Good Game with Sarah Spain

Melissa Ludtke, award-winning journalist and author of the recently released book, Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle to Get Inside, joins Sarah to discuss a serendipitous meeting that helped her realize sports media was her calling, being the only woman assigned to cover Major League Baseball full-time for Sports Illustrated in the mid-70s, and filing – and WINNING – a lawsuit against the MLB. Plus, some folks really don’t understand the concept of personal space. Grab your copy of Melissa’s book here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WNBA Finals are half-locked, but that other half is a knock-down, drag-out fight. Plus, under-the-table payments come into the light, new developments around the Christine Brennan interview, and a reminder that (friend) love is all you need.  Vote for Fat Bear Week here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago Sky commentators and power couple Lisa Byington and Shimmy Miller join Sarah to discuss the roses and thorns of working with each other, what the Sky needs to do to entice players to stick around, and why everyone knowing where and how to watch women’s sports is important. Plus zit stickers, the best kind of sellouts, and the responses slices sent in following Sarah’s interview with Christine Brennan. Check out the list of ROY Caitlin Clark’s 2024 accomplishments here  Check out Allison Gale’s fantastic list of NWSL playoff implications here  Read the Washington Post’s coverage of SafeSport closing the investigation into Rory Dames here  Check out Kelsey Plum’s ex’s …. interesting music video here   We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USA Today columnist, best-selling author and longtime commentator Christine Brennan joins Sarah to discuss her reporting on Caitlin Clark, the intent behind it, and her responsibility as part of the WNBA media landscape. Plus, she discusses the Players Association statement directed at her, the questions she asked Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington after the Sun’s first playoff game against the Indiana Fever, her recent exchange with DeWanna Bonner, and more. We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tennis great Rennae Stubbs joins Sarah to talk the China Open, Naomi Osaka v. Coco Gauff, and what it means that the WTA returned to China after previously boycotting the country. Plus, more NWSL coach turnover, a WNBA positivity dump, and we get jealous of rat health care. Listen to “The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast” here  The NWSL’s North Carolina Courage is raising money for Hurricane Helene relief efforts via United Way. You can donate here  NWSLPA executive director Meghann Burke, who is based in Asheville, said her community is especially in need of baby supplies. You can donate to the county’s relief efforts here  Vote for the NWSL’s Lauren Holiday Impact Award here  The college volleyball schedule is here  Check out Jordan Robinson’s WNBA “positivity dump” twitter thread here  The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kansas City Current defender Kayla Sharples joins Sarah to talk having hard conversations with coaches and GMs, the move she made from Bay FC to the Current midseason, and the crazy logistics behind a trade. Plus, we finally have some info on the WNBA’s expansion draft, and Alex gets back into her gossip bag (not really… young/old Mish is just late to the party). More details about the Valkyries’ expansion draft are here The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here Tickets to the NWSL final are on sale now here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Teeny, host of the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast series GIRL v. HORSE joins Sarah to talk about the new pod, the seizure that changed everything for her, and the impetus to race 50 miles against literal horses. Plus, we get our first taste of the WNBA semifinals, get you hip to the latest WNBPA statement, and pay homage as yet another legend bids her playing career farewell. Listen to Girl v. Horse here See the full Athlos NYC results here Read Annie’s story on Teresa Weatherspoon’s firing here Catch up on the rest of the WNBA awards here and check out the All-Defensive teams here The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jordan Robinson, co-host of the Queens of the Court podcast, and Ben Pickman, women’s basketball writer for The Athletic, join Sarah for the latest edition of “Group Chat” to discuss the upcoming WNBA semifinals and why the league’s statement calling out racism was too little, too late. Plus, Sarah calls bullshit on Captain Dick Rocket and a company offering bets on Angel Reese’s dating life. Follow Jordan here Follow Ben here Listen to Queens of the Court here Listen to The Athletic Women’s Basketball Show here Read the Philadelphia Inquirer’s full story on a potential WNBA expansion team here Check out Nancy Armour’s column on why Caitlin Clark needs to call out toxic fans here  The NWSL schedule is here The college volleyball schedule is here The college hockey schedule is here  The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah talks WNBA Playoffs and award announcements, gets you hip to the hottest new track event and offers up a "What The Fact" that’ll raise your blood pressure. Plus producers Mish and Alex join Sarah to dish on the Aces-Liberty semifinal series, and the show calls in a ringer for a review about ultrarunning drama. And another reminder to check your voter registration, think about what issues matter to you most, and vote!  Check out Syd Colson’s… creative… shoe launch video here Watch the hilarious trailer for Season 1 of the Syd & TP show here The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Las Vegas Aces beat reporter Callie Fin (Lawson-Freeman) of the Las Vegas Review-Journal joins Sarah to talk about A’ja Wilson’s g’reatness, Kate Martin’s super power, the moments Syd Colson gets serious and how the Aces have stayed focused in pursuit of a Threepeat. Plus, college volleyball does numbers and did y’all know basketball is a contact sport?!  Follow Callie here  Read her stories here  Check out Lyndsey D’Arcangelo’s story about our interview with Cheryl Reeve here  The ESPN NCAA volleyball schedule can be found here  The full WNBA playoff schedule and results are here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut Sun beat reporter Emily Adams of the Hartford Courant joins Sarah to talk about how the Sun locked down Caitlin Clark & the Fever in Game 1, whether this could be the year the Sun FINALLY win a championship, and how a pair of WNBA power couples make it work on and off the court. Plus, first-timers at the White House, your girlfriend’s new favorite actress, and the deets about who and what you’ve been creepin’ on. Follow Emily Adams here  Peep the WNBA playoff schedule and results here Check out Kim Ye-Ji x MLB in Vogue Korea here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve joins Sarah to talk WNBA playoffs, being a Virgo queen, and dealing with criticism while serving as head coach of USA Basketball. P’lus, we’re a’dding a’postrophes t’o e’verything a’fter A’ja Wilson w’as n’amed M’VP. Watch a snippet of A’ja’s MVP speech here Check out Ellie’s Sabrina 2’s here The full list of AP award winners can be found here The complete WNBA playoff schedule and results can be found here We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orlando Pride defenders Emily Sams and Kylie Strom join Sarah to talk about what it’s like to be part of a brick wall. Plus, how do you pack a suitcase for the Olympics and what’s it like to go from worst to first? Sarah also makes her best guesses at how the WNBA regular season wrapped up – find out how close she was to reality!  Feeling like our WNBA playoff matchups were a little lacking? A more complete schedule is here The NWSL schedule is here Playa Society WNBA merch can be found here Round21 WNBA merch is available here And that WNBA Portland Nike tee that we mentioned is here  We love to hear from our slices! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of Sarah’s faves, Elle Duncan and Monica McNutt, join the show for a WNBA-centric Group Chat! They discuss why many early-season takes were so ill-informed, try to define Diana Taurasi’s legacy, and debate whether this is the year the Liberty finally win a championship. Plus, Portland’s getting a W team, and you’ve got some awesome DT memories. Follow Elle on X here Listen to/watch The Elle Duncan Show here Follow Monica on X here Check out all tonight’s WNBA games here Follow WNBA Portland and The Sports Bra What is your favorite Diana Taurasi memory? We wanna hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sports broadcaster Cari Champion joins Sarah to discuss her new podcast series, “The Making of a Rivalry: Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese,” why there are so few good faith conversations about the two standout rookies and how the WNBA will react to an increase in misogynoir. Plus, an update on Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal saga, prepping for a 15th WNBA team, and a reminder to do your civic duty. Register to vote here Already registered? Double check your voter registration status here  Check out pilot Syd Colson here Follow photographer Bri Lewerke here Fight us! Who are your picks for WNBA MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Sixth Player of the Year?  What is your favorite Diana Taurasi memory? We wanna hear about it! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Randy/Phil Landes of the golf site No Laying Up joins Sarah to explain why he has two names, talk shirtless celebrations and smokin’ heaters on the course, and share how the LPGA and its broadcast partners need to do a better job of building the women’s game. Plus, a couple of balls for A’ja Wilson, gathering flowers for Diana Taurasi and some statue news!  Follow Randy on X here Check out all of No Laying Up’s content here Watch the hilarious sketch about an all-women’s country club here What is your favorite Diana Taurasi memory? We wanna hear about it! Send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WNBA single-season records are falling left and right, so we put them in context with a much-needed “Yes, And.” Plus, Mish helps us wrap our heads around the Washington Mystics’ miraculous turnaround and Alex has been doing her best TLC impression (she creeps, yeaaah, she keeps it on the down low).  Check out Trinity Rodman’s night-night celly here View the WNBA schedule for the remainder of the regular season here Follow Rising Media Stars on IG here or on X here Are you a sneaky look-but-don’t-comment member of a Facebook, Reddit or other social media group? We wanna hear about it! Send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chicago Sky reporter Annie Costabile joins Sarah to discuss Angel Reese’s impact on and off the court, how the W will respond to the fallout from Cathy Engelbert’s interview, the importance of media literacy, and how if you try to replicate, you’re already behind. Plus, no triskaidekaphobia over here, how ‘bout you?  Check out Flavor Flav’s custom bronze clock for Jordan Chiles here Read Annie Costabile’s coverage for the Chicago Sun-Times here  Read Callie Lawson-Freeman’s story on the WNBA and Las Vegas Aces response to Dearica Hamby’s lawsuit here The full WNBA schedule –  including tune-in info – is here!  The full NWSL schedule – including tune-in info – is here!  Send us your ridiculous sports rivalries! Shoot us an email at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lyndsey D'Arcangelo and Frankie de la Cretaz join Sarah to discuss their book, Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League. They talk about making big editorial decisions together and the opportunity to give well-deserved attention to the women of the league. Plus, they give their takes on the Cathy Englebert non-answer saga and producer Misha weighs in, too.  Get Frankie and Lyndsey’s book here Subscribe to Frankie’s queer sports newsletter here Read Lyndsey’s work at Awful Announcing here Check out the HERRICANES film Frankie mentioned here How did your experience playing sports impact your life down the road? Send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby joins Sarah to discuss the WNBA season, whether she plans to share any 3x3 secrets with her Unrivaled opponents, and the backlash she faced from Aces fans after she filed a federal lawsuit alleging pregnancy discrimination. Plus, Cathy Engelbert misses the mark, two new entries into the Good Game Hall of Fame, and a milkshake brings Sarah and friends to the yard. Read ESPN’s anonymous survey of NWSL GMs here  Check out the video of Jill Scott’s live performance of “You Got Me” here The full WNBA schedule can be found here Check out the Women’s Sports Foundation’s latest research on the impact of playing sports on leadership here  How did your experience playing sports impact your life down the road? Send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.