balance their careers parenting two kids in the midst of their two careers. If you guys are new to Lindsay and her story, she is a Emmy award winning broadcaster, sportscaster for Fox and espn, Wife, mother, and she is also launching her own podcast later this spring. Things no one tells you. So let's go ahead and welcome Lindsay. What's up, guys? Welcome back to Sunday Sports Club Podcast, a podcast all about sports told by a woman. And that woman is me. Hi, guys, I'm Allison Cooch. And today we have on a very special guest, Lindsay. And I don't want to butcher your last name.
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A
We both have CZS Zone, so the C is silent. That's all you need to know, right?
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B
That's all I need. I know growing up with the last name Kucharzyk, which a lot of people actually don't know, my last name is Kucharzyk. And I'm like, that's. There's a point to that because nobody can pronounce it.
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A
It's so funny because my mom has this story where she says, like, from the time that I was three, I could spell it because I would hear her on the phone being like, zarniak, C, Z, A, R, N, I or like C as in cat, Z as in zebra. So I know. I was actually, I laughed. I was. I love it. I love your name. I think it's great. Yes. And we get each other because it is a real thing.
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B
Kucharzik just doesn't really roll off a tongue. So I went ahead and shortened it myself. But people are always so shocked that my full last name is Kucharzyk.
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A
Yeah. But I love it. I mean, it's great. It's funny. Mine actually czarniak means black in Polish, which is always, I don't know. I was like, okay, well that's great to know.
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B
So, you know, you're like, fun facts.
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A
We could just use that as a name at a restaurant, you know, if you're like trying to make it easy. But yeah, fun Fact. Random fact. But yeah.
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B
So then do you and your husband have different last names?
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A
So officially, no, I took the name Melvin. Professionally. I use Zarniac, you know? Cause that's like, that's professionally what. For so long I was known by. And, you know, so people, they, like, don't necessarily know what to call me. And it depends where people know me from, but totally. But I also, like, only call him Melvin because. And I don't know how you are with Isaac, but, like, I can't. It's superstitious now because when we met, I started calling him Melvin, and I think that's because I was working in the sports department at the station where we met, and it was just a thing. Like, I just. Everyone called everyone by the last name. And so it has become such a thing that if I say, like I have said before, Craig, and my. My daughter's like, ooh, she called you Craig? They know, too. So it's so random. But it's become. And I, like, honestly, that's how I describe it. To me, it is a superstition. And he will be like, dude, like, you don't. Why are you calling me that? Like, you know, I don't know if you guys have stuff like that, but it's, like, so funny.
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B
Well, my husband always laughs when people call us the Rochelles, because both legally and professionally, I am not a Rochelle. Nothing against it. I'm like, my daughter has that last name, but I just. Something about holding on to my last name. I feel like the getting rid of your last name thing is, like, old school. Like, you don't have to do it. And I don't really have anything against changing my name, but I'm like, it feels like a lot of work, and I feel like people know me as, like, my current name, so I'm holding on to it.
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A
I think it's awesome. I 100 agree. And so, yep, it's. It is one of those things. It is old school, and I am proud to be a Melvin, but I also am very much a Zarniac. So I know it's like, it's such. You know, and it's funny because it's like, I'm thinking, like, I'm assuming that that's probably just more popular as time passes, that people are. Will hold on to their names and women will. And it's. You know, it. I just think it's one of those things that when you look at it, you're like, oh, yeah, that was such an old school type of thing. And why. And I don't know. Like, I am all for evolving. I think it's so fascinating how, like, so many things in life evolve and change. And, like, I think about that a lot because I think the sports industry as I knew it as a broadcaster is so evolving, which is really cool, but also, like, really scary for a lot of people. But it's, you know, it's just. That's one of those things, too. It's like the world.
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B
The world is quickly changing. I feel like even in the past 10 years, it has changed so much. And I'm sure you can speak to it just in the space that you. You are in.
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A
So.
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B
So I'm really excited to talk with you today, especially ahead of the Kentucky Derby. I will be attending the Kentucky Derby for the first time this year, and I'm so excited. Everybody is like, forget about the dress. You need an intense hat. They're like, if you think it's extra, five more steps up.
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A
And you need two if you're going to be there on Friday, because that's the Oaks. And the Oaks is all Phillies, so it's all girls running. And the whole. It's pink. You have to wear pink to that day. And I brought it out to show you.
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B
But thank God we're talking, because I don't like getting dress coded. I don't like that I just went to the Masters and I was like, is this long enough? Is this okay? Is this appropriate?
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A
I loved what you did at the Masters and I was like, this is so genius because I would be in that same exact boat as a million people would be. But, like, so real quick to back it up to your question, what's interesting to me is sort of what we were talking about, that I think the way sports coverage has evolved is part of the reason that I feel like I've been lucky enough to be involved now in horse racing. And I'll tell you that story in a minute. But. So my growing up, my dad was a sports journalist, and his beat. When we moved for him to work at USA Today, we moved to the D.C. area, and he was covering NFL and horse racing and some skiing, too. But so I kind of. I grew up, like, having horse racing stories in the backdrop. My dad would go to all these Triple Crown events and just these great events, and he would have all these, like, horse racing cups and, you know, like, when you're a kid and I would see these things hanging around and you just kind of like, register that in the back of your mind. But anyway, I loved the stories And I just. I loved hearing what he would come home talking about. And he had these really great, like, journalistic moments that he still thinks about of, you know, being at the barns in the early morning and waiting for a horse trainer to come out and talk to him and all these things. And then so fast forward to myself going into study communications in college and not knowing exactly what I wanted to do. And I was like, oh, I want to. Something really lit me up about this practicum class that I had where we got to do on air. We had to like basically make a show. And when it was my turn to host, I was like, oh my God, like, you could do this for a living. This does not feel like work. This is exactly what I want to do. But I wanted to be on mtv. So like, don't we.
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B
Didn't we all?
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A
Oh my God. I was just like that. That is all. I want to talk about music. I want to like, toss to music videos. I'm like, which I'm totally dating myself. But so that. And so long story short, I started on this quest to either become the next like MTV VJ or to do news. I thought I wanted to do news or entertainment. And I went on that path and was bouncing from job to job. Finally got a job after at cnn, entry level as like a reporter, but I was news. And then I had this random happenstance occur where I met some people on a weekend trip with one of my best friends. We were down in Daytona hanging out. We met some. A group of guys that were there that were covering racing, auto racing. So long story short, we're just like hanging out. They know that I'm a reporter in Jacksonville, Florida. And also I'm making it sound like, really weird. It wasn't. It was literally like we were just hanging out as friends. But it was, it was. Anyway, I haven't had enough coffee today.
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B
Long drive, parents, right?
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A
So they reach out because there was. They needed a reporter to do something for them at the speedway. And I was like, yes, my station let me go do it. So one thing leads to another and I find myself getting a side gig covering NASCAR and motorsports. And it was my first foray into that world. And I was like, this is really exciting, but are you sure you want me? Because, like, I don't know that world at all. But it was amazing because they really, like took me under their wing, taught me what I needed to know. And it was like a playground because it allowed me to come at it from like this sort of news space of not really knowing the world of motorsports, and it was just so fascinating. So then I went from there, and I was like, at a race, and we were waiting to interview the winning driver, and we strike up a conversation with this TV crew from Miami, and we're just waiting and talking, and they were like, you know, we have an opening to be, like our third sportscaster in our department. And you would be primarily covering the Miami Dolphins. And I was like, I. Like, I'm news. I love racing, I love sports, but I've not covered that. And longer story short, I got that job and I went down to Miami. So I left news to go take this job in sports. And my first job in sports officially was covering the Miami Dolphins. And it was awesome because we did this show called Finn's tv, which was the behind the scenes on the team because our station, the NBC affiliate, was their partner. And what was so awesome was, like, the stories we were doing, like, the players one day, you know, it was stuff that was, like, compelling for them, and we were covering the day to day, but it was also just like, you know, we were making gingerbread houses like them and their wife.
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B
It wasn't like stats.
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A
It wasn't. And like, the stats are awesome, and especially when the stakes are high and it's like, in. But I really just love, like, the storytelling and the relatability of sports, I think, is just so awesome and so powerful. Right. And so, like, that was really cool because I also remember being like, whoa, like, learning about how everything worked, like the equipment manager and everything, like the food. I was just so blown away by that whole behind the scenes situation. But anyway, so.
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B
Well, I have to interrupt you because every sports broadcaster I've spoke to, it's always like, you have the skill set, but it's a little bit of luck to get into the job that you get into.
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A
Yes.
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B
So it's so interesting always hearing the behind the scenes of, like, the ladder and how you climb up to the point now where you're at today.
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A
I feel like. And I haven't really thought about this until you just said that in sports. And maybe I'm saying this out loud because my husband's in news and his. His path is like. It feels like in news you can be. It's a lot more straight in terms of where you're trying to go. And I think in sports, you're right. It's like, for whatever reason, it's different. Maybe it's because there are so many sports. Maybe it's because there are different avenues like you can be covering the live events or you can be on a studio show like espn. But yeah, it kind of is like you're starting off and then you're like a duck with your feet under the water. Like I don't know where to go. And then finally you get this break somewhere. Right. But like mine was like I remember having the conversations with my people around me who were like a slew of like my parents and close friends and who remember mentors and being like, is this crazy to go to Miami? Because it technically was also still like a part time gig. They were like, we believe this is going to turn into full time. But like there were many kind of question marks. But I also have identified through therapy and other things that like every move I've ever made there has been an exorbitant amount of risk. And so apparently and like uncertainty, I think that that's something that maybe, I don't know, maybe people that set out to do sports type things like that's kind of part of the deal. It's like you sort of thrive in that a little bit.
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B
Right?
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A
So I don't know. But anyway, I went from there to just hopping to different reporting jobs in sports then which was awesome and went back to D.C. for a job which was great. And then ended up from there going to espn. This is a really long story.
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B
And then I mean there's a lot of steps to get to that. I mean you've been in this, in this, I mean position of broadcasting for how long?
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A
40 years. No kidding. Like, no, it's seriously so like, I mean like being on air like 20. Oh my God. Which is crazy. And it's been all these different random types of jobs sort of to your point. So like I was at ESPN until 2017 and then when I left there started doing sidelines with Fox. So it was like, then it sort of became a different type of gig where you're freelance. But I was more event based coverage which was really awesome also. So now I'm freelance and one of the random things that has popped up for me, which is sort of my point 10 minutes ago, is that I, I had a friend in horse racing whose wife actually was my husband's producer when he was at msnbc. And, and this, my friend Dan runs this group that's a digital outlet owned by the Jockey Club called America's Best Racing. And he cold reached out to me and was like, hey, wondering if you might have time and would be interested. There is a horse that is basically considered the second Coming of Secretariat, meaning not. Not sure how familiar you are with that story. But Secretariat was just this Cinderella story of a horse, this incredible horse that. Not Cinderella, because the expectations were crazy, massive, and the horse just blew everyone out of the water. So there was a horse flight line a couple years ago that was doing that same thing. People hadn't seen that type of performance since Secretariat, and they wanted me to do a story for them on that horse around the Breeders Cup. And I was like, this is amazing. Like, I've always wanted to do this. You know, when I was at ESPN or even at NBC in Washington, I got to touch horse racing a little bit, but it wasn't like this. So this has been a really cool, like, awesome experience because it also kind of takes me back to, like, my dad's stuff. So we have really cool conversations about that. But I'm realizing that, you know, me being around the barns in the morning is very similar to me being at a racetrack in the morning. And I love that. Like, that, to me, is so cool when you're, like, you know, you smell the exhaust, but you're, like, hearing and everything's waking up, and it's, like, awesome. It's like a football field in the morning, too. I just love that time when it's like, there's all this hope.
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B
Yeah.
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A
I don't know.
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B
There's hope in the air. It's funny, I. I know about horses and horse racing because I grew up a horse girl. I had a horse pillow. I had a horse comforter. And I think at some age, my parents were like, we live in Michigan. Like, what is up with you? And these, like, the horses, like, we should, like, push her into, like, a more normal sport. But there's something about it that, like, I absolutely love. And I always tell my husband it's a dream of mine to own horses in Orange County, California, which is a dream because of how dang expensive it is here. I'm like, I don't think anybody owns horses out here.
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A
Oh, my God. That'd be amazing, though. No, you're not far from the Breeders cup, which is Delmar, you know.
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B
Yeah. No, so it's. It's so interesting hearing the way that you're talking about, like, the, like, excitement of getting into, like, that aspect of, like, broadcasting and, uh, you. Would you call that broadcasting still, or is it more, like event?
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A
I know. I mean, yes, I guess it's like it. But what? Well, yeah, I guess it's like. It's. It's a mixture. So kind of what's what's crazy to me about the whole thing is like, the. It's reporting for sure. But then also along with that stuff I was doing with America's Best racing, I got to do they have something called a stake and stardom campaign, which then they came to me the next year. They were like, hey, we have this campaign where we have a handful of people that we basically have. You're kind of like an ambassador. You're an influencer for the sport. And they gave me a percentage of a racehorse. And it was the coolest thing to be on that ride. Right? So. So it's like you're on that ride. And then the horse that we had a stake in, which was owned by the ownership group West Point Thoroughbreds, which has a Derby horse this year, which is awesome. It was named Jace's Road, and Jace's Road qualified for the Derby. And that was like. We didn't know it was going to happen. It happened, and now we were like, whoa. I was just excited to go because I had never been at that point. And then it's like, you're going as an owner of a Derby horse. And so that whole experience was, like, bananas. Because, you know, it's like one thing to get ready to go and have just an amazing time, which it always is, because it's like the party. But you're watching the racing and you can, if you want to go see the horses at the barn. But then, like, to be there with that horse, you know, we were like at the barn, meeting the horse, and they do this thing called the. The walkover. And right before the big race, which is the Derby race, at close to 06:00 or whenever it is that afternoon, everyone, all the horses and their connections, you know, the people around them, like, walk over and it's wild. Cause it's like all the stands are staring at, you know, this big parade of everything. And you realize, like, you know what I love about sports, and I would wonder if, like, this is similar for you too. It's like, it can be. I just love the moment of it and how big a deal these moments are. And I don't know. So that experience was just incredible. Our horse, you know, the. The other thing I remember, Ali, I'm like, this has got to be the fastest. I literally. The starting gate lifts, the horses start running. And then it's like 90 seconds later, it's done. And our horse, like, fell to the back of the field. And I'm like, sitting there and the crowd is, like, going crazy. Everyone you know, everyone's like, drunk, and then everyone's leaving and, like, so I'm like, wait, what's happening? Like, it was so crazy because it's like, you know, it's so fast, and.
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B
Then it's done absolutely well. I kind of compare the. The Kentucky Derby to, like, the Masters in. In the way that it is such an intense community full of, like, traditions and this whole culture and all of that, but you don't know until you' it that you realize, oh, wow, this is a huge community of people who are, like, looking forward to this event for the entire year. And it's just such a. It's such a different world. Like, even going to the Masters, I. I'm so intrigued by, like, going to the Kentucky Derby of just like, everybody talks about it, everybody, like, knows about it. But to experience it has to be its own, like, experience for yourself. Do you know how long people spend figuring out what to watch in a year? The answer is 64 hours. I mean, my husband says that I can't make up my mind. And when it comes to watching shows, usually I can't, but insert Streamline. We all spend more time searching than we do watching, and Streamline cuts that in half, if not more so. 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So I'm currently trying to compile that right now. If you guys are interested in seeing that, head over to Streamline. You can download Streamline now and spend less time searching and more time watching what everyone's watching all in one place. Streamline is a free app to download and use, so head over to Streamline, watch Slash Sunday to download Streamline today and follow me Sunday Sports Club available in the Apple App Store. Google Android app is coming soon. You guys know by following me on social media, I'm constantly on the go. I'm on a plane, I'm going to bed late, I'm staying or getting up early, I'm there are so many things happening all at one time. And something that I always make sure I have in my purse is element. I discovered element last year actually I got a gift from a brand and they had a little element packet in there. It was like raspberry salt. And ever since I tasted it, I am hooked. 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Okay, so you can get yours@drink element.com Sundae this deal is only available through my link. You must go to D R I N K l m n t.com sundae and now a word from our friends at Drybar. I love trying out new products when it comes to skincare or hair care. And I recently tried out the Allnew Dry Bar Blowout defense collection. It's game changing hair products that prep for a gorgeous blowout that lasts up to 96 hours. So the other day was Easter and I was getting ready in the morning, I was like, you know what, I'm gonna, I'm gonna use my blowout defense collection and blow up my hair and we'll see how long it lasts. And you guys, here I am four days later and my hair still looks good. It's bouncy, it's clean, and I have the dry Bar Blowout defense collection to thank. So this blowout defense collection contains the Strengthen and extend blowout accelerator spray. This is so good. It cuts blow dry time by 32% while locking in styles, which is a total game changer when you're in a rush. 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I don't know about you guys, but I'm always looking for products that give me that salon quality result without the trip. Because we're all in a rush these days and this is perfect for moments you want your hair smooth and manageable. So use the Blowout Defense Shampoo conditioner and blowout accelerator spray with your favorite dry bar tool and you have a blowout that lasts up to 96 hours. It's not get ready with me, it's stay Ready with me. Get a gorgeous blowout that lasts now and shop dry bars Blowout defense products@drybar.com so can you kind of give a quick like down low on like what is the Kentucky Derby? What are the events that everybody knows about? What, what does that weekend look like?
- [26:06]
A
It is, it is the beginning of the Triple Crown. So it's the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and then the Belmont, Belmont Stakes. And the Kentucky Derby is. It is the jewel basically crown. It is. It is amazing. It is the, the one that is probably the most obviously popular. But it is run the first Saturday in May, always it is at Churchill Downs, which Churchill Downs is just like iconic in itself. And when you step foot there, it's like a Green Bay or you know, Fenway. It's just, you can feel it. It's got this like, just lore and this amazing kind of like history to it. But it is, you know, the most popular of the races and the one that everyone looks to conquer. And I think it's because of just the lore, the mystique it is. They'll have 20 horses that race that it, it's three year old horses. It is a full day on Saturday. The, the main marquee day where there will be races all day and then the Derby will be run right around 6:00. And it's like this incredible build to that moment. And what's so great is like you know, each, each race that is sort of a big race kind of has the thing. But Kentucky, it's like you've got the Mint juleps and you go walk around the grounds. It's like people just make a day out of that and they make a day certainly out of like the different clubs and experiences that are there at the racetrack. But it's like just. There are so many different things like being there at the racetrack and when the races are being run leading up to the big one, like just going down along, along the rail. You know, being able to watch horses like thundering past you, it's to me that's why like NASCAR and even IndyCar and horse racing is very similar to me, because they're very. There are very few experiences where in sports you're watching them but you feel it, you smell it, you hear it like when those horses come thundering past you, you feel it in your throat like it is.
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B
So you feel it in your heart. You're like, okay, yes. And I don't want to get, I don't want to get caught in front of one of Those guys, right?
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A
No, no. And, well, and there is that element of, like, okay, you've got to watch where you're walking. You've got to keep your head on a swivel because you're also the accessibility in the paddock area, where the horses are, like, walked around before they go out to the race where the jockeys will mount them. It's like, that's a whole tradition in itself, and it's all this pomp and circumstance, and it's really, like, quite amazing. But what's your favorite thing?
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B
Like, what do you look forward to most about the Kentucky Derby?
- [28:39]
A
I mean, probably, like, Old Kentucky Home, and it was just like they. They do all that. They do this song, and then they get ready to start. I mean, I love, like, when they're parading the horses and doing that walkover. I even love it as a spectator because you're just walking, watching it, and it's like, there's so much anticipation for what is about to happen. But there's this also element of mystique because the horses cannot. Cannot communicate that just adds this level of, like. You can't put your finger on it, but it's just like. But you know that they feel like. And there's so much behind it, which sounds so hokey, but I really believe it. And I. But my favorite time there is just, if you're able ever to be back in the barns and to be around the action of what's happening, to get these horses ready, especially in the morning. One of my favorite moments is Thursday at the racetrack before the Derby, because it's a day where everybody's out, the horses are breezing, and they're getting their. Their practice in. Breezing. You know, this. If you. You know. You know horses, it's like when they're racing and they're basically sprinting. But I just like to see the track come alive. And I think, you know, I would love for people to understand, like, the amount of people it takes to get these horses ready and the trainer, who is basically their coach and all that they're putting into it, and how their day begins at, like, 3:00am But. Oh, look, I did that. Thumbs up and. Sorry.
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B
It sounds like its own language.
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A
Yeah.
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B
So I. I have some horse racing terms.
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A
Oh, dear God.
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B
I want you to explain them quickly and let me know what. What this means. And if you don't know, then we can just all figure it out later.
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A
Okay. Okay, great. Okay.
- [30:21]
B
Bloodline.
- [30:23]
A
Bloodline would be like, what is your family tree?
- [30:27]
B
Okay. What is.
- [30:28]
A
Okay, your family Tree. So, example, these horses that are running in the Derby, sometimes it's like their parents are more famous, and that's why people are like, oh, my God. So, example, there's this. I've had the opportunity to tour this place, Lane's End Farm, where they take a lot of the horses that are retired and they breed them to make these amazing horses that will run. Right. So bloodline would be, like, an example, would be a horse that is born from tap it, like, a lot of times, like, tap it has a bunch of children. And some of these horses now you'll say, like, oh, this is, you know, the. The child, the horse that is going to run with that bloodline, because they know that Tapit is a legendary horse. And so bloodline really matters, especially in terms of, like, the expectations for a horse, how fast they'll be or how strong.
- [31:18]
B
Okay, Interesting call to post.
- [31:22]
A
Call to post is that.
- [31:25]
B
You know, okay.
- [31:28]
A
And that is, like, basically when the horses are called to the post, like, they will go to the starting gate. And so that is, like. That is a magical moment when you're at the Derby because it's like, oh, here it is. You know, But I just. Yeah, so that's one of, like. That's one of the things that you listen for that makes it very special.
- [31:47]
B
Colors and silks.
- [31:50]
A
Colors and silks are the. The uniform of an NFL team in horse language. So your. The silks are the defining wardrobe that a horse will wear. The color, the. You know, because they will. You'll see them on the racetrack, you'll see their imagery, and I'm sure I'm butchering this, but basically it is. The jockey also wears the colors and silks that go with the team that they're working for. So West Point Thoroughbreds, who I've done a lot of work with, have a certain color. There's just, like, yellow and black, and you see them, and that identifies that. Oh, that is the West Point thoroughbred horse. When you'll see the horses in the paddock, they'll have, like, a red background with a number on it, and that's a certain identifying color. So really, it's like an. You know, it's basically the identifying.
- [32:44]
B
It's like the black for the Raiders. Got it. Exactly. Black and skulls and, like, all the scary stuff. Yeah. Yes. Furlong.
- [32:53]
A
Furlong is a length. Distance of length that a horse runs during a race. So a furlong is equivalent to. I need to look this up. But it's basically a marked distance of. Or if you look it up, If. And I hope that you're going to be wagering because that makes it so much more fun. So when you wager, you look it up and some of the stats and like the daily racing forum will be all these different stats. My friend Alexa, I'm going to connect you with her because she is a handicapping wizard and she will have you making it rain all day and. But some of the stuff that comes with it is like, yeah, like how. How many furlongs the racetrack is, and then you'll see like, who's the trainer, when was the last race and how did they perform in the last race, etc. Etc.
- [33:42]
B
Infield and Millionaires Row.
- [33:45]
A
Well, the infield is the part of the racetrack that is within the oval. So that would be where most often times a lot of the action is happening. Sometimes, you know, whether it's barns or whether it's like different party suites, but there's a lot of the work going on there. So the Kentucky Derby is where the. You're seeing just like a lot of the stuff happen. And at the Preakness, it's where you're seeing complete debauchery, but also a lot of fun. So it's like. It's the nascar. Same thing. It's like the field is where anyway fans can get a lot of parties, a lot of fun, but also some serious business. And Millionaires Row is a location. Row is a location at the Derby where it's. I think it's an amazing. Is it suites, but. Or is it like. I'm not actually sure, but I think it has something to do with the seats and I should probably know that. But.
- [34:32]
B
But it's okay that you don't. And then the last, you kind of touched on this. The Triple Crown.
- [34:38]
A
A Triple Crown is the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, and it is those three. So if a horse pulls off winning the Triple Crown, that is a horse that goes down in history forever. It is nearly impossible to do because it would. Will require the same horse to win all those races. Um, the first ever happened. Oh, yes, it has. And the last one. And I should look. Know this, but I'll look this up for you right now. Um, but why it's so hard is because all that goes into it, these races, qualifying, um, it's like there is so much that people don't see behind the scenes. There are so many different people, like hot walkers, exercise riders. Exercise riders are people that are like working these horses out. Hot walkers are like walking them, getting them ready. There Are grooms. There's a farrier who's basically the person that takes the horse to the nail salon.
- [35:36]
B
What kind of people do you see at the Derby?
- [35:40]
A
I mean, I think it really runs the gamut. I think it's like the type of people that go. There are people that have been going for years. It's like people that have not missed a race and wait all year for this to happen. And also, the Friday before the Derby is called the Oaks. It is. The theme is pink. There's a lot of, you know, philanthropy around it and charity and breast cancer awareness, et cetera. But it's all Phillies race on that day, which are female horses, which is amazing. And then Derby Day, you know, it's groups of guys, groups of women. It is groups of just couples and friends and whoever, but people that really, like, make the trek from everywhere. They were as like, appointment watching.
- [36:25]
B
I think it runs like, again, like, this is something I've never even thought about with the Masters. You have to, like, win this lottery of getting a ticket. How do you get a ticket to the Kentucky Derby?
- [36:38]
A
I mean, I love a good old auction. Like, yeah, I love just placing my. No, I mean, you can buy tickets. Tickets run the gamut of price, as you might imagine. I mean, there are things like Sports Illustrated has this crazy, amazing lounge that is a very big deal that I would be the place that I would be trying to probably get my access to. But, you know, I think it. It's like there are a million different ways people that are sponsors, people that. I think that's a really big deal is like, if someone works for a company and they have a box at the Derby or a seat at the Derby, like, that's a place where a lot of people get their opportunity to go, but other people, it's just buying tickets and it's buying like general admission early or it's, you know, seeing how they can do it. But, I mean, you asked. There are certainly a million celebrities that go from artists, you know, of every genre, country artists, you know, hip hop, everything. Athletes, you know, as you know. And then the events also around it at night, there are so many parties. It's very much like the Super Bowl. It's like Barnstable Brown is one of the cream of the crop parties every year. There's Unbridled is a huge one. And I know now that there are rumors that Taylor Swift is going to be there, but last year there were rumors that Taylor was there. And it almost shut down the red carpet at the Kentucky Derby. It Was crazy. Gosh, it was awesome.
- [38:01]
B
Interesting because, like, the super bowl, the. When I go out to the Super Bowl, I go out on Tuesday before Super Bowl Sunday because of all the events and. And parties and this and that and pop up shops and it's like its own world. Like, the city is like, very clearly taken over by that event 100%.
- [38:22]
A
And it's like, right. It's kind of like you have to put in equal amount of work to be at those places. And I mean, fanduel has a party, which is one of my favorites now there at the Derby because they always get really great acts. Like, Shaboozi is their act this year, you know, but they're also like, si has a really big presence, so it's cool. It's like, really mainstream. I also, I love, like, you know, this is one where it's like, doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl. There's like something for you and they're catered to you. This one feels very. I don't know. It's cool. It's just like there's. You can dress up as much as you want. There's certainly, like a ton of emphasis.
- [39:02]
B
I was gonna say, is there a dress code?
- [39:04]
A
Yes. Like, well, I mean, the hats are a really big deal. Hats on derby day? Yes. You need to do them. And my favorite Milner on the planet is Christine Moore. She is phenomenal. And she. I would be happy to connect you with her. She has done, like, so many hats with me. Like, she's just. She's got this showroom in New York City that looks like Alice in Wonderland. You walk in there and it's like, oh, my God. Because she was Broadway, she did costumes on Broadway, and now she does derby and she and her husband Blake worked on Broadway together, and now they do this business and it's so great. But hats are a must. And I think, like, everything from dresses to suits that are really, like, fun and sexy, but Derby, Fancy Oaks, you can kind of get away with a little bit different. I think pink is a must. That's what I would say. But I've done it where, like, my first year. This is my Breeders cup hat. Oops. I can't do this over my. That Christine made for me. And she had to, like, show me how to wear it because the tilt is also a big deal. Yeah. Yeah.
- [40:06]
B
This is a whole new world to me. What is the mint julep so good?
- [40:11]
A
It's. It's a bourbon drink. I think it's bourbon.
- [40:15]
B
Okay. So it's a drink. I'm like, I don't know the lingo. Is it really good? Is it a drink?
- [40:21]
A
No, no, no.
- [40:22]
B
Horse. The horses even have the craziest names. I'm like, okay, that's a horse. Got it.
- [40:27]
A
Yes. Oh, but that's so cool, too. The horses will typically have, like, a nod to their past and their bloodline and their name, too.
- [40:34]
B
Like, oh, my gosh.
- [40:35]
A
Yeah. So that's super cool, too. What was I gonna say? But so the mint julep is really great. And then when you go to the Preakness, it's the Black Eyed Susan. So everything, you know, they all have, like, their own drink. The Belmont Steaks two years ago was where it was one of the most incredible storylines that I've ever covered. It was the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race. Jenna Antonucci won as a trainer with Archangelo. And I was there as. As a fan, but, like, working, you know, kind of covering it, but my family was there. And when she won, her reaction was so incredible. But when she was being interviewed by Fox at the end of that race, I was watching from the grandstands where I was walking with my daughter, and we were watching the subtitles, and she was asked a question, and she said, if you don't have a seat at the table, you make your own table. And I was like, whoa, what is that? So, yeah, so I, like, I reached out to her to just try to get to know her story and understand her, and we've done a few things since, and she's become a friend, and her story is truly incredible because what her journey was like to get to that point, you know, really is, like, in a man's world, but also then the journey that continues when once you win that race and you win a Triple Crown and it's, like, still now it's created such great opportunity, but it's also, like, she's got to keep it going. I just. It's. It's so cool. And I love thinking about it, too, because, you know, like, the women that are in horse racing are really badass from every different level, but especially if you're like. Like a trainer and you're, you know, and, you know, because you're. You love horses, it's, like, really cool to see them doing what they're doing, too, just because of all that goes into it.
- [42:19]
B
So I. I think that is my new favorite quote. I think that even when my husband was first playing in the NFL, I never saw, like, a space, like, everyone's like, oh, you're a fan of an NFL team. Like, name five players on that team that you love. Like, I. And I. I totally agree. Like, if you're. If there's not a seat at the table for you, like, make your own table, like. Like, set up your own space and just go with what you love. So, like, what do you love about what? The position that you're currently in, like, freelancing and getting to cover, like, different things. It seems like a very intertwined world. The sports broadcasting, reporters. It feels all very intertwined.
- [42:59]
A
It really is. And you. Because you've done work in that space, obviously also. Right. So, like, you can feel that it's like. Like, it is really true. And it's like, you. And now that, like, stuff is sort of not moving away. Like, I think event coverage is the one thing that will always be the mainstay, and it will all. There will always be a need, and people will always go to it because you're getting the live thing happening right there. And the storytelling around it is really relevant. But the way that stuff is morphing, it's like, to me, my professional opinion is, like, access is so important. And now that we have these phones and anyone can do their own thing, including the people involved and the athletes and the main characters themselves, it's changed the game a bit and it's. But so what I love about this is like doing the Indy 500. It's sort of like, I go there for a couple days around the race, cover that, and then the Monday after the race, I host this banquet, which is was on Peacock, now will be on FS1, where you're interviewing every driver. And it's like, crazy challenging because the only person that wants to be there is the person that won the race. But like, the remainder, the rest of the drivers in the field are interviewed. And so it's fun. It's really challenging as like a host or broadcaster, because you've got to come up with questions that are going to be entertaining. But so I think, like, there's something really cool about being able at this point of my career to use the different types of skills. And sometimes it's like, stuff that it feels like is more back in the beginning for me, like being at the racetrack in the morning covering horse racing. I love just, like, trying to find an angle and going to find someone that I need to talk to. Example, after the Derby last year, Mystic Dan was the horse that won that race. And we had an opportunity to go and just kind of tour around the barns first thing in the morning after the Derby, and we were down there with this group, and we come to the shed row where the Kenny McPeak's horses were, and Mystic Dan was one of his horses. And we're there, and we happened to stumble upon that horse when the jockey Brian Hernandez was in there. And we walk up on this scene playing out, and he's like taking pictures for fans, holding up a newspaper and stuff. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, this is the kind of thing that, you know, like, old school journalism, like, that's where it is. It's like, for me, it's like finding the nugget or, oh, my gosh, you have access to this person and let me ask you. So he was cool enough to just do a quick. I was like, we could do an Instagram live or I could just record the video or in the interview. So I asked him to do a quick interview, and I didn't even know what I was going to ask him because I, like, I didn't know he was going to be there, but I was just like, I think that now you can. That type of stuff is like, you can get really authentic type of responses, which is cool and a little bit different. And one of the things he said to me was like, I still think about all the time. And I was like, you know what. What is something that no one would know? Because also, as you know, it's like, now I'm thinking, okay, who is the audience? When I was at SportsCenter, I kind of. I could. I knew what the analytics were. Now that it's not SportsCenter, but it's like more Instagram or wherever. Like, I can track what the analytics are. It's like, I'm like, this is very interesting to me because it's like, equal women, equal men. So I'm like, what do people want to know who aren't dialed into this sport in the main stream? So I was just like, what, What? What do you think? Like, what is Mystic Dan? Like, I said something like that. Like, what do you want people to know about this horse? They wouldn't know, like, what's his personality? And he goes into this whole, like, thing describing what Mystic Dan was like, and he was like, you know, he just understood the moment. He just. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, to me, that is just so freaking cool, because you could ask that of any sport. Like, why did champions win the Super Bowl? Like, they freaking understand the moment. Like, why does the hockey player win the Stanley cup because his team freaking, you know, or Simone Biles, anyone. Like, what does that mean? I was like. And for a horse, like, someone who can't even, you know, like, what does that mean? I just found it so fascinating. And I think now I'm way off on a tangent. But to your point about, like, loving horses is so cool.
- [47:05]
B
No, it is. It is interesting. And you Even. You talking about the fact that you are. You're trying to find an angle. You're trying to, like, tell a story that people care about, and you have to think about your audience and who is that? And it's really interesting because as somebody who has created content and, like, I love storytelling, and I feel like that's where I really feel like I connect with people, is, like, the stories, the behind the scenes. Like, what do people actually give a shit about? Because anybody else could go and say, oh, like Mystic Dan, how did it feel to win? Like, an. Ask, like, the regular questions, like, who. Who is the horse? Like, what is the horse's nature? Like, and asking things that people are genuinely just maybe curious about. Or they might hear that question, think, oh, I've never thought about that. Like, so it is so interesting. And you've covered insane events like the Olympics, nascar, NFL. Do you find one more to be challenging than the other? Or how do. I mean, how do you even prepare for events like that if you're so spread out? You have to know so much.
- [48:06]
A
Well, I think, yeah. And now I kind of look at that through a different lens. When I was at Sports Center, I was. I was like, I love the variety. That's, like, really cool. And. But I don't know. They have, like, the best team of researchers, and so does cba. I mean, NBC, all of them. Cbi. Like, you have to. But it's like, that's one thing that I do miss because, like, you have this amazing team, and you could. I could be like, hey, I need to know either this stat or the last time, so. And so did. Blah, blah, blah. And, like, you've got it at your fingertips. So it is. I do think that, like, with the way that stuff's going and it's like, with these types of opportunities. It is. I do, in my mind, think about it like, this is a playground. This is amazing. I think the scariest moments have been like, okay, if there's a sport that you didn't grow up following, like golf at espn, I would be like, okay, I need to. You know, there are sports where, if you're not talking the lingo People know it right away, and it's like, you're okay. And so. But I also think that can all be learned. And if you're serious about that craft and you're respectful of what the sport and the craft is, then it is. It is doable. I think, like, I am constantly panicked when I'm. Like, when you said before about freelance, I feel like panic is the word that has now come into my mind, and it's. Because it's. It is great. Also, it can allow for an amazing balance of, like, lifestyle and whatever with kids and family. Because it's hard if you're like, I frequently go back to that, too. I'm like, what it. Is it better to be all the time at one gig where it's like, you know, you know, or for me, I really get lit up by, like, the travel and the being immersed in it and really what you and I are talking about with just the relatability and those types of storytelling. So I think it's. I think I panic when I don't know, like, okay, what is the next thing that you're doing? Or sometimes it's like, I'm so excited by what those types of moments. Like when I'm describing in the Barnes, at the derby or at the racetrack, and I'm. I'm sitting here like, oh, my God, this guy who won the Indy 500 three times is standing right here, and I have access to him. So now I'm dealing with imposter syndrome within myself, where it's like, you've forgotten that. Wait a minute. You did host this national. Like, you know what I mean?
- [50:33]
B
Like, I'm just like, it's so interesting hearing that you have imposter syndrome.
- [50:37]
A
Oh, God. It's like. It's crazy. One of my friends is an actress, and she tells the best story because she talks about how she got this movie role and it was like, Paul Rudd and all these other people, and that she showed up on set and, like. Like, couldn't even do anything. I'm not comparing myself to that. That's. I'm not an actress. But I'm just saying, like, it is. I think it's a real thing. And it's like, you just. It's whatever, you know, I don't. I think a lot more people deal with it. I don't know. No, you don't seem like you ever deal with it. Like, yourself feels so buttoned up, and I'm like, that is so amazing. Like, you know, it really is.
- [51:10]
B
I. Oh, my gosh. I I feel like I have a meltdown to my husband every single day. Like, oh. Like, I don't know, like, what I'm doing. I don't know. Like, how do I do this? How do I do. And he's like, what have you been doing for the past four years? Like, what are you talking about? And it is so interesting hearing that even you being in the space for 20 years, like, you still feel that way.
- [51:34]
A
Yeah, it's funny. And I don't know if it's because, like, stuff changes. I don't know if it's, like, because you. Because I'm more used to, you know, being on a set where you. You know what that looks like. You know, who the different people are. Like, you asked about Olympics. I think one of the. One of the coolest, but, like, probably hardest. And something that people would probably. I don't know if they would realize this is that, like, it's a team of people that puts on a show. So last Olympics, I was hosting a show that was during the day, actually, like, early morning day part for USA Network. And so we were doing a swath of, like, six hours. And we were just in charge of all the events that people were watching on our air during that time. And it's like you have a crew that's cobbled together, but they're all from different places. So you realize really fast everyone is trying to do the same thing. Everyone's trying to do their jobs well. Everyone has been chosen because they're competent, they're good at what they do. But it's like, the fastest way to find success is to leave the bullshit on the side, bring no baggage, and just, like, show up in the moment and be there with this team and cultivate chemistry as fast as possible. Because otherwise, I feel like it's one of those things where people are always kind of like, am I doing. Like, am I. Am I doing okay? Like, is this what they want me to do? Should I? Right. So it's fascinating to me because. And, like, honestly, that relates to them. To Brian Hernandez saying that that is horse. You've got to understand the moment. And it's like, what's the moment? We're all coming together to do this massive global thing, and let's just figure out together the best way to do it. So it's kind of like, I don't.
- [53:12]
B
Know, you gotta have confidence. You gotta go. In acting, I. I feel like I faked it until I made it. Like, I. I just acted like people would want to know about the stories I was telling or I acted like people cared. And then I think people like liked that from me in a way.
- [53:33]
A
Like who?
- [53:34]
B
Like my husband. I I remember one day coming home from the facility. I think he was on the Colts at that time and he came home and he was like, oh yeah. Like I filmed like what. What type of food is at the football facility? And he's like, I don't think people care about that. And I was like, I care. I want to know what like you're being served Filet at like 9:00am like yeah, I actually I give a about that. So it's, I think it's just hoping people care and then realizing like there isn't. There's a community for everything. So it's so interesting because it's like like confidence and faking it till you make it and just kind of like going in, telling a story and hoping I love hearing all the stories from my parents about how I was like when I was younger, some of their favorite memories growing up, and how it differs from the world currently today. And for Mother's Day, finding an extra special gift can be a little difficult. So I want to help you guys out. I'm going to be giving my mom a unique heartfelt gift that can truly make her feel loved and it's called StoryWorth. So each week Storyworth emails your loved one a memory provoking question that you will get to help. Pick questions like did you ever get in trouble at school? Or how did you decide how many children to have? And all your loved one needs to do is respond to that email with a story. Long or short doesn't matter. They can either write a story or record it over the phone. For story worth to transcribe, you'll be emailed a copy of your loved one's response as they're submitted over the course of a year and you'll get to enjoy their retelling of these stories that you already know and be surprised by the stories that you've never heard of before. And then after that year of fun, Storyworth compiles your loved ones stories and photos into a beautiful keepsake hardcover book that you'll be able to share and revisit for generations to come. For me personally, I can't wait to have the story worth book for my daughter to read once she's a little bit older and also just to get a look at all of the photos. Families love story worth and that's why over 40,000 5 star reviews are on trustpilot with millions of stories preserved since they were founded over 10 years ago. Give all the moms in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you'll cherish for years. Story Worth right now save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com Sunday that storyworth.com Sunday to save $10 on your first purchase me and my husband differentiate in the aspect of how we like to sleep. Okay, so insert Chili Pad by Sleep Me. Its mission is to elevate the quality of human life through cool sleep. So whether you're tackling diaper duty, carpool lane, finding your pink again, or reminding your husband how useless he would be without you, Chilipad has you covered. The Chilipad bed cooling system was designed with moms and parents in mind. It lets you customize your sleeping environment to your personal temperature, ensuring you fall asleep faster and wake up recovered. Chilipads work with your existing mattress. It's a temperature regulated water based mattress topper that precisely controls your bed temperature from 55 to 115 degrees. And while you might be thinking 115 degrees, who would do that? Me? Yeah, absolutely me. I like to climb into a warm bed and the system is buildable and designed for one to two sleepers. So if your sleep partner, like my husband, like to sleep at a different temperature or you only need it for one side of the bed, that's okay too. So like for me, I can preheat my side of the bed to a cozy 100 degrees and then let it automatically cool down so I get the deep cool sleep I need without even knowing. And that's why professional athletes to Power couples swear by Chilipad. If you guys are interested, visit www.sleep.me Sunday to get your chili pad and save up to $315 with code Sunday. This special offer is available for Sunday Sports club listeners and only for a limited time. Order it today with free shipping and try it out for 30 days. You can return it for free if you don't like it with their sleep trial. So visit www.sleep s l e e p.me Sunday and see why cold sleep is making me a better mom and wife.
- [57:47]
A
So how do you pick like what you're gonna do? Do you. Is it. Does it start as kind of like and I'm curious because this is sort of how I'm feeling now. It's like, like now. And maybe it's what you're talking about, like you're now building confidence. But like when you know that something could be interesting to others, do you get a feeling about that or do you just. How do you do that?
- [58:08]
B
I. I think it's a feeling. I think it's. Now I. I feel more confident in knowing, like, what stories people are going to want to hear about, like, what. What they're going to react to. But I feel like early on I kind of just like, just posted and prayed. I mean, yeah, I. At that point I was like, I don't know what people are going to connect with, but I find this interesting. Or I. I feel like sometimes even my husband being in the space, it makes it very, like, easy to talk through things. Like, oh, like, I don't think people are going to give a. And he's like, no, people are going to give a. And then I post a video and it's like, oh, a million views. I'm like, oh, people do. Okay. I'm like, my radar was off. I need to, like, readjust that. So, yeah, it is. It is so interesting. Just like the confidence piece. And it's interesting hearing even with the Olympics, working with people who have their own way of doing things. And you just kind of have to, like, leave that all behind, though, because you have to create this new chemistry with this new group of people and, like, tell stories.
- [59:09]
A
Yeah. And I sort of feel like it's. It's kind of also like, okay, figure out who, like, is there someone that you're sort of reporting to and is. Because obviously you want to make sure that that person's happy, but otherwise. Right. It's just like, be a good human someone that people want to be around and be yourself and then. But figure out. Right. Like, I think asking for feedback, too, is huge because, you know, that is one environment. And maybe like, freelance kind of in general, I think curates more of a. Maybe at times it can be like, insecurity about, like, am I doing what I'm supposed to be doing? Like when I was doing sidelines for NFL, like, that's incredible. It's such an awesome job. It is, in my opinion, one of the hardest because, you know, like, I mean, I'm just gonna be honest. One of the areas where I was like, just make me get past this is like, I love the rapport and communicating with players. Like, I. That is why I love the job. It would give me anxiety at certain points, like talking pre game because you know that a dude's out there with his headphones on and he is trying to warm up and it's like, you don't want to. You know what I mean? Like, finding that time. And so I found a Way.
- [60:26]
B
Okay, I know you're trying to get in the zone, but, like, I need to talk to you for a second, right?
- [60:30]
A
And then, like, honestly, though. But, like, okay, so I am. My hat is off, too. I think Erin Andrews is the best at it. Like, she would. She just.
- [60:38]
B
Hey, she just, like, inserts herself in. Like, it gets her point across, gets her question out there and gets people to talk to her. I love it.
- [60:48]
A
And even, like, not even when she's on camera, but just, like, when you're getting the back stuff that you need for your in game. Because I finally. I was like, okay, so here's what I need to do to mentally make it, like, up until game time. I'm like, I need these three facts. Like. Like, this is what I need to know because this is what I want to add to my reports, you know, during the game. And so I would literally, like, write those things out. So I need to target this guy, this guy, this guy, and inevitably, you know, So I don't know. It is a funny thing. It's a random thing. And maybe that comes from, like, having come up more the route of, like, the traditional, oh, you're a reporter, then you're an anchor slash host.
- [61:23]
B
Right.
- [61:23]
A
You know, you're like. And when you're older. Sorry, I don't want to cut you off, but when you're getting, like, when you get to a role later, then you kind of feel like you're. I was like, you're embarrassed to ask. Do you know what I'm saying? Like, that's something I've learned, too. Like, don't be embarrassed to ask how to do this.
- [61:41]
B
No, don't. I. I feel like we're in this world, like, we're all just trying to figure it out. And that's what I've quickly realized. And also, it's kind of a balancing act. Like, in the reporter and like, broadcaster space is a balancing act. And. And trying to, like, have your hand in a bunch of different things, which goes back to motherhood. And you have two children. So talk a little bit about how you balance working and being a mom.
- [62:10]
A
Thank you. I. They're 11 and 8, and they're super fun. My son's older. My daughter Sibby is eight. But it's. It's funny. Like, so my first job, when I had my son, it was 2014, and my first job back, I was at ESPN at the time. My first gig back 10 weeks after I had him was the Indy 500. So I remember being like, oh, I was so excited to go. But I was like, really? Like, oh, my God. I'm like, I don't want to leave him. But that was like, such a special thing for me because I realized really fast and I had a couple friends that I leaned on for, like, how did you do it? One of my friends, Jamie Little, covers that. Like, she covers racing and is so good at it. And so we talked a lot about, like, how she did it, what, what it was like. Because those jobs are like, you know, you're. You're in it, you're in it and you're gone, but then you're back. And I do think that's something that's really cool about if you're doing sidelines or you're on the road. It's like, if you're lucky enough to have one of those jobs, then you're gone, you're doing it, you're immersed. And sometimes I'm more productive when I'm on the road and immersed in something because then you don't have all the other pieces of it around you where you're here in your present. But it also is hard because you're missing them, you know. But then I find on the backside of that, when you get home, then you tend to have a couple days more than a weekend where you're home and you're with them and you're in it. So I've realized that about myself. I think in, like, recent years that that type of situation is sometimes easier for me to navigate than being like, here all the time. And you're cobbling together what your schedule looks like during the day. And it's like a lot of zooms and all that, because structuring, I think structure is really important for me, like, professionally, but that's kind of how we've done it. My husband's got a job where he, like, goes to sleep with my kids like at 8:30 at night. Right. So because he does the Today show, so in the morning, that's a different beast for us. And it just, it is our normal. We're like, he's, you know, leaving at the crack of the of dawn. So we have a village that, you know, rotates in when we need help with that. But it's also, you know, I find that, like, as they're getting older, it's kind of like. I mean, I savor the years. Like, Scotty's how old?
- [64:35]
B
She's 16 months.
- [64:37]
A
Right. Amazing. So that. And I like, that's so great. And that I was at ESPN during that. Those ages.
- [64:45]
B
Well, that's what I was gonna ask you. Do you feel like you've had to choose between, like, a professional, like, something that might advance your career or something that might be exciting in the career world, but you've had to choose that over. Oh, like, I, like, just had a baby or, oh, like, my kid is having, like, this event, and I should really go to that. Like, have. How do you. How do you make those decisions? Because I know, like, so many working moms listen to this podcast and, like, might resonate with that.
- [65:15]
A
Funny, I just got this book because I was like, I have to talk to this woman.
- [65:19]
B
Power Paws.
- [65:19]
A
Power Paws. Have you heard about this?
- [65:21]
B
No.
- [65:22]
A
Neha Rouch. So she was on a Drew Barrymore show, and she was. I heard what she was talking about, and I was like, oh, my God. Because I feel like I think about that or have thought about that over the course of the last few years so much. Her whole thing is, like, redefining the power of women that choose to take the pause. And it's like, is it. Is there an intentional, smart, powerful way to choose that you are stepping away and then with the intention of coming back? And I don't think there's enough of that conversation. Like, I think that when I was making those decisions around the time my kids were born that were, like, similar in that vein, there was no one to look up to, to say, like, that person did, like, took time or intentionally said, hey, I could take two years, or I could take this amount of time, or I could sort of think about doing this freelance thing instead of going all in. Because I feel like I was the generation where I was learning from, like, lean in. Go take your kids. Do it. But I think my reality was I've made choices. Like, when I left espn, it was for a different slew of circumstances, and my experience there was awesome. But it was the right time for me to be able to try something else. And I was excited about the opportunity to think about doing event coverage and not doing the daily, everyday type of thing. But then it was like, I did have an opportunity when I was doing sidelines, where I was presented the opportunity, hey, you can do a full season of NFL. Would love for you to do that. Or you can do. We can split it because we have an opportunity to split yours with someone if you want. And I chose to split it, and that's why I chose. And I love the work. I love that job. Like, and. And on the weekends that I wasn't doing it, I was excited to be present. But I was. I was missing that, like, fire, too, of being around it. But. But that was one time where I did make the conscious decision, because it's like, okay, well, you can do this. And I think. I know a lot of people would look at that and think that that's crazy, because I know that's a job that people would pay for. But also for me, at that time, I was, like, there. I do. I felt, like, really lucky to have an option, to have a level of presence, you know, that felt like a little bit of balance for me, too. When I talk about being panicked about the freelance thing, it's like, when stuff like that then goes away or changes, then. I have been in circumstances where I'm like, okay, like, now I've got a large swath of time off, you know, and so me figuring out that piece of it, too, of like, okay, well, what. What do you really want to be striving for? What do you want to be doing or it's okay to not be doing? You know, it's. It's a mind warp. It's like the whole. It really is. But I think.
- [68:10]
B
I think it's more. It's more of a mind game than people realize is, like, the balance between motherhood and, like, wanting to be there with your kids all the time through everything, but also having this drive of, like, I want to chase after my career. Like, I have dreams and goals that, like, I still want to accomplish.
- [68:28]
A
Yeah. And also, like, making yourself whole, you know, like, so.
- [68:33]
B
Oh, yeah, I forgot about that part. No, like, I'm still in the first two years, so I don't even know about that part.
- [68:38]
A
I know. You're so right. You're so right. And that I. And I'm still there when you're in it full time on either side. It's tricky. And to your point about asking about, like, events and not missing stuff, that's really hard, you know, and my husband and I talk about that a lot because there's definitely stuff that we cannot, you know, can't be at.
- [68:59]
B
Right. But I remember, like, even the other week when I flew out to the Masters, I was so excited to go to an event I was taking my dad. There was so much excitement around it, and I was so excited to board the plane. But the same time, while I was boarding the plane, I was like, man, I'm really excited to get back home. And so it's like the excitement is, like, in front of you, but it's behind you. And Alan Pompeo was on the call her daddy podcast. And she said that when you go to work as a mom, you can't give 100%. I'm sure that's true for parents in general, but you can't. It's not 100%. You're not always 100% there because, like, like, you are a parent at this point. But it's interesting that you and your husband work in, like, these similar spaces but have very different hours. So, like, when you're home, you're home. But. But he has a more like, okay, like, this is happening every single day. So where do you guys, like, where is the balance between you stepping in him? Like, you. I feel like your. Your week to week is so different. Do you guys have, like, Sunday meetings where you're like, okay, this is what my week looks like. This is what, like, I want to see your family calendar.
- [70:07]
A
That's so funny. So. Well, we don't have one, and that's part of the problem. No, I'm kidding. But we. We do. He's really great about sending on, like, Thursday or Friday. He'll send his week ahead, and he'll give me a debrief of, like, what his schedule looks like. And it's crazy because what people might not realize about, like, that job is he. They do the Today show, but then after that, there is so much more work in a day. Like, it's stats with interviews with all, like, just prep meetings, whatever it is. And so it's. It's like sort of an overview of that. And so I have tried now to also give him sort of an overview of, like, my stuff, but also what the kids have. So it really, like, I don't know. Like, right before I hopped on here, I had to go in, and I sometimes will forget to put in my children's, like, dismissal manager, where. What are you. Are you picking them up on the car or are they walking? And if you forget that, then your child's just not, like, coming home on a bus. They're floundering. So it's like, that kind of stuff, or, you know, as you're talking about Ellen sharing, it's like you're on the plane, but you're, like, organizing the play date because they're your kid, you know, like, and there are things that, when you have people that can jump in, whether it's a family member or if it's a sitter or a nanny, of course they can help lighten that load. But. But it's like, that's. I do find that a lot of that stuff Is kind of falls on, you know, the mom because you're sort of the nerve center of where those things connect. But I do think learning how to delegate a little bit with that with either the helper or Melvin. But Melvin also is like, you know, like, there are times that I'll be like, ah. And he's like, I'm on air, I can't talk, you know. So I think the way we balance is like just kind of making sure that each other is in the loop. But I think he's really good about being for sure, like being at the things when he can make it for sure. Like, he coaches my son's basketball team, he goes to the games. But, you know, there's certain stuff that like, you just have to pick up the pieces. And we definitely need to be more organized with stuff. Like, we've tried the calendar. I also think that that's tricky.
- [72:30]
B
I'm type B to my core. If you looked at my phone, you would see a calendar. But how much I've input that versus, like my team input that? Yes, 100 and 0%. And if you were to look in my closet, it would be a type B closet. And if you look in my closet.
- [72:48]
A
I don't believe that. Are you serious?
- [72:50]
B
Type I have like 50 videos that I that have gone like up and into the cloud because I just forget to edit them or I don't. I don't even know how that happens. No, I am very, very, very type B. And I always think that people who are very busy have to be type A because that, that's how, how they get successful. But then I hear that you don't have a calendar and I'm like, okay, okay.
- [73:15]
A
I have like, I have a hard copy calendar and we have a grease board calendar for the kids, but it still says March. And so I'm going to go change that when we're done with it, right? And then in the phone, right? It's just like a series of texting back. But like a typical conversation with my husband and I will be like, hey, I have that thing in August or don't forget my dad's birthday. And he's like, well, it's not on my calendar. And so I have realized, like, you know, thank God, like, he's got this great team and an assistant around him who's amazing. But that's. Yeah, I think that people who are maybe like, creative also like the type B like idea, type centric. You know, like when you say that you do a lot of your stuff based on A feeling. I kind of think that's how I feel. Like, I have also started to do a lot of things, and I think that's the blessing of the ways to. Stuff's evolving now, too, because you can go with instinct. And I think a lot of times instinct is like, a real gift, and that's what you're doing. And that's what I'm finding is like, wait a minute. People haven't always had this type of access, and maybe this is something like. But it's almost like, could it be? Like, could it really be? That's awesome. But, yeah, so we're. I don't know. I also, like, I try to work with an organizer to help myself, like, purge stuff, because that's also not one of my strengths. But I feel like, you know, doing that, like, trying to sort of reset and getting yourself in a functional space.
- [74:49]
B
I feel like the village that everybody talks about has to also include people for just, like, your own help. Right. Like. Like, we just hired a new assistant, and I was like, I have no idea how to onboard you because there are 50 million things happening right now. And I'm like, like, you should just, like, come over. But, like, also, I work until, like, 12:00am like, sitting in my bed, so maybe you should just, like, sleep over. And then, like, I don't even know how to get somebody integrated, but I'm like, you're part of my village. And, like, I need to get this organizer that will be part of my village. There's just so much that goes into life in general. Like, can I even just say that, like, life is just busy and hectic and working in motherhood and this and, oh, your. Your kid has a soccer game. Like, oh, yeah. But I have to believe that it gets a little bit easy, not even easier. But the difficulties become different as your kids get older.
- [75:44]
A
Yes.
- [75:45]
B
Like, you can text your children.
- [75:48]
A
They don't have phones.
- [75:49]
B
I can't call you. They can call you.
- [75:53]
A
They. But see that. So that's a whole other can of worms, because that is all you're, like.
- [75:59]
B
Parenting in this generation or this world.
- [76:04]
A
I. I am very curious, too, like, how you do everything that you do. And I know you talk about this a lot, but, like, how you really balance it with the pulling of, like, wanting to be there, you know? Like, do you find that. How do you structure. Do you structure time for that, or do you kind of bounce around, like, whatever the activities are?
- [76:24]
B
It's. It's so. It's interesting because my husband and I both currently work from home. Like, we don't have, like, a typical job that one of us has to go to. So if I'm, for example, going to the Masters, we have, like a. We have two great babysitters that we work with all the time, and. And they go above and beyond. So, like, even if we don't need help watching our daughter, they're like, oh, like, I'll throw in, like, dishes to the dishwasher, which. That I'm like, I want to be spending time with my daughter. I don't want to be loading my dishwasher, you know, so. But when. When I have events to go to, I. If my husband is home. Well, we've never left her overnight to this point, so it's very much a balancing act of, like, okay, if we're both invited to event, okay, now we have to. We have to get help out there. Okay, is my mom going to go out there? Is my sister going to go out there? Are we going to have a babysitter out there? Like, what does that look like? Is that a safe environment to have her in? We were both thinking about going to the Masters initially, and I was like, I don't know what there's to do in Augusta, Georgia. Like, Isaac, stay behind. Like, you have the daughter. When he's at home, I feel 100%, like, in the moment, wherever else I'm at, because he is such a 50, 50 parent. But when a babysitter is here, it's. I'm still like, okay, but is she okay? Does she have this? Like, does she have that? Not, like, they don't have her best interest in mind, but it's just like a parent. I'm like, we know her to her core. Like, we know this, we know that. So it is a very interesting, like, predicament to be in, especially as she's a toddler. She knows when mommy is not there. She knows when daddy is not there. So it's. It's like I'm leaving my heart behind a little bit, but.
- [78:03]
A
Oh, that's a good way to describe it. Yeah.
- [78:05]
B
Yeah. It's hard because I feel like I'm in a space of I can't say no to things because I don't want to get left behind. I don't want to feel forgotten. And I'm also, like, trying to prove to people that, like, your life doesn't end when you have a kid. Like, all these people are like, oh, like, get sleep now, because you're not going to get sleep. It's like, oh, no, I'm I'm not going to get good sleep, and I'm still going to be doing what I used to be doing. So, like, let me prove you wrong.
- [78:30]
A
I think also you can be like, a little. You can help by being like the best version of yourself by when you have things like that and being away, storing up on sleep. Like, I've found that.
- [78:41]
B
Oh, yeah.
- [78:42]
A
When you're using the work to also help you restore is a real thing. And I've really started to think about that. I'm like, sometimes it's much better sleep. It's like you're. I don't know, you can just. I think that there's something to it. I think the other thing that. What I think about is when I was at ESPN and my son was probably like 2 or 3, they decided to take SportsCenter on the road, and they did my show on the road, and it was like the best thing ever. I mean, I was just. I was like, I would actually pay them to do this job. This was so fun because it was. And especially during the NBA Finals, so we were hopping back and forth that. During that first season of Cleveland and Golden State. And so I remember, though, they were like, if you want, we can make it so that you could bring your son. And so it was. They were so awesome. And I've actually, a lot of the network that I've worked at have, like, offered the same thing. Like, they will, you know, if you ask. So I was able to take my son to Cleveland. And I remember stuff started getting a little tricky when there was like a span where they needed me to go to Cleveland, and then I had to go right to California and then come back quickly. So it was like, like your decision. I would be like, you know what? It's going to be better for me and for them if I'm able to do this solo. But I brought our sitter and him, and it was awesome. And I remember my daughter was three months old and we did the Special Olympics at espn and it was in Austria. And. Yeah. And I was like, oh, I can't, like. And it was three weeks, and I just was like, I could not leave my heart over on another continent for three weeks. I was like, this would be crazy. And so.
- [80:26]
B
Well, and at that age, three weeks is like years.
- [80:29]
A
Three months. Oh, yeah. Three weeks away. Yeah, yeah, yeah, exactly. Right? It felt like it. I was like, oh. And so I took them and I cobbled it together and my mom went with me. And I remember when we landed and got there and that travel to get there was like, it was totally fine, but it was, like, grueling. And I remember being like, what have I done? Was this such, you know, like, just nervous. But it ended up being so wonderful and, like, easy. And we managed it and my husband, like, came by for a stint. He came over for a couple days. But what the coolest thing is the hotel we stayed at, when we were leaving, they gave my son this little, like, what was it, a falcon stuffed animal. And we were just down with my parents. And my son brought. He's 11. He'd kill me for saying this, but he travels with a couple stuffed animals and he. He brought that falcon and it's one of his favorite stuffies. And I'm like, every time I see that, I am just reminded. Like, that is freaking awesome. It is a memory for him and I just think it's so cool. And I want every, like, other women out there who are working, you know, whether it's full time or part time, like, that's a real gift to be able to, like, expose them, you know?
- [81:41]
B
Totally. I. It's. It is really interesting because I've. On social media, there's like, some horror stories of companies, like, and how they treat postpartum women. Pregnant moms, this and that. I have been so blessed to work with the companies that I do. For example, I'm heading to Stagecoach, and the company I'm heading there with is allowing me and my husband to bring our daughter along and like, make, like, accommodations for us to have bring a sitter to this house. And it's so nice working with companies who like, the world is like, oh, like, like, you should do this, you should do that. But then the world doesn't accommodate those things. And so when company. It's so interesting hearing even in your position, like, a company willing to accommodate that or, oh, yeah, don't worry. Like, here's this, here's that. And help. It allows you to. It makes you more excited to do those things.
- [82:33]
A
Yeah. You know, and I think. I think it's like advocating for that stuff too, once you realize what can be done and what's out there. But you know, and really like speaking up or putting a name to what it is. That's why I'm kind of like, on this kick now of like, okay, what? Yeah, just like leaning into whatever your reality is.
- [82:51]
B
I feel like even your. Your excitement around the Kentucky Derby has me so excited. I'm literally get off this call and go and text like a million people about what outfit and whatever and this and that. But before we finish, I always like end the episode with a little rapid fire Q and A. So I have like a combination of broadcasting, motherhood, Kentucky Derby.
- [83:12]
A
Okay, very good.
- [83:13]
B
Vintage jerseys or modern jerseys?
- [83:18]
A
Modern jerseys.
- [83:21]
B
Wow. You are the first person to answer that.
- [83:25]
A
And this is just for me in life. Right. And like liking. I just went with my first thing. I love vintage, but I love, like, I've also just been paying attention to a lot of baseball lately and I love some of the new, like, I don't know, like modern looking colors. So that's why that popped in my mind.
- [83:43]
B
Okay. Love that. NASCAR or F1.
- [83:50]
A
This is so hard. I have to say NASCAR because that's where I came from and. But I know and totally get the allure of F1. I'm here for it. I respect it. But I'm going to say NASCAR because that's where I got my start in sports.
- [84:04]
B
Photo finish or dominant victory?
- [84:07]
A
Oh, my God. Photo finish.
- [84:10]
B
Same. Attending live games or watching from home.
- [84:19]
A
So hard. Because I am one of those people that like, if I'm really invested in the storylines of the Super Bowl, I would actually rather just watch it in my bedroom with my remote control by myself. You know what I mean?
- [84:31]
B
I miss the commercials. Every, every year I get so sad. I'm like, I have to re. Watch the entire super bowl just for the commercials.
- [84:37]
A
Well, because it's hard. It's like. Yeah. Or you know, it's hard for me to sometimes to be in a place where there's like a lot of opportunity to be socializing because it. Depending on the stakes. For me, the stakes really determine it. So I think I would say, I'm going to say be there live though, because ultimately it's really great.
- [84:56]
B
The energy, all of that. Sideline reporting or in studio.
- [85:00]
A
Oh, Jesus.
- [85:05]
B
You're not really liking this rapid fire Q and A.
- [85:07]
A
No, I do, but this is like really hard because for me it truly is like a perfect combo. I mean, man, I would say, oh, God, this is so hard. It's like I, I think I would say sideline reporting at this moment.
- [85:25]
B
Love that.
- [85:25]
A
But I love them both. I love them both.
- [85:28]
B
Coaching your kids team or cheering from the sideline?
- [85:31]
A
Coaching my kids team. Even though it's. I coached my daughter's basketball team and it was like, it was panic every single week for sure. Like I felt like I was gonna vomit before I went to practice and before. And she was, she's insane.
- [85:42]
B
She's like, you're more nervous than her.
- [85:44]
A
I was. But but there was something, like, really satisfying of few but really important moments where you see it clicking for them and then you see them feeling good about themselves. That's everything. And I had an Olympian I was interviewing once saying, if you ever get the opportunity, even if you didn't play basketball, coach your daughter's team. And I was like, okay, I'll try it. And I think that's what. That's what she meant.
- [86:06]
B
Oh, I love that. Betting based on odds or horses names.
- [86:10]
A
Horses names.
- [86:12]
B
Derby style, wide brimmed hat or fascinators.
- [86:18]
A
Fascinators. Love fascinators.
- [86:21]
B
And that's. Yeah, that's it. Well, thank you so much for coming on the podcast. Where can people find you?
- [86:28]
A
Oh, this is so fun. The best place is. Follow me on my instagram @lindsay cz. So I shortened mine just to the first two initials, so it's L, I, N, D S a Y, cz.
- [86:40]
B
A lot less complicated.
- [86:41]
A
Yeah. Yes. I feel like guns are.
- [86:44]
B
But, you know, I. I went with the four. I went with.
- [86:47]
A
I love it.
- [86:48]
B
Although everyone's like, is it cut? Is it cooch?
- [86:50]
A
Is.
- [86:50]
B
I'm like it. Whatever you want to make it, because it's not my last name. Thank you so much for coming on. Looking forward to Kentucky Derby.
- [87:01]
A
Yes. I hope to see you there for sure. And I cannot wait to hear what you think. And I'm sending you contacts when we hang out.
- [87:09]
B
Awesome. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.