Melanin MVP

Find Badia Weeks on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thebadiasafa/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/subscribeFind outdoor organizations near you: https://melaninmvp.com/get-outsideFind watch parties near you: https://melaninmvp.com/watch-partiesTake our cross-training quiz: https://melaninmvp.com/cross-training-quizThis show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Annijke Wade shares what it means to get outdoors through adaptive mountain biking—from the mindset shifts that make “getting back out there” possible, to the practical realities of learning trail skills, finding community, and navigating accessibility in cycling spaces.In this episode, we coverWhat adaptive mountain biking is (and the many ways “adaptive” can look)Rebuilding confidence after a life change—and why progress isn’t linearGetting started: choosing trails, pacing, and setting realistic expectationsThe mental game: fear, risk, and learning to trust your body againThe role of community (and how to find the right people to ride with)Accessibility on trails: what helps, what’s missing, and how riders can advocateWhy representation in outdoor sports matters—and how it impacts participationSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/subscribeFind outdoor organizations near you: https://melaninmvp.com/get-outsideFind watch parties near you: https://melaninmvp.com/watch-partiesTake our cross-training quiz: https://melaninmvp.com/cross-training-quizThis show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

As the WNBA CBA negotiations deadline has been extended, again, I share my thoughts on the players' collective bargaining power. From media rights to media brands, women professional athletes are arguably in their most powerful moment yet.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I sit down with April Pullins, an Atlanta-based runner and founder of Be Light Compression Socks. Known affectionately as the 'Crazy Sock Lady', April shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal challenges during COVID-19, discovering running as a therapeutic outlet, and transforming her passion for tie-dye socks into a thriving business. We dive deep into her mental and emotional journey, the impact of running on her life, and her commitment to helping women through the Selah Movement Club. April's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of staying active. Tune in to hear about her vibrant personality, entrepreneurial tips, and her mission to spread positivity and light.00:00 Introduction to April Polands: The Crazy Sock Lady02:44 From Fun to Business: The Birth of Be Light Compression Socks04:20 The Therapeutic Power of Running06:06 Group Walks and the Selah Movement Club07:40 Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Rest13:04 Challenges and Successes in Business15:35 April's Running Journey and Community Support22:27 Giving Back and Mentoring Others24:12 Upcoming Events and ConclusionSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I'm joined by Doc Holiday Golden, a dynamic triathlete and ultra-marathoner. Referred by past guest Mary Fleming, Doc shares her inspiring journey into endurance sports. We dive into how she met Mary, her beginnings in marathon running, the transition from running to triathlons, and the importance of community support. Doc also discusses her coaching role, nutrition strategies, and the mental barriers she's faced during races. Tune in as we explore her story of growth, determination, and the power of pushing boundaries.00:00 Meeting Mary Fleming01:54 Doc's Athletic Beginnings02:49 First Steps into Distance Running05:25 Community and Motivation08:04 Journey into Triathlons11:02 First Triathlon Experiences17:29 Balancing Marathons and Triathlons21:30 Rest and Recovery23:04 Balancing Nutrition and Training29:29 Coaching and Mentoring in Triathlon36:51 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Races41:28 The Power of Action and Consistency43:16 Final Thoughts and EncouragementSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Dismuke, a world champion triathlete who opens up about her journey from dealing with PTSD as a paramedic in Boston to becoming a passionate triathlete. Jamie shares her origins in Boston, how she started in triathlons, and her first experience with a sprint triathlon as a way to manage work-related stress. She also delves into her transition to competing in a full Ironman, the challenges she faced, and her strategies for overcoming them. Jamie discusses her relationship with swimming, the differences between pool and open water swimming, and the role of sports in building confidence. Additionally, Jamie talks about her experience with coaches, her partnership with Varlo, and her future plans, including aiming for the USA team for Abu Dhabi and qualifying for Kona. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an undying passion for triathlons. 00:00 Journey to Becoming a Triathlete 01:20 First Triathlon Experience 03:59 Challenges of Open Water Swimming 07:58 From Sprint to Ironman09:11 Training for the Ironman 12:19 Overcoming Race Day Obstacles 16:17 The Role of Coaches and Mentors 20:58 Partnerships and Personal Life 29:32 Future Goals and Reflections 31:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Women's Sports Wednesday, a weekly series covering the top headlines in women's sports. This week: the first Black women on the US Hockey Team, LOVB gets a new partner, the Portland WNBA team reveals their name, and more!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Join me as I welcome Renee Hess, founder of Black Girl Hockey Club, to Melanin MVP. We delve into Renee's journey from attending academic conferences to becoming a passionate hockey fan, the challenges of being a Black woman in hockey spaces, and how she founded the Black Girl Hockey Club to create a supportive community. We explore the influential role of Black women as fans, mothers, and leaders in hockey and discuss the importance of diversity and representation in sports. Don't miss Renee's inspiring stories and insights about creating a safe and inclusive environment for Black women and other marginalized groups in the world of hockey.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:34 Renee's Journey to Becoming a Hockey Fan04:29 Founding of Black Girl Hockey Club08:40 Experiences and Challenges in Hockey Spaces12:35 Women's Hockey and Advocacy18:43 Community and Support for Black Women in Hockey31:15 Partnerships and Future Plans34:38 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, I welcome fellow podcaster and newly-minted half-marathoner DJ Tricey Trice (A Trice Rias-Thompson). She shares the spontaneous decision-making process that led her to take on a half marathon, her solo training regime, and the mental and physical challenges she overcame to complete it. The discussion also touches on the importance of nutrition, the benefits of running groups, and the unique experience of participating in the Nike After Dark Half Marathon event. Shifting gears, DJ Tricey Trice is also the host of LA Sparks Weekly, so I had to ask her about her thoughts on her favorite team this season. We dived into an in-depth analysis of the WNBA, discussing team dynamics, key players, and the current season’s surprises and challenges. Part race report, part WNBA season analysis, part comedy show. I hope you enjoy, and check out her show: https://www.instagram.com/djtriceytrice/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 The Decision to Run a Half Marathon01:58 Training for the Half Marathon06:58 Race Day Experiences and Challenges12:44 Post-Race Reflections and Continued Running20:40 Basketball and the LA Sparks25:33 Coaching Changes and Player Movements26:30 Jordan Canada's Impact and Future26:46 Nneka Ogwumike: The Underrated MVP28:34 Dallas Wings' Strategy and Player Dynamics32:53 Phoenix Mercury's New Era43:34 Sparks' Future Lineup and Strategy46:11 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Thanks for joining us!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, I spoke with L'Oreal Gamble, who shared her extraordinary journey from Fayetteville State University to professional basketball overseas. L'Oreal takes us through the unique challenges HBCU athletes face in breaking into pro sports, her eye-opening experiences playing overseas, and the bold decision to create a women's basketball league in Raleigh. She provides insights into the financial realities of running a women's sports organization and discusses the current landscape of investment in women's athletics. This conversation offers valuable perspective on player development, emerging opportunities, and what it takes to build sustainable platforms for female athletes. Whether you're a basketball fan, aspiring athlete, or business enthusiast, L'Oreal's story demonstrates how passion combined with strategic vision can transform sports at the community level. Follow along on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lg3babySubscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Dominic Lawson is the host of Black is America, a podcast highlighting African American figures and stories. He created an incredible narrative podcast episode about 3 Black women icons in track and field: Wilma Rudolph, Florence Joyner Griffin, and Sha’Carri Richardson. I sat down with him to get some behind-the-scenes insight into the premise of the episode, why he chose to highlight these 3 women, and how he feels about the current state of women’s track and field.There are so many accomplished Black women runners, it can be easy to forget that they all started by putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes the biggest challenge for a runner isn’t being fast, it’s learning to lead a life as an athlete who wants to get paid for their passion.Find the original episode here: https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/wilma-florence-and-shacarri-american-women-of-speed/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

I sat down with the founder of Tough Cutie, Brittany Coleman to talk about her active sock brand. She's a part of Founded Outdoors, and enjoys camping, hiking, and cycling. We talked about representation for women and people of color in the outdoor apparel industry, and the gap she hopes to fill with her company. Check out Tough Cuties: https://www.toughcutie.com/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this episode, Alissa Lay shares how she retraced the historic 1928 cycling route from Harlem to Washington, DC, along with insights into her rigorous yet contrasting training regimes for bodybuilding, long-distance running, and cycling. She also recounts her involvement in promoting trail running among Black, Indigenous, and people of color through organizations like Dirtbag Runs, now We Run Long. Alissa emphasizes the importance of accessibility and representation in sports, highlighting her journey from sprinting to endurance running, including completing a 50K trail race shortly after giving birth to twins (yes, you read that correctly). This episode showcases Alissa’s dedication to multiple sports, her advocacy for inclusivity, and the transformative power of coaching and community support.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

I spoke with marathon runner Mary Fleming as she shares her remarkable journey from the couch to accomplished marathoner. In this in-depth interview, Mary discusses her training evolution, nutrition strategies, and the profound impact running has had on her mental health. Learn how she's built a supportive running community while helping others achieve their running goals. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, Mary's insights and encouragement offer valuable lessons about perseverance, personal growth, and the transformative power of running. Discover how running can be more than just exercise - it's a path to self-discovery and community building.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Chloé and I went live on Substack to talk about March Madness women's basketball, Unrivaled's first season in Miami, and how both of these will affect the 2025 WNBA season. Join us for an in-depth discussion on March Madness 2025 and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. From Unrivaled's groundbreaking season to WNBA prospects, we're covering it all!In this episode, we'll break down:Complete March Madness tournament analysis and bracket predictionsKey matchups and potential upsets to watchStandout players and their WNBA potentialThe impact of Unrivaled on women's basketballFuture of women's sports leagues and expansion plansThis episode offers expert insights into the tournament, player development, and the business side of the sport. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more basketball analysis!Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

What's the deal with athletes on cereal boxes? When I saw Coco Gauff on the Wheaties box and Angel Reese's secure a collab with Reese's Puff, I had to dig deeper. In this episode, I share what I found.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Women athletes have always been talented, competitive, and worthy of being seen. The UConn vs. USC women’s basketball game last night demonstrated that. So why is it so hard to find women’s sports games and athletes on cable TV networks and streaming platforms? I keep coming across the term “marketability” when I search for answers to this question. In this episode, I explore what's really meant by that term and how it's measured.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Robert Traphan is the president of the Montgomery Bike Club, which is hosting the 60th anniversary commemorative bike ride in honor of the Selma to Montgomery March. We talked about the start of the club almost 30 years ago, their work to make Montgomery and surrounding areas safer for cyclists, how women in their group have found an outlet in competitive cycling, and what you can expect when you attend the Selma to Montgomery bike ride. You can find out more information about their organization and future events online here: https://www.mgmbikeclub.org/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

I sat down with the founder of Fast Chix Triathlon Club, Yvonne Spencer, on the latest episode of Melanin MVP. Yvonne, a military veteran, shared the compelling story behind the club's inception. What began as a small group of determined women has blossomed into a thriving community of triathletes, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the sport. Fast Chix's mission is to make triathlon more accessible and welcoming to all women, regardless of their athletic background or experience level. Check out future events with this Black woman-led triathlete club. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

The WNBA has an identity problem. Unrivaled is beating them on their home turf. Here's why. This episode was originally featured as an article in our newsletter, subscribe below.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

In this week's episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Luis Villa, the Executive Director of Latino Outdoors, to explore how this organization is transforming the outdoor recreation landscape by creating welcoming spaces for the Latine community.Luis shared powerful insights about Latino Outdoors' mission to inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors while embracing cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative. Through their work, they're not just organizing hiking trips or camping adventures – they're building communities that celebrate cultural heritage while fostering a deep connection with nature. Though the organization was founded by a man, 2/3 of its volunteers are women, and that has remained constant throughout its history. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a community organizer, or simply looking to connect with an outdoor organization in a new city, this episode offers valuable insights into building inclusive outdoor spaces and communities. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Latino Outdoors' signature events, their vision for the future, and how you can get involved in your local chapter of Latino Outdoors.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

This week's guest is Sharon Mosley, a runner and therapist based in Durham, North Carolina. We talked about her experience being featured in a short film, her reaction to the feedback she's received from the film screenings, how she's been training this winter, and what races are on her radar for 2025. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/