Burn It All Down

In this episode, Jessica Luther spoke with three women in US rugby: Kerri Heffernan, who has been a part of rugby in the US for many decades and is currently the Chair of the Women’s Rugby Coaches and Referees Association; Kat Aversano, the head coach of the Howard University women’s rugby team; and Alycia Washington, one of the top current players in the US. They discuss the history of the sport, the incredible community among rugby athletes and the growing pains of the game in the U.S. Listen to get ready for the Rugby Union World Cup that starts Saturday, October 8, in New Zealand. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To get exclusive content and support the Burn It All Down podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/

Note: Next week, Burn It All Down has a live show at the University of Notre Dame on October 11. Reserve a free ticket here. In this episode, Shireen Ahmed, Lindsay Gibbs and Jessica Luther dive into the most recent cheating scandals in sport. But first, they talk about where they would put a new franchise of an unestablished sport. Then, they discuss the latest in sports soap operas. First is chess, where a teenage takedown of a longtime world champion, caused said champion to quit a $500,000 tournament. Unfounded rumors around the teenager's cheating include anal beads. Second, is a pro-fishing tournament where winners were caught with prize-winning walleye stuffed with other fish and lead weights to make them heavier. Third, is the wild turn of events at the women's PSG football club, where arrests have been re-made concerning a hired violent attack on a player, that was instigated by a teammate. Fourth is the round-about conversations in the media on what is the true homerun record Aaron Judge is trying

In this episode, Brenda Elsey, Lindsay Gibbs and Jessica Luther dissect Brett Favre's welfare fraud. But first, they talk about what occupation they would have if they weren't an historian and journalists. Then, they discuss how sports have defrauded the public, dissecting the most recent headline about former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre stealing millions from the Mississippi's welfare funds to build a volleyball stadium. They talk about how this story broken by a local investigative reporter, Anna Wolfe, on the poverty beat and how sports media often glosses over corrupt, fraudulent behavior of sports stars. They also discuss similar cases, including the construction of the Buffalo Bills Stadium being paid for largely by New York State taxpayers despite the Bills' owners being billionaires, and they ways Donald Trump used golf courses to facilitate his fraudulent acts. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment about the current 15 players for the National Spanish Women's

In this episode, Lindsay Gibbs interviews Andrew Maraniss, special projects coordinator at Vanderbilt University and author. They discuss his latest book Inaugural Ballers, which tells the story of the 1976 Women’s Olympic Basketball team, who laid the foundation for the rise of women’s sports in the U.S.. This team included many players who would become some of the most legendary figures in the history of basketball like Pat Head Summit, Lusia Harris, Nancy Lieberman, Ann Meyers, coach Billie Moore and beyond. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To get exclusive content and support the Burn It All Down podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook:

In this episode, Lindsay Gibbs, Shireen Ahmed and Jessica Luther break down the recent report on the behavior of Robert Sarver, owner of the Phoenix Mercury and Phoenix Suns basketball teams. But first, they talk about the retirement of tennis great Roger Federer. Then, they dig into a report released by a law firm and commissioned by the NBA to look into allegations of of Robert Sarver's sexist and racist violations of common work place standards. The NBA responded by fining Sarver $10 million and suspending him for one year. The team talks about the damning results including statements from over 100 individuals that witnessed many accounts of sexist, vulgar, and racist behavior by Sarver as well as how Sarver uses the WNBA team the Mercury as a shield for his actions. They also discuss reactions from players, sponsors, and the league, as well as comparable cases of deplorable owners, like Donald Sterling, in recent years. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment about NBA commission

In this episode, Lindsay Gibbs and Sabreena Merchant, W/NBA writer for SB Nation and co-host of The Step Through, break down the rollercoaster of the WNBA playoffs, including Becky Hammon's historic championship title with league MVP A'ja Wilson, playoff MVP Chelsea Gray, and rest of the dynamic Las Vegas Aces team. They also discuss the potential off seasons trades and moves for the Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm and LA Sparks, as well as the potential impact of the CBA's prioritization clause on the 2023 season and players who continue to play overseas in the WBNA off-season. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To get exclusive content and support the Burn It All Down podcast, become a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it

In this episode, Shireen Ahmed and Amira Rose Davis discuss who the sporting world has responded to the death of Queen Elizabeth II. But first, they talk about their favorite recent concerts, including Bad Bunny and a candlelight Vivaldi quartet. Then, they dive into the ways athletes and sporting institutions have reacted to the Queen's death, including messages of reverence and resistance. The also discuss the ways sports like football and cricket have been used by the British monarchy as a tool of colonialism and cultural power, and how former and current common wealth countries have used sport as a way to decolonize themselves from the British throne. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment about Welcome to Wrexham, a documentary about how actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny became heads of the Welsh football club Wrexham. Then, you'll here a preview of this week's interview with Daniel Sailofksy, a sociologist who recently ended his NFL fandom because of the violence in the l

In this episode Shireen Ahmed interviews Daniel Sailofsky, a lecturer in criminology and sociology at Middlesex University London, whose research examines gender and gender-based violence, masculinity, sport sociology and labor, and the sociology of law. They discuss Sailofsky's recent article in The Guardian called, "NFL season is here but I won’t be following anymore. I can’t un-see the harm it causes." They talk about his decision to say goodbye to a longtime NFL fandom, which includes known reports about the damages of CTE to players and the way the league does not care about violence against women perpetrated by the league's members. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown

Before we get into this episode, a content warning. We talk about mental health and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 in the United States or 1-833-456-4566 in Canada. Please take care while listening. In this episode, Amira Rose Davis, Shireen Ahmed and Lindsay Gibbs do a fall sports round-up! But first, they talk about the devastating flooding in Pakistan and water crises in Jackson, Mississippi. For links to resources, visit our website. Then, they discuss the latest news from women's hockey and sled hockey, including the IIHF Women's World Championship, PHF expansion and first ever Sled Hockey Women's World Challenge. They also dive into the thrilling match-ups of the WNBA playoffs, US Open moments and Victoria Azarenka calling out exploitation and abuse in women's tennis. They end the round-up with the latest from women's international friendlies in the lead up to the World Cup. Following this discussion, they preview a special

In this episode, Amira Rose Davis interviews Victoria Jackson, sports historian and Clinical Assistant Professor of History in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies at Arizona State University. They discuss the struggle for power in the NIL system, the college football money machine, the mental health crisis in higher education and how the overturning of Roe vs. Wade will impact collegiate athletes. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPod/; and Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnitalldownpod/ Learn

In this episode, Brenda Elsey and Lindsay Gibbs talk about the latest news from the NWSL and USWNT. But first, they share their reactions to Serena William's first round US Open win. Then, they delve into the most recent controversies and celebrations in women's soccer in the US. They start with the controversies, including criticism over Vlatko Andonovksi USWNT call-ups, the firing of Kris Ward from head coach of the Washington Spirit, and the NWSL Player's Unions filing a grievance over some players' eligibility for free agency. In celebrations, they talk about the record breaking ticket sales for the San Diego Wave vs. Angel City FC match on September 17, exciting developments in new stadiums and the first primetime television deal for the NWSL Championship on October 29. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment about the WNBA playoffs. Then, you'll here a preview of this week's interview with Ana Jurka, a Telemundo Deportes television host, who will be one of the commentators for

In this episode, Brenda Elsey interviews Ana Jurka, an Emmy-nominated sports and entertainment host for Telemundo Deportes, who will be one of the network's commentators for the 2022 Men's World Cup. They discuss her journey from Honduras to Orlando to Qatar and the changes she's seen in fútbol broadcasting. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPod/; and Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnitalldownpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jessica Luther, Shireen Ahmed and Brenda Elsey discuss what's going on (and not going on) as the Men's World Cup in Qatar nears. But first, they share their favorite foods they recently ate. Then, they talk about preparations for the Men's World Cup, which is less than 90 days away from starting on November 20. They discuss the mostly off-the-pitch mess, mystery and general clusterfuck that is happening in Qatar: from ridiculous lodging logistics to human rights violations to the bolstering of security and police in Qatar from around the globe. They also discuss the ways the conservative political regime may or may not confront travelers who break Qatari law and the unknown consequences of the cup for women and LGBTQ folks who live in Qatar. All of these issues are underscored by a lack of journalistic transparency, making the BIAD team wonder how anyone will know what is even going on during the tournament. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment about the Women's U

In this episode, Jessica Luther speaks to Bradford William Davis, an investigations reporter for Insider, about the MLB season so far, including the response to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 80-game suspension for using a performance-enhancing substance, if Aaron Judge is actually chasing a home run record, and how the Baltimore Orioles’ have succeeded at tanking. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPod/; and Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnitalldownpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Lindsay Gibbs talks with Maggie Hendricks, writer for Bally Sports. They preview the eight teams that qualified for the WNBA playoffs, which started on Wednesday night, and discuss their playoff predictions. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPod/; and Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnitalldownpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Burn It All Down is Back from summer break! In this episode Lindsay Gibbs, Amira Rose Davis, Shireen Ahmed and Jessica Luther talk about the huge retirement announcements that have happened this summer. But first, they share their favorite Serena moments from her 27 year tennis career. Then, they reflect on the retirement of the GOAT, Serena Williams; the most decorated US track and field athlete, Allyson Felix; WNBA rebound leader and indomitable center, Sylvia Fowles; WNBA assists and career-starts leader, Sue Bird; and F1 racing legend, Seb Vettel. They discuss the ways these athletes dominated their sports, broke barriers on and off the field of play, and changed the world. Following this discussion, they preview a special Patreon segment where they talk about Shireen's summer wedding and Amira's ESPY experience. Then, you'll here a preview of this week's interview about the WNBA playoffs with Maggie Hendricks of Bally Sports. Next, the burn some of the worst in sports this summer on the Burn Pile. Then,

In this episode, Lindsay Gibbs interviews BIAD's own Brenda Elsey, Associate Professor of History at Hofstra University and co-author of Futbolera: Women, Sports, and Sexuality in Latin America. about the 2022 Women's Copa America tournament. They discuss tournament play, including Brazil's 1-0 victory over host-country Colombia in the final. The also talk about the challenges that women's football clubs in Latin America face in getting representation, equity and safety in the game. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPo

In this episode, Amira Rose Davis talks with Kristen Lappas, an Emmy award-winning director and producer about her latest film, Dream On, a three-part documentary from ESPN's 30 for 30 about the 1996 USA women's basketball team journey to Olympic gold. They discuss what it like to interview all members of the team, including legends like Lisa Leslie, Dawn Staley and Rebecca Lobo. They also dive into how memory and remember play a role in the narrative and the ways this team are the "Hidden Figures" of basketball. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: w

In this episode, Brenda Elsey interviews Evan Whitfield, former Chicago Fire FC defender as the new VP of Equity, Alumni and Engagement for the club. They discuss Chicago Fire FC's DEI programming efforts in the club and in the city of Chicago, the need for more bilingual MLS websites and why jobs like his are important. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our website: www.burnitalldownpod.com To help support the Burn It All Down podcast, please consider becoming a patron: www.patreon.com/burnitalldown For BIAD merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/burn-it-all-down/ Find us on Twitter: twitter.com/BurnItDownPod; Facebook: www.facebook.com/BurnItAllDownPod/; and Instagram: www.instagram.com/burnitalldownpod/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jessica Luther talks Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Kate Veronneau about the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which is the first time in over 30 years women have been allowed to compete under the Tour de France brand name. Ashleigh is a pro-cyclist from South Africa with Team SD Worx. She won first place in the first ever eSports World Championships in 2020. Kate is the Director of Women's Strategy at Zwift, the sponsor of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The Tour De France Femme Avec Zwift begins on July 24 in Paris and runs until July 31. They discuss how Kate and Ash came to cycling, the challenges women's professional cycling has faced in getting consistent exposure in the media, and the ways virtual cycling has helped grow a fanbase for the women's circuit. This episode was produced by Tressa Versteeg. Shelby Weldon is our social media and website specialist. Burn It All Down is part of the Blue Wire podcast network. For show notes, transcripts, and more info about BIAD, check out our