Podcast Summary:

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: GOOD FOLLOW – All Things Athletes Unlimited, Friendship & More with Sydney Colson & Theresa Plaisance
Release Date: November 6, 2025
Location: Recorded at Athletes Unlimited Welcome Weekend, Nashville, TN

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted by Roz Goldenwoode, features in-depth, heartfelt, and humor-filled interviews with basketball stars Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance. The focus is on their experiences in Athletes Unlimited (AU), the growth and culture of AU, the transformative power of the league on and off the court, and the unique bond between Colson and Plaisance that has fueled both their playing careers and their success as podcast co-hosts. The conversation highlights the significance of community and opportunity in women's basketball, the evolution of professional sports for women, and the joy they find in friendship and self-expression.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Move to Nashville and AU's Growth

• Why Nashville? (01:37–02:37)

  • Sydney reflects on the league’s relocation from Dallas, stating the city was "prime for professional women's basketball," and the move was validated by the enthusiastic reception from the community.
    • Quote: "The city was excited about it and the players loved it...the reception will be even greater." — Sydney Colson [01:45]

• League Culture and Support

  • Roz observes the authentic connection and advocacy the players have for AU.
    • Quote: "It became very evident immediately that the players really care about the league...you guys are fighting for the growth of this league." — Roz Goldenwoode [03:57]

• Player-Led Structure (04:34–06:46)

  • Sydney explains AU’s unique player executive committee and the sense of ownership and gratitude it inspires.
    • Quote: "These men didn't have to start the basketball league. AU has been here doing this for almost five years now. It's literally changed some people's basketball trajectory." — Sydney Colson [05:42]

• AU as a Life-Changer

  • Sydney credits AU with rejuvenating her career, leading to championship seasons with the Aces and creating opportunities beyond basketball.

Friendship & Podcasting: Colson and Plaisance

• Dynamic Duo Origins (07:57–08:52, 19:23–21:16)

  • The instant "kindred spirit" connection in Vegas, and mutual respect and admiration.

    • Quote: "You see things the same, like, along moral lines...I like having good people in my life...I always jokingly say, like, I can make money off of this woman." — Sydney Colson [08:04]

    • Quote: "It was just, like, kindred spirits. Like, you just felt like...there were some things that ran thicker than blood. Sydney is definitely one of those people in my life." — Teresa Plaisance [20:00]

• Friendship Fostering Opportunity (21:36–23:46)

  • Sid's encouragement pulled TP into the podcasting scene, believing in her comedic and on-camera talents before she believed in herself.
    • Quote: "Sometimes a friend will pull you into a great opportunity or see it in you before you see it in yourself." — Roz Goldenwoode [23:38]
    • Quote: "I didn't really take my humor to television...Sid starts, like, dropping little tidbits, like, hey, you could do tv, right?...eventually she was just like, hop on the zoom call...it's a TV show." — Teresa Plaisance [21:36–22:59]

Women’s Basketball Landscape and Individuality in AU

• Multiple Podcasts on the Indiana Fever (08:52–09:49)

  • Sydney notes the proliferation of podcasts reflects growing player opportunity in women's sports due to NIL, sponsorships, and expanded visibility.

• AU’s Distinct Culture

  • TP: AU celebrates individuality, encourages self-expression, and fosters a uniquely supportive and growth-oriented environment.
    • Quote: "Here at AU they really encourage you to absolutely be yourself...I just love the individuality of AU and just how they celebrate that." — Teresa Plaisance [14:10]

• Format and Competition (16:22–17:42)

  • TP explains the AU format — team shuffling, individual scoring — creates engaging "games within the game", nurturing strategic creativity and camaraderie.

Reflections on Career, Purpose, and Growth

• Injury, Resilience, and Mentorship (10:00–11:39)

  • Sydney describes rehab as “a mental journey as well as physical,” and uses this time to support and mentor other players.
    • Quote: "You got hurt for a reason...I was able to pour into other people more...I became, I think, even more selfless." — Sydney Colson [10:00]

• Intentions for AU Season (11:13–11:39, 23:59–25:30)

  • Both players are focused on making an impact regardless of health or setbacks, emphasizing community, mentorship, and self-belief.
    • Quote: "I just want to give whatever I can give, even if I'm not fully healthy." — Sydney Colson [11:16]
    • Quote: "This year is going to be a year of I'm coming in, I'm going to be a badass, I'm going to do what I do, and I'm also going to have a lot of fun doing it." — Teresa Plaisance [24:50]

Memorable Team Moments and Legacy

• Aces Championship Reflections (18:07–19:02)

  • TP characterizes playing for the Aces and with stars like A'ja Wilson as transformative and inspiring.
    • Quote: "You meet, like, an A'ja Wilson...and they're beyond humble...their work ethic...who they are...it was a really special place to be. I just love to see their success." — Teresa Plaisance [18:25]

• Looking Forward: AU's Star-Powered Season (11:39–12:26, 25:30–26:10)

  • Both express excitement for a star-studded AU season, with future Hall of Famers and top talent.
    • Quote: "We're literally talking future hall of Famers...star-studded roster...this is the most momentum AU basketball has had so far." — Roz Goldenwoode [11:43]
    • Quote: "I'm really looking forward to stepping back on the court and, you know, tapping into the college version of myself." — Teresa Plaisance [25:26]
    • Quote: "Let's do it. Let's go." — Sydney Colson [25:33]

Appreciation and Impact

• Community and Legacy (25:46–26:11)
  • Both guests and Roz express gratitude for each other and the broader support and coverage of women’s basketball.
    • Quote: "The way that you cover us, it's just...the passion for women's sports is deep within you as well and it radiates through the way that you cover us." — Teresa Plaisance [25:50]

Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• “No, Maturity, professionalism.” — Sydney Colson [01:22] (joking about the team's fun-loving, shenanigan-friendly vibe)
• “Your presence at AU, really, anything you go to is like a very good sign...so it’s always good to see you. And it’s good to see you advocating and doing so much for AU, honestly.” — Sydney Colson [03:25]
• “AU has been here doing this for almost five years now. It has literally changed some people’s basketball trajectory and their careers.” — Sydney Colson [05:42]
• “All the external pressures that come with pro sports are kind of taken away and you're surrounded by your peers who are also your teammates and your competitors. So...it just provides everyone an opportunity to be themselves.” — Teresa Plaisance [14:52]
• “Sydney is definitely one of those people in my life…The way that she shows up for others, I think, is what makes Sid the most special.” — Teresa Plaisance [20:00]
• “Sometimes a friend will pull you into a great opportunity or see it in you before you see it in yourself.” — Roz Goldenwoode [23:38]
• “I'm going to come and do exactly what I've always been doing, and I'm going to enjoy myself. I'm not putting any pressures on what I need to be or what it needs to look like, because I don't think that's what makes basketball fun.” — Teresa Plaisance [24:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:37] AU’s move to Nashville and the city’s WNBA ambitions
• [04:35] AU’s player-led structure and origins
• [07:57] The beginning of the Colson-Plaisance dynamic and their podcast journey
• [10:00] Sydney Colson on injury, perspective, and mentorship
• [14:10] TP on AU’s culture of individuality and self-expression
• [16:22] Teresa explains AU’s unique competition format
• [18:07] TP reflects on Aces championship experience
• [19:23] Deep dive into the friendship and podcast partnership
• [23:59] TP on intentions for the upcoming AU season and embracing joy on the court

Tone and Feel

• Bright, up-tempo, inclusive, and supportive
• Equal parts heartfelt, humorous, and insightful
• Focus on authenticity, vulnerability, and mutual admiration among strong women
• Celebratory of women’s basketball, friendship, and self-empowerment

For New Listeners

This episode is a must-listen for fans of women’s basketball, those interested in the evolution of player-led leagues, and anyone who enjoys stories of friendship, personal growth, and the intersection of sports and personality. Sydney Colson and Theresa Plaisance’s bond shines throughout, making the show about far more than just the games—it’s about community, opportunity, and the transformative power of believing in yourself and in each other.