Momentum

It’s another big week in women’s sport and Kat Sasso and Lav Baj are back in the Group Chat to get into all of it.They kick things off with what’s caught their attention this week, from Bieberchella chaos to space chat (yes, really), before diving into the internet sports moments you need to see. From wholesome sideline energy to elite street sport content and a few viral moments that had the group chat going off, there’s plenty to unpack.On the headlines front, there’s a mix of history-making moments, big moves, and a few conversations that have everyone talking. A major coaching milestone in Europe, big money moves in basketball, rising global sports on the Olympic horizon, and some Aussie stories that hit a little closer to home — including a debate that’s sparked plenty around AFL Gather Round and where women’s footy fits into it.They also get into the chaos (and excitement) around the WNBA right now — from draft buzz to rising stars like Izzy Borlase making moves internationally — and why the global game feels like it’s levelling up fast.Plus, a deeper chat around where Australia actually sits when it comes to supporting women’s sport. With the game growing rapidly worldwide, are we keeping up — or starting to fall behind?And of course, a look ahead at what’s coming up — with finals, major tournaments and some seriously big matchups just around the corner.A mix of chaos, conversation and the stories you need to be across — exactly how the group chat should be. 💬

It’s been a huge week in women’s sport and Kat Sasso and Lav Baj are in the Group Chat to get into all of it.From their current obsessions (yes, we’re talking Emily in Paris and some very niche golf content) to the internet moments you didn’t know you needed — including Jimmy Butler fangirling over Alex Morgan — this ep has a bit of everything.On the sport side, there’s plenty to unpack. Big wins, record-breaking moments, and a stacked week of competition ahead across football, cricket, tennis and surfing — with some of Australia’s biggest names, including Sam Kerr, back in the spotlight.Kat and Lav also dive into some of the bigger conversations in women’s sport right now — from major shifts happening behind the scenes, to the kind of topics everyone’s talking about (and not always agreeing on).Plus, some incredible stories, a few chaotic moments, and a look at what’s coming up — including a big weekend ahead and another live show on the way.A little bit of everything, exactly how a group chat should be. 💬

It’s been a huge week across the world of women’s sport and Kat Sasso and Lav Baj are here to break it all down.They cover the big stories shaping the global landscape — from FIFA introducing a regulation requiring teams to have at least one female coach on staff, to the reveal of the new Socceroos and Matildas kits. They also discuss The Iconic announcing its first sports sponsorship with the Newcastle Knights women, and what it signals about growing commercial investment in women’s leagues. Plus, global viewership of women’s sport hit 46 billion minutes in 2025, another sign of just how quickly the audience is growing.There’s also plenty of Aussie success to celebrate. Tahlia Gibson is making a serious run at the Miami Open after beating multiple top-20 players, Lydia Williams has been awarded the PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medal, Hannah Green has made history with a hat-trick of major-tour titles, and Liana France has become Australia’s youngest female winter Paralympian.Kat and Lav also reflect on the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, including the Matildas’ clash with Japan and the Philippines qualifying for the tournament off the back of strong performances from A-League players.They also unpack one of the biggest structural shifts in women’s sport right now: the new WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. With the salary cap jumping from $1.5 million to $7 million, supermax salaries projected to exceed $2.4 million, and a landmark revenue-sharing model tied to league growth, it marks a major turning point for professional women’s sport.Plus, a look ahead at what’s coming up — Dome Fest, the Maurie Plant Meet in Melbourne, Round 3 of Suncorp Super Netball, the tight race to the ALW finals, and Momentum guest Imogen Radburn’s debut in the Mustang Cup.A packed episode covering the moments, milestones and shifts pushing women’s sport forward.

This week, Momentum enters a new era WOOT!In our first-ever weekly chat show format, Kat sits down with Lav Baj for an unfiltered conversation that moves beyond headlines and into the **real** stories shaping women’s sport right now. Together, Kat and Lav break down one of the biggest weeks in global women’s sport. Where to even start!?From Team USA’s dominance in the Women’s World Cup qualifiers - with Caitlin Clark’s electric return and debuts from Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers — to a potential WNBA lockout that could reshape the future of the league....there was a lot to discuss.They also unpack Angel Reese’s growing influence beyond the court (including her investment in Australian basketball), and what record-breaking salaries in The Hundred mean for women’s cricket - and why money alone isn’t fixing representation behind the scenes.Closer to home, they dive into the Matildas’ high-stakes quarter-final clash, the shifting future of netball broadcasting in Australia, and the cultural moments making headlines - from the Steelers’ “unsponsored” campaign to Emma Lawrence making history in the NRL.Plus, the bigger conversations we obviously can’t ignore - from sexism in sports media, to athletes seeking asylum, to what meaningful progress in women’s sport actually looks like in 2026. We know we say this about every ep...but it's an episode not to be missed!

The Winter Olympics have just wrapped up in Milan and Cortina, bringing two weeks of breathtaking competition, unforgettable moments (hello Alysa Liu...!), and stories of resilience from athletes around the world. Yet it goes without saying that behind every run, every jump, and every podium moment are years of unseen work.This week on Momentum, Kat sits down with Australian freestyle skier and all-round legend Mia Rennie, who experienced the Olympics from a unique vantage point - the commentary box. As an elite athlete herself, and with close friends competing on the world stage, Mia had a front-row seat to the drama, pressure and triumph of the Games.In this episode, Mia reflects on her own journey into freestyle skiing, what it’s like to watch friends compete at the highest level, and how analysing Olympic runs from the broadcast booth changes the way you see the sport. She also shares insights into the tight-knit snow sports community, the evolving landscape for women in winter sport, and why visibility and advocacy still matter.This episode is sponsored by MECCA M-POWER.

With the Australian Grand Prix taking place this week, Momentum  is heading trackside to talk about the women reshaping motorsport - not just behind the wheel, but behind the mic.Host Kat Sasso sits down with Patricia Valeri Mellior and Elle Baillieu, the duo behind ⁠Paddock43⁠, a female-led motorsport podcast carving out space in one of sport’s most male-dominated arenas. What started as a passion project has become a platform helping redefine who gets to analyse, critique and celebrate Formula 1. They share how they fell in love with the sport, the moment they realised this wasn’t just a hobby, and what it’s really like building credibility in a space that hasn’t always felt welcoming to women. As the F1 rolls into Melbourne, the conversation explores how the culture of motorsport is evolving — from women working as engineers and strategists to the growing impact of female-led media on how the sport is perceived. Patricia and Elle reflect on the responsibility that comes with visibility, why representation matters for the next generation of girls watching trackside, and what still needs to shift to make the paddock more inclusive.Plus, with race week looming, they give us the inside scoop on what makes the Australian Grand Prix so special, what fans can expect this season, and why major sporting moments like this can change the trajectory of who feels like they belong in the sport. See you at the F1?!

Women’s football in Australia didn’t just grow. It was built. Fought for. Pushed forward by players who believed the game deserved more.And few understand that better than Sarah Walsh.A former Matilda who helped drive the standards on the pitch, Sarah is now shaping the future of the game off it as COO of the AFC Women's Asian Cup. The very tournament she once won as a player.Her story is more than a career pivot. It’s a full-circle legacy.From the early days of limited resources and relentless travel schedules, to now leading one of the biggest competitions in Asian women’s football, Sarah has seen every era of the game, and helped change it.In this episode of Momentum, we unpack what it really took to build the foundations of today’s women’s game, the responsibility of leadership in sport, and why the fight for progress doesn’t end when you hang up the boots.This is about evolution. Ownership. And leaving the game better than you found it.

Ahead of Season 3, and in the heart of the Australian Open, Momentum returns with a special one-off tennis episode, proudly presented in partnership with the incredible team at MECCA M-POWER.Hosted by Kat Sasso, this special episode brings together three generations of Australian tennis to explore what it really takes to build a long, sustainable career in an unforgiving, high-pressure sport.Kat is joined by rising 17-year-old prodigy Tahlia Kokkinis, who has was awarded a qualifying wildcard for the Australian Open (just casually). Calm, thoughtful and far beyond her years, Tahlia reflects on growing up on tour, the importance of family support, navigating setbacks, and why gratitude, optimism and enjoying the process matter just as much as rankings and results.We also hear from two-time Olympian and tennis star Daria Saville, whose career has been defined as much by resilience as results. Daria speaks candidly about injury, her pregnancy, motivation, social media pressure, and the mental toll of elite sport, alongside her decision to step into motherhood, and what it means to return to competition in an era where conversations around pregnancy, egg freezing and protected rankings are finally happening in the open.Rounding out the episode is former Australian No.1 and elite coach Nicole Pratt, who unpacks how the sport has evolved to better support women through injury, motherhood and career transitions.Together, our guests unpack what progress in women’s tennis really looks like in 2026 - and it’s an episode not to be missed. This episode is brought to you by MECCA M-POWER. 

Running clubs are booming, long runs are filling city streets, and with the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival just around the corner, there’s no better time to drop a special bonus episode of Momentum.Allie Daisy King sat down in our Melbourne studio with Issy Hume - a Nike Running Athlete, long-distance runner, and data scientist - whose journey has been inspiring women both on and off the track, to say the least.Reflecting on her epic win at the Nike After Dark Tour, a women’s-only half marathon in Sydney, Issy shares what it felt like to cross that finish line, why running alongside so many women was such a powerful experience, and how she mentally prepares for big races. They dive into her passion for getting more women into running, the unique challenges female athletes face, and why investment from brands like Nike matters for the future of women’s sport.Beyond running, Issy opens up about her life as a scientist (just casually) - from her PhD research to her mission of making data and science communication more accessible. She’s proof that athleticism and academia can run side by side.Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5K, eyeing a marathon personal best, or just curious about how running culture is shifting in Australia, we can guarantee there'll be plenty for you to take away. This episode was brought to you by Nike.

"I'm used to being the only one that looks like me in many rooms."In this episode of Momentum, we sit down with former AFLW player and rising sports media voice Akec Makur Chuot (aka one of our favourite people on Instagram, ever). Akec arrived in Australia as a 12-year-old refugee from Kenya and went on to become one of the first women of colour to play in the AFLW. Now, she’s shifting the game off the field too: using her **huge** platform in sports media to push for greater diversity and representation across the industry.We speak about her early days in footy and what it was like being one of the few women of colour in the league, her transition from player to media personality, and the challenges she’s faced being in a space where she often didn’t see herself reflected. Akec shares why representation, both on screen and behind the scenes, is still crucial, and what legacy she hopes she’s leaving behind, both in sport and in the broader media landscape.It’s a raw and honest conversation about identity, visibility, and the realities of breaking new ground. Aaaaand it's our final episode of Season 2 - we really couldn't think of a better episode to end on. It's a truly incredible episode.

If you’ve ever watched women’s rugby, you’ll know it’s a game of relentless grit, extraordinary athleticism, and deep camaraderie. But what you might not see is the behind-the-scenes reality - the sacrifices, historical inequality, and tireless work it takes just to compete at the highest level in this country, and beyond.In this episode, we sit down with the iconic Georgie Friedrichs - a Wallaroo and fierce advocate for women in sport - to talk about her journey from a young player discovering the game, to becoming one of the most vocal and visible players in the Australian women’s rugby scene.Georgie opens up about what it really means to wear the Wallaroos jersey, why she spoke out after the now-infamous 2023 travel disparity incident with Rugby Australia (iykyk), and the pressure that comes with being both an elite athlete and an advocate for change. This conversation is a powerful look at what it takes to not just play at the top level, but to fight for a better future while doing it. It's an episode not to be missed.

In case you can't tell, sports media is changing - and women like Georgia Rajic and Isha Singhal are leading that change.From calling A-League Women’s and Super Netball matches to writing for leading newsrooms, they’ve built their own paths in a male-dominated industry that’s still catching up.In this episode of Momentum, Georgia and Isha share what it takes to break through in sports media, the challenges they’ve faced, and the power of mentorship, community and backing yourself.They open up about the impact of the Women’s World Cup, how social media is reshaping the landscape, and what’s needed for the next generation of women in sports media to thrive.This is a conversation about carving out space, and making sure the door stays open for others.

If you’ve ever watched water polo, you’ll know it’s one of the toughest, most grueling sports on the planet - a brutal mix of endurance, strategy, and pure strength. And at the heart of it all are athletes like Matilda Kearns, who represent everything that's exciting about the next generation of Australian sport.Tilly isn’t just an elite water polo player — she’s part of a powerful movement of young women making waves on and off the field. From her early days finding her passion for the sport, to stepping onto the biggest stages in the world, Tilly's story is one of hard work, resilience, and a deep love for representing her country.But beyond the medals and tournaments, there’s the real story — the sacrifices, the challenges, and the evolving landscape for female athletes today. From the impact of social media to the fight for greater visibility and respect, Tilly's journey shows just how far women’s sport has come — and how far it still has to go.In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Tilly's incredible career so far, what it’s really like to be a young woman at the elite level, and how she’s using her platform to inspire the next generation.

Today’s guest is Lydia O’Donnell - elite runner, Head Nike Run Coach, and now CEO and co-founder of Femmi, a platform empowering women to train in sync with their bodies. In this episode, Lydia takes us back to where it all began, sharing how her passion for running evolved into a mission to challenge outdated approaches to training. She reflects on the lessons she’s carried from elite sport into coaching and business, and what it means to support women as whole people - not just athletes.We dive into the philosophy behind Femmi, which helps women understand their menstrual cycle and train accordingly. Lydia unpacks why this shift is so important, the challenges of launching a women-led business in the fitness space, and how social media has helped build a powerful, supportive community. She also shares her journey at Nike - from coaching grassroots runners to becoming a global leader in the running space.This conversation is about more than performance - it’s about reshaping the way we talk about women’s health, resilience and recovery. Lydia is paving the way for a new era in sport, one where women are equipped, informed, and supported to reach their full potential. So what are you waiting for? Give the ep a listen and let us know what you think. 

Some athletes make it look easy — but behind every highlight reel, there’s a story of grit you don’t always see.Shea Connors knows that better than most. Before she was lighting up the A-League Women’s competition with Sydney FC, Shea faced a massive hurdle early in her career: compartment syndrome. At 18, she wasn’t just fighting for minutes on the pitch — she was fighting to keep playing at all. What’s so inspiring about Shea isn’t just her comeback — it’s the way she’s embraced every challenge, moving countries, switching leagues, and backing herself every step of the way. Now, she’s not only making her mark on the field but building her voice off it too, helping drive the conversation around women’s football and athlete storytelling.This week, we dive into Shea’s journey — the setbacks, the leaps of faith, and the lessons she’s learned chasing her passion around the world.

If you've been keeping an eye on women’s basketball — both here in Australia and around the world — you’ll know we’re standing at a real tipping point. For decades, women’s basketball has produced incredible athletes, passionate fans, and world-class competition, but it hasn’t always been matched by the media coverage, commercial backing, or opportunities it deserves.But now, something is changing.In the US, we’ve seen the explosion of women’s college basketball, with names like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese becoming household names. The WNBA is selling out arenas and smashing viewership records. And right here at home, the WNBL — one of the longest-running women’s leagues in the world — is ready to catch that same momentum.The thing is, this growth isn’t automatic. It needs leadership. It needs vision. And it needs people who can think differently about where women's basketball can go.That’s why today’s guest is such an exciting figure. Jennie Sager has just stepped into the role of CEO of the WNBL, bringing with her a powerhouse background across TV, tech, media, and business. She knows how to build brands. She knows how to tell stories. And now, she's ready to help put the WNBL exactly where it belongs — front and centre, both here and on the global stage. This is an episode not to be missed.

WE'RE BACK WITH SEASON 2!When you think about trailblazers in sport, it’s easy to picture the biggest stadiums, the biggest crowds, and the biggest moments.But sometimes the most important shifts happen in spaces that haven't always been given the spotlight they deserve — until now. Today’s guests are two incredible athletes who are helping lead that change.Shae Graham made history as the first woman to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby — a sport known for its speed, its toughness, and its incredible community. And Liliana Prucha is a rising star, part of the next generation pushing para-sport forward with grit, passion, and a serious hunger to succeed.Both Shae and Liliana are carving out new paths not just for themselves, but for every young athlete coming through behind them. Their stories are full of resilience, strength, and a deep love for the game — and today, we’re diving into what it really means to be an elite athlete, how representation is changing the landscape for para-sport, and why the future has never looked brighter.

This week on Momentum, we have an extraordinary guest who’s breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a young athlete. Ruby Trew is a 16-year-old Olympian skateboarder who’s already making waves on the international stage. With her incredible talent, fierce determination, and passion for the sport, Ruby’s not just competing — she’s inspiring a new generation of skateboarders, especially young women, to chase their dreams fearlessly and aim for the Olympics at such a young age.In this interview, we dive into Ruby’s journey to Paris, the challenges she’s faced along the way as a young female state boarder, and the drive that keeps her pushing beyond limits.

This week, we sit down with rising star Imogen Radburn, one of Australia’s most promising up-and-coming race car drivers. From starting go-karting at 14 to becoming the only woman competing in both Formula Ford and Formula 4 Nationally, Imogen has broken barriers and defied expectations. She takes us through her journey, from heartbreaking setbacks to unexpected opportunities, including her remarkable rookie performance in the Australian F4 Championship.Imogen’s story is more than just racing; it’s about empowering the next generation. As the former NSW Karting Ambassador and a regular advocate for Motorsport Australia’s initiatives like Girls on Track and First Gear, Imogen is on a mission to inspire young women to chase their motorsport dreams. In this week's episode, Imogen shares her passion for breaking down the gender barriers in a sport where women are still vastly underrepresented, and how she’s determined to be the role model she never had growing up.With incredible results and opportunities on the horizon, Imogen’s journey is just getting started. Join Kat and Imogen for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of racing, barriers that continue to exist for female racecar drivers, and what it truly takes to make it to the top of one of the world’s toughest sports.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition that affects one in ten women worldwide, yet for many, it's still shrouded in silence - and is still largely a taboo to talk about.For athletes, the physical and emotional toll can be particularly challenging, as the symptoms often overlap with the demands of high-performance training. From debilitating pain to the struggles of seeking a diagnosis, endometriosis remains a barrier not just to daily life, but to many women’s careers in sports.Today, we’re going to hear from someone who knows this all too well. Professional netballer Tayla Williams has been navigating the complexities of endometriosis while pursuing her dreams in professional netball. She’s dealt with long waits for a diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the impact of living with a condition that’s often misunderstood, even by the people closest to her. But it’s also through her experience that we begin to see the power of sports in raising awareness and creating space for conversations around women’s health.We’ll talk about her journey—how she first realised something was wrong, how netball became a source of support, and the challenges she faced when her diagnosis finally came. She’ll also share her thoughts on how endometriosis affects athletes' careers, and what changes are needed to make diagnosis and treatment more accessible for women everywhere.This conversation is not just about sports—it’s about the real-life experiences that shape us, the strength required to face chronic illness, and the importance of speaking up so that no woman has to suffer in silence. And this week is Endometriosis Awareness Week - so is there a better week to release this episode and spark a conversation?

The story of the Afghan Women’s National Football Team is not an easy one to tell. For years, they were forced to play in secret under Taliban rule. They then experienced a brief 14 years of normality, where the foundations of Afghan women's football began to flourish, with the support it rightfully deserved. Fatima was one of the young women growing up during this time, who was able to see a future, where football was an option. But everything changed in August 2021 when the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again. Faced with new dangers, the Afghan women’s team was forced to flee for their lives. That’s where Australian football icon and human rights activist Craig Foster comes in. After hearing their story, Craig became a tireless advocate for the team, helping coordinate their escape and their relocation to safety. With his efforts and the support of many others, these incredible women, including Fatima, were granted asylum and eventually found refuge in Australia, where they could rebuild their lives and their love for football.Today, the Afghan women’s team is in a new chapter—rebuilding from the ground up, training in exile, and keeping their dream alive despite the challenges. But their journey is far from over. Their story is a reminder of how sport transcends borders and can be a lifeline in the fight for justice and equality.This is a conversation not to be missed.

Climate change isn’t just a global crisis—it’s quickly becoming a game-changer in the world of sport. In recent years, athletes across the globe have faced conditions that were once unthinkable, from heatwaves to snowstorms and everything in between.Here in Australia, it’s a stark reality. We’ve seen the AFL, cricket and A-League matches postponed as temperatures soar to dangerous levels, while players from all codes are left to battle the extreme weather patterns that seem to be intensifying year by year. But it's not just about disrupted schedules. It's about the athletes themselves, who are now fighting for more than just a win on the field—they’re fighting for their future.Here in Australia, one athlete is leading the charge to bring the issue of climate change to the forefront of sport. AFLW star Nicola Barr has emerged as a powerful advocate for environmental sustainability. Nicola has used her platform to highlight the urgent need for action, pushing for change not just within AFL but across all sports. Nicola’s work has changed the way many Australians view the intersection of sport and climate change. It’s no longer just a distant problem—it’s a pressing issue that’s affecting the games we love.This is an important conversation not to be missed.

Today, we're going to explore the incredible journey of someone who's reinvented herself time and time again, from elite athlete to motorsport creator.Amy Pejkovic, once a promising high jumper with her eyes set on the London 2012 Olympics, has since become a well known figure in the world of Formula One and motorsports media.But Amy's story is more than just about sports. It's about resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. At just 19, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, throwing her Olympic dreams into jeopardy. What followed was a journey through diagnosis, recovery, and eventual return to the high jump track. But, as life threw her another curveball, COVID 19 disrupting her 2020, Amy found herself discovering a new passion, Formula 1.That shift from athlete to content creator wasn't an easy one, but it marked the beginning of her new career in motorsports.Today, Amy is helping to shape the narrative around motorsports, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring others with her story of reinvention and perseverance. We'll dive into a journey of overcoming adversity, adapting to new challenges, and following new passions.Along the way, we'll explore what it means to pivot in life, to stay determined, and to always find new ways to grow. #f1 #formula1 #motorsports #motorsport #highjump

ICYMI: Momentum's latest guest Tina Rahimi made huge waves last year - for all the right reasons.If she's not on your radar already, Tina is an Australian boxer who participated in the 2022 Commonwealth Games (winning Bronze in the Women's Featherweight Division), and later competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she won the hearts of fans around the world.Tina was also the first woman to represent Australia in a hijab in boxing (just casually). In a move that dominated headlines, Tina spoke up against France's ban on the country's female athletes from wearing hijabs at the Olympics - a move for which she was praised both in Australia and beyond.As well as doing all the above and killing it in general, Tina's also a makeup artist - honestly, could we have a more perfect guest on the show?

Valued at $250 million USD – the highest valuation ever for a women’s professional sports team globally – it goes without saying that Angel City Football Club is a team that stands apart from all other football teams. Kat Sasso sits down with Julie, ACFC's co-founder and President, and the club's Head of PR Stephanie Rudnick to talk about the origins of the team, how they are redefining women's sport and the way it's done - and the progress that still needs to be made. We also ask them - will Australia get it's own Angel City!? Listen to find out.