As the WNBA season wraps up, the league's remarkable growth is impossible to ignore—TV viewership has tripled, and social media is buzzing with highlights that have captured the attention of both longtime fans and newcomers. Join Kavitha Davidson as she dives into the history of the WNBA, examining its highs and lows while highlighting efforts to expand viewership, enhance marketing strategies, and leverage star power. There's much more to this story than just the "Caitlin Clark Effect"! Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the delicious overlap of food and sports culture centered around the iconic stadium hot dog. Kavitha, a self-proclaimed foodie and die-hard sports fan, shares her personal experiences, including highlights from the MLB Food Fest, where unique dishes like the Yankees’ adobo pork belly bun and the Oakland A’s Belgian waffle Monte Cristo made a big impression. But let’s be honest—at a baseball game, there’s still nothing quite like a classic hot dog. So, why is that? How did this simple street food become such an integral part of America’s favorite pastime? Kavitha talks about this and a lot more! Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Kavitha A. Davidson explores the lives of Walter Achiu and Art Matsu, two of the earliest Asians in American professional sports. Their stories blend remarkable successes with the experience of otherness, reflecting both the celebration of their talents and the targeting of their differences. The episode also explores the experiences of modern Asian American athletes, including Jeremy Lin, and the rise of anti-Asian hate post-COVID. This episode sheds light on the historical and contemporary context of Asians in American sports and the ongoing relevance of these issues today. ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part Two of our Olympics series, host Kavitha A. Davidson continues exploring how sports are chosen for the Olympic Games. This week, Sportly dives into the intriguing addition of breaking—commonly known as breakdancing—to the Paris 2024 Olympics. She examines the rise of breaking from its roots in the Bronx in the 1970s as a pillar of hip-hop culture to its global spread and eventual acceptance by the International Olympic Committee. Through history and cultural commentary, Kavitha uncovers the cultural and social significance of breaking and addresses the controversies surrounding its inclusion in the Olympics. Does this newfound visibility honor and uplift breaking and hip-hop culture, or does it risk commodifying a deeply expressive art form? ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Olympics episode of Sportly, host Kavitha A. Davidson dives into the fascinating process of how sports are chosen for the Olympic Games. From the historic debut of women's skateboarding at Tokyo 2020 to the introduction of breaking in Paris 2024, Kavitha explores the evolution of the Olympic program and the criteria determining which sports make the cut. Through captivating historical stories and insightful analysis, she uncovers the rich history of the Olympics, from its ancient roots to its modern-day transformations. Join Kavitha as she journeys through time and discover how the Olympics continue to adapt and grow with each passing year. Stay tuned for more Olympics stories! ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the bleachers of Comiskey Park, where the Boston Red Sox face off against the Chicago Cubs in the 1918 World Series. With America deep in the throes of World War I, baseball offers a brief escape from the harsh realities of war and loss. This pivotal game, featuring Babe Ruth as the Red Sox’s starting pitcher, also marks the moment when the Star-Spangled Banner begins its journey to becoming an iconic part of American sports. Join Sportly host Kavitha Davidson as she explores the history of playing the national anthem at sporting events in the wake of World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and 9/11. Davidson examines how these moments have sparked both unity and protest throughout U.S. history. Listen to how athletes have used their platforms to unite and challenge the status quo, shedding light on the complex relationship between national identity, patriotism, and sports ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the pilot episode of Sportly, sports journalist Kavitha A. Davidson explores the complex world of cricket, a sport deeply intertwined with politics, history, colonialism, and pop culture. Despite its limited popularity in the U.S., cricket is the second most popular sport globally. With 2024 marking the first time the USA will host an ICC event, the episode sets the stage for a deep dive into cricket’s global phenomenon. Kavitha highlights the intense and historic rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has captivated millions since their partition over 70 years ago. She shares personal anecdotes and recounts her family’s deep passion for cricket, especially during the World Cup. The episode traces cricket’s origins from the English countryside to its establishment in British India, exploring its rise in South Asian pop culture. Listeners will learn about iconic sports heroes, blockbuster films, and the sport’s massive economic impact. It’s a captivating story of colonization, media influence, celebrity culture, and international rivalry. ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther & Kavitha A Davidson I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production. For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Embark on a unique exploration of the world of sports with Sportly, a dynamic podcast by Immigrantly Media that transcends the typical focus on scoreboards and statistics. Accompany our host, Kavitha A Davidson, an Emmy award-winning sports journalist, on a journey through the intriguing narratives that underpin the games we adore, from iconic moments to lesser-known treasures. With each episode, we will go beyond the superficial, delving into the lives of legendary athletes, the cultural impact of sports, and the untold stories that shape the very nature of competition. Whether the challenges immigrants face shattering barriers or the victories that bring nations together, we reveal the human aspect of sports in a way that’s never been done before. Experience the adrenaline, the passion, and the emotion as we delve into the rich tapestry of sports history. From the court to the field, the arena to the pitch, Sportly promises to deliver captivating conversations that inspire and enlighten you. Episodes are released weekly on Mondays starting July 15, 2024. Host: Kavitha A. Davidson |Producer: Saadia Khan | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Michaela Staruther & Kavitha A.Davidson I Editorial Review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Steve Martin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Design: Sarah DiMichele For advertising inquiries, reach us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Kavitha Davidson explores the dynamic world of Formula 1 by revisiting the electrifying 1984 Monaco Grand Prix—a dramatic showcase of the sport's inherent danger and unpredictability. But F1 is more than speed; it's a fusion of technology, design, and strategy, embodied by legends like Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton. These icons transformed the track and ignited crucial conversations on diversity and inclusion in sports. As F1’s popularity surges in the United States, thanks in part to the Netflix show Drive to Survive, we explore how this global sport reshapes American engagement with race cars. With the upcoming United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, looming, we ask: Can Red Bull maintain its dominance, or is change on the horizon? Should Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari team up to create the next great F1 dynasty? Tune in as Kavitha guides us through the thrilling past, present, and future of Formula 1. Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Kavitha sits down with Nicole Teeny—a queer Lebanese-American filmmaker, ultramarathon runner, and the host of the ESPN 30 for 30 podcast series GIRL v. HORSE. Nicole sets an audacious goal in this four-part series: to race a horse in a 50-mile ultramarathon. But it’s not just about the finish line—this journey represents a deeply personal quest to reclaim her body and redefine resilience after an epilepsy diagnosis. Kavitha and Nicole discuss what it takes to train for such an unconventional race, the emotional ups and downs, and feeling connected to Horses. The conversation is as much about grit as it is about healing. Expect laughs, raw moments, and a powerful reminder that pushing boundaries—whether in sports or life—is often the greatest victory of all. Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, Kavitha Davidson continues the captivating two-part series on the rise of the NFL. After exploring the league’s humble beginnings in Part I, this episode dives into how the NFL evolved into a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut. From landmark television deals that brought the game into homes across America to the development of the Super Bowl as the country’s biggest sports spectacle, Kavitha traces the key moments that fueled the NFL’s meteoric growth. Discover how the league attracted millions of fans, secured its dominance in American sports culture, and became the most valuable sports organization in the U.S. today. Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With football season kicking off in full swing, it's the perfect time to dive into the NFL's rich history. From its humble beginnings as the underdog to becoming a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse, we break it down. In this first part of our two-part series, we will rewind the clock and explore the league's early history—the founding of its original teams (many of which are no longer around) and how the NFL fought for survival in a country dominated by college football. We'll also discuss the league's financial struggles and how it went from being an afterthought to a significant part of American culture. Join our host, Kavitha Davidson, as she uncovers the grit behind the gridiron in the NFL's formative years, setting the stage for the juggernaut it is today. And make sure to tune in next week for part two, where we'll cover the NFL's rise to the top. Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson welcomes Dr. Nefertiti Walker, a former NCAA Division I basketball star and renowned organizational culture and equity scholar. Dr. Walker shares her journey from her early basketball days to her collegiate success at Georgia Tech and Stetson University and how she transitioned from player to scholar, now shaping inclusive environments at the University of Massachusetts. In addition to discussing her new book, Slaying the Trolls!, Dr. Walker tackles pressing issues in women’s sports, including the evolving landscape of the WNBA. As rising stars like Caitlin Clark prepare to join the league, Dr. Walker offers her perspective on how the WNBA can embrace diversity and grow its influence while supporting athletes from marginalized identities. Join them for a compelling conversation about sports, scholarship, and the future of women’s basketball. ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you get when two friends, a wiffle ball, and a summer day collide? The answer is pickleball—a sport born from a moment of boredom in 1965 that’s now taking the world by storm. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the quirky origins of pickleball, exploring how this simple backyard game invented by Joel Pritchard has become America’s fastest-growing sport. From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island to celebrity-filled tournaments and public park controversies, Kavitha uncovers the story behind the paddle and how a game meant to pass the time is now passing records. Whether you're a seasoned pickler or just pickle-curious, this episode will undoubtedly offer some fascinating insights. Get ready to volley with history! ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson welcomes our first interview guest, acclaimed sports journalist and author Jessica W. Luther. Known for her work at the intersection of sports, gender, race, and ethics, Jessica provides valuable insights into today’s pressing sports issues. Kavitha and Jessica discuss recent controversies involving Olympic athletes Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting, the rise of the WNBA, and Dearica Hamby’s recent lawsuit. They also explore the complex dynamics of sex and gender in sports, what fans often overlook, and the challenges of covering stories that blend sports and other pressing issues such as gender parity. Don’t miss this honest conversation between two passionate sports fans who openly discuss their love for the game and the flaws within major sports institutions. ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, the host, Kavitha Davidson, explores the grueling 150-mile race through the Sahara Desert, focusing on Duncan Slater, a British runner who became the first double amputee to attempt this legendary event. Kavitha traces the Marathon des Sables' origins from founder Patrick Bauer's pioneering trek in 1984 to the official race's inception in 1986. The episode also highlights the achievements of the Ahansal brothers, Lahcen and Mohamad, who have dominated the race, and Mauro Prosperi's incredible survival story after being lost in the desert for days. Join her as she explores the stories of grit and endurance that define this epic event. Through personal accounts and historical insights, she uncovers the essence of pushing human limits in one of the harshest environments on Earth, celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Marathon des Sables. ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson breaks down the moment that changed American soccer forever: Paul Caligiuri's "Shot Heard' Round the World." This iconic goal, which ended the U.S. men's soccer team's forty-year World Cup drought, highlights a much larger story—the powerful influence of immigrant players and their families on American soccer. From their unique skills and global experience to their resilience and passion, foreign-born players have been the backbone of the sport's rise in the U.S. Kavitha explores what makes America's soccer scene so appealing to immigrant athletes, the cultural impact they bring, and how they've shaped the game we know today. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lacrosse didn’t begin in prep-school hallways or elite East Coast programs; its roots sit firmly with the Haudenosaunee, the Indigenous creators of North America’s oldest sport. As lacrosse returns to the Olympic stage for the first time in 75 years, the community that invented the game may once again be left on the sidelines. In this episode of Sportly, the host Kavitha Davidson dives into the powerful, often erased history of lacrosse, from a thousand-year-old ceremonial game to the packed 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship on Haudenosaunee land. The episode revisits the rise of the Thompson Brothers, the dominance of box lacrosse, and the political battles that have kept Indigenous athletes from competing under their own flag. Now, with the introduction of Lacrosse Sixes and the 2028 LA Olympics on the horizon, a defining question emerges: Will the Olympics finally allow the Haudenosaunee Nationals to compete as a sovereign team? Featuring gripping storytelling, historical context, and the voices of players who have carried this game for generations, this episode explores not just a sport but a movement for recognition, sovereignty, and justice. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Script Writer: Irene Bantigue & Kavitha Davidson |Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Research: Irene Bantigue & Paroma Chakravarty | Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  Sportly IG @sportlypod Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steph Curry is officially leaving Under Armour, ending one of the most surprising and influential athlete-brand partnerships in modern sports history. But how did a relationship that reshaped sneaker culture, revived an apparel company, and built a $173 million business line come undone? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson breaks down the full story  from the now-infamous Nike meeting where executives called him “Stefan,” to Curry becoming the face of Under Armour, to the brand’s recent struggles, and why analysts say UA “never understood sneaker culture.”  We explore: The botched Nike pitch that pushed Curry toward Under Armour How Steph’s signature shoes became a billion-dollar footwear engine Why Under Armour’s leadership was seen as out of touch with basketball and hip-hop culture What Curry’s move means for the future of the Curry Brand Whether we’re entering a new athlete era where stars become owners, not endorsers like Serena Williams, Tom Brady, and Dwyane Wade. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty ITheme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  Sportly IG @sportlypod Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keep up with Sportly on Instagram: @sportlypod Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://hyphenly.beehiiv.com On this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson takes listeners deep into the history of free agency across Major League Baseball, the NBA, and the NFL. From Catfish Hunter’s landmark arbitration case to Kurt Flood’s Supreme Court battle and the Oscar Robertson rule, this story unpacks how athletes fought back against restrictive contracts and the reserve clause. Discover the pivotal role of player unions, collective bargaining, and legal challenges in shaping the freedoms athletes enjoy today—and why these battles still matter in modern sports. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @sportlypod Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson sits down with award-winning journalist and advocate Shireen Ahmed to explore the intersections of immigrant identity, sports fandom, and equity in athletics. From Hockey Canada’s reckoning to the rise of South Asian basketball, from France’s hijab ban to the growth of women’s sports in Toronto, Shireen shares powerful stories that challenge how we see the games we love. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Kavitha Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special solo episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson steps out from the sidelines to share her most unforgettable sports moments of the year from her 20th straight US Open and Venus Williams’ inspiring return to the electric energy of Opening Day at Yankee Stadium, the Knicks’ playoff frenzy at Madison Square Garden, and the Liberty’s championship parade down the Canyon of Heroes. Through laughter, loss, and nostalgia, Kavitha shows how sports are more than games—they’re about New York, community, and the memories that shape us. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the vibes, this is a heartfelt ride through the city that never stops cheering. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Kavitha Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://hyphenly.beehiiv.com Women’s sports aren’t a “niche” anymore, they’re a booming business. In this episode of Sportly, Kavitha Davidson talks with Jane McManus, a longtime journalist, ESPN alum, and director of Marist College’s Center for Sports Communication, about her new book The Fast Track: Inside the Surging Business of Women’s Sports. McManus has seen it all, from covering the New York Jets at the Daily News to teaching the next generation of reporters at Columbia University. She breaks down how the WNBA and women’s soccer went from second-thought coverage to record valuations (the Seattle Reign recently sold for $500 million), why Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese represent more than just on-court talent, and how fans, especially Gen Z, are reshaping the economics of the game. They also dive into the tension between journalism and cheerleading in covering women’s sports, the WNBA’s ongoing collective bargaining fight, and why Venus Williams still redefines what’s possible at 44. If you want to understand the money, media, and momentum behind women’s sports today, this conversation is the perfect playbook. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” to Venus Williams’ historic push at Wimbledon, women athletes have fought tirelessly for equal pay. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson explores how Billie Jean King, the “Original 9,” and Venus Williams challenged tennis’ biggest institutions and how their activism paved the way for equal prize money at all four Grand Slams. But the fight didn’t stop there. Kavitha also traces the movement beyond tennis, from the US Women’s National Team’s lawsuit against U.S. Soccer to the WNBA players’ demand for fair revenue sharing. Tune in as the episode uncovers the victories, setbacks, and ongoing battles shaping the future of pay equity in sports. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://hyphenly.beehiiv.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before JJ Watt became an NFL star, he was a promising hockey player. Before Michelle Kwan became a world champion, her family made an unthinkable sacrifice. Add Olympic speed skater Emily Scott’s fight to stay in the game, and you get a story about the real price of sports dreams. In this Sportly episode, host Kavitha Davidson does a deep dive into the surprising financial roadblocks that nearly stopped these athletes and why talent isn’t the only thing it takes to win. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below https://hyphenly.beehiiv.com From 1940s champions like the Rockford Peaches to Mo’ne Davis’s Little League World Series shutout, women have been rewriting baseball history for over a century. Host Kavitha Davidson uncovers the rivalries, rule changes, and unsung pioneers, including Jackie Mitchell and Toni Stone, who proved the game was never just for men, and explores the fight to bring women’s baseball back to the professional stage. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty & Shei Yu I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Nicholas Black, Shei Yu, & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ At the 2025 BLAST.TV Austin Major, one of the most-watched Counter-Strike tournaments in history, a team from Mongolia shocked the eSports world. The Mongolz, a scrappy underdog squad, defeated powerhouse FaZe Clan and became the first Mongolian team to reach a Major semifinal. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into their improbable journey from LAN cafés in Darkhan to the global spotlight. With exclusive insight into the world of Counter-Strike 2, this story captures national pride, international recognition, and the evolution of eSports across borders. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty & Shei Yu I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Nicholas Black, Shei Yu, & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Joseph Ruelas I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ With the new season of America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders out on Netflix, there’s been a lot of conversation around pay equity, body standards, and what it really takes to be a professional cheerleader. So this is the perfect moment to revisit one of our favorite episodes. It dives into the complex, often contradictory world of cheerleading, where empowerment and exploitation can collide in surprising ways.  Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ Why does Wimbledon still require all-white outfits? Why do fans queue overnight just for a chance to buy tickets? And what do strawberries and cream have to do with elite tennis? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson serves up the fascinating traditions that make Wimbledon unlike any other Grand Slam. From Roger Federer’s orange soles to Serena Williams’ red shorts, this episode dives into the dress code controversies, the history of strawberries, and the passion behind the iconic Wimbledon queue. Kavitha also explores how this storied tournament is slowly evolving on its own terms. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson investigates the rapidly unraveling world of NBA betting, where a player’s performance, injury reports, and gambling odds collide in ways that threaten the game itself. From Terry Rozier’s flagged exit and Jontay Porter’s ban for betting on his own games to sweeping federal indictments and mafia-backed gambling rings, this story isn’t just about bad actors; it’s about a league that opened the door to legal sports betting and may have lost control of the consequences. We dig into: The prop bet explosion and why it’s warping the game How gambling companies became major NBA partners Why legal betting isn’t the safeguard it claims to be What the UK and Ireland are doing better and why the U.S. is failing How players are now both targets and potential liabilities Listen to our previous episode explaining the history of sports betting in the US: Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  Sportly IG @sportlypod Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ What happens when McLaren lets its star drivers race without limits and Red Bull doesn’t? In this special F1 season episode, Sportly dives deep into one of the most controversial aspects of Formula 1- driver management. From Lando Norris's dramatic crash at the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix to Ferrari’s infamous 2002 team orders scandal, host Kavitha Davidson unpacks the high-stakes strategies that define and sometimes destroy the world’s most elite racing teams. Whether you're Team Norris, Team Verstappen, or just F1-curious, this episode is your pit stop for drama, power plays, and speed. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Paroma Chakravarty I Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Emmanuelle Monahan I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ What happens when national pride meets global identity? Morocco’s epic World Cup run in 2022 wasn’t just a Cinderella story; it was a masterclass in building a team from abroad. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson unpacks how foreign-born players are transforming international soccer. From FIFA’s game-changing rule tweaks to Qatar and the UAE’s controversial recruiting strategies, we are asking, where’s the line between heritage and hired guns? With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, get ready for the politics, pride, and power plays shaping the future of the sport. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Shahmeer Nawaz I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and  Visit Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. In this episode of Sportly, we dive into the unlikely journey of baseball from a symbol of American soft power to a global phenomenon dominated by Japan. Host Kavitha Davidson traces the game’s roots in Meiji-era Japan, unpacks how post-WWII baseball diplomacy shaped U.S.–Japan relations, and revisits iconic moments—from Babe Ruth’s tour to Shohei Ohtani’s World Baseball Classic showdown with Mike Trout. With history, culture, and politics all in play, we ask: does baseball still belong to America, or has Japan truly made it its own? It is a must-listen for fans of sports history, geopolitics, and epic underdog wins. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Shahmeer Nawaz I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and  Visit Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. We are back with one of our fan-favorite episodes in honor of baseball season! This week, Sportly takes you on a delicious deep dive into the surprising history of America's most iconic ballpark snack —the hot dog. From its German immigrant roots to its rise as the ultimate stadium food, discover how this simple street food became synonymous with Major League Baseball. This episode explores its evolution through economic hardship, celebrity endorsements (yes, Babe Ruth!), wild stadium variations like the Texas Rangers' BoomStick and Arizona’s churro dog, and the cultural power of tailgating. Whether you are a foodie, a baseball fanatic, or just curious about how food shapes fandom, this episode is your ultimate guide to the legendary ballpark hot dog. Come back next week for a brand new Sportly episode about the rise of baseball in Japan! Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Jonathan Hazel, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast⁠ channel ⁠for insightful podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Follow us on X @immigrantly_pod. IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠ This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and  Visit Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. From Fitbits to Apple Watches to GPS-powered vests, wearable tech has revolutionized how athletes train, recover, and compete. But with data comes power and risk. In this episode, host Kavitha Davidson dives deep into how devices like Catapult's wearable vests are reshaping pro and amateur sports, from Duke basketball to high school football in Georgia. The episode explores the promise of injury prevention, the pressure of player monitoring, and the growing ethical debate over data, privacy, and fairness. Is this the future of peak performance or surveillance disguised as progress? Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Shahmeer Nawaz I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. In this vibrant episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson chats with Miriam Walker Khan, sprinter-turned-journalist, host of Real Talk (Sky Sports), and founder of Brown Girl Sport, a platform dedicated to celebrating South Asian women and girls in sports. They talk about everything from winning sprint races in glittery platform sneakers to reporting on England’s controversial transgender football ban. Miriam opens up about how Bend It Like Beckham changed her life, why she got a javelin tattoo after reporting on the Olympics, and what it means to challenge lazy stereotypes like “South Asians don’t play football.” Whether she’s hosting panels at Chelsea FC or covering hard-hitting issues like race, inclusion, and gender in sport, Miriam is reshaping what representation looks like, one story at a time. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠. Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter Hyphenly; it's our no-fluff love letter with hot takes, heartfelt stories, and all the feels of living in between cultures. Come for the nuance, stay for the vibes! Link below ⁠https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Why is field hockey considered a women’s sport in the U.S.? What does that say about gender, race, and access to athletics? In this episode of Sportly, the host, Kavitha Davidson, explores the surprising history of field hockey, from its Victorian-era scandal to its role in Title IX and the first NCAA women’s championship. The episode reveals how one British woman, Constance Applebee, revolutionized women’s sports and how class and racial divides complicate field hockey’s legacy. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele   Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠.   Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe to Hyphenly, our latest newsletter that explores the real, everyday experiences of immigrant identity. You will find honest opinions, real stories, and perspectives that don’t follow a script. : https://immigrantlys-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly⁠⁠ The 151st Kentucky Derby brought the usual spectacle — record crowds, outrageous hats, and a dramatic finish. But beyond the mint juleps and million-dollar bets lies a sport in crisis. In this episode, Kavitha Davidson unpacks the sharp contrast between Churchill Downs' pageantry and the steady decline of horse racing across America. From track closures to growing concerns over animal welfare, we ask: can the Derby’s magic survive when the rest of the industry is falling apart? Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele   Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠.   Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ & ⁠Spotify⁠ to help more people find us!    Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠channel ⁠for insightful podcasts.    Follow us on ⁠social media⁠ for updates and behind-the-scenes content.   You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠   Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly   IG @immigrantlypods   Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production   For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. The 2025 Marathon des Sables just wrapped earlier this month, drawing global attention once again to one of the most grueling endurance races on Earth. So, we’re bringing back a powerful episode that dives into the race’s wild origin story, harrowing survival tales, and the inspiring legacy of athletes like Duncan Slater, the first double amputee to finish the race. This episode covers the 150-mile trek through Morocco’s Sahara Desert and the runners who push beyond every imaginable limit, from bat blood and sandstorms to stories of resilience and redemption. Whether you’re a runner, a thrill-seeker, or just someone fascinated by extreme human feats—this story is for you.   Press play and enter the desert! Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!    Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.    Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.   You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com   Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly   IG @immigrantlypods   Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production   For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. It’s Marathon Monday in Boston, and we’re diving deep into the legacy of the world’s most iconic footrace. In this episode of Sportly, Kavitha Davidson breaks down what makes the Boston Marathon so special, from its historic first race in 1897 to the Wellesley Scream Tunnel, Heartbreak Hill, and the spirit of resilience that followed the 2013 bombing. The episode explores what it takes to qualify, how the race has evolved, and why it continues to hold a near-mythic status among runners. Whether you’re racing today or cheering from the sidelines, this one’s for you.   Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele   Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com.   Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!    Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.    Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content.   You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com   Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly   IG @immigrantlypods   Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production   For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson takes you into the world of Buzkashi, beyond the dust and spectacle to uncover how a game played with a headless goat became a symbol of Afghan pride, politics, and power. From its rumored roots in Genghis Khan’s army to its modern-day revival under Taliban rule, Buzkashi mirrors Afghanistan itself, proud, complex, and deeply resilient. Discover how elite riders rise from poverty to fame, why warlords and politicians have long used the sport to cement control, and what ethical questions continue to divide fans and critics alike. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Script Writer: Emmanuelle Monahan I Producer: Paroma Chakravarty I Executive Producer: Saadia Khan | Fact Checking and Research: Irene Bantigue I Paroma Chakravarty I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Please share the love and leave us a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠kavitha@immigrantlypod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly  Sportly IG @sportlypod Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. From rugged mountain cliffs to neon-lit climbing gyms, the story of rock climbing is a wild ascent through rebellion, rivalry, and resilience. In this episode of Sportly, Kavitha Davidson takes us on a gripping journey from Yosemite’s dirtbag era to the Tokyo Olympics, spotlighting Slovenian phenom Janja Garnbret—the world’s first female Olympic climbing champion. This episode dives into the roots of bouldering, the ethics wars between purists and pragmatists, and how this once niche underground movement became a billion-dollar industry and global sensation. Whether you're a gym rat or just vibing with climbing TikTok, this is a story of movement, mindset, and the magnetic pull of the wall. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Pilates may be marketed as a path to wellness and elegance—but who is it really for? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson explores the complicated racial and cultural history of Pilates, from its roots in an internment camp to its modern-day status as the go-to fitness trend for affluent white women. Kavitha traces the hidden contributions of Black pioneers like Kathy Grant and the rise of inclusive movements like Black Girl Pilates. What does it mean when an exercise promising strength and balance becomes a symbol of exclusion? And how can we reclaim it for everyone?  Tune in for a deep dive into the aesthetics of wellness, the myth of the “Pilates body,” and how women of color are reshaping the future of fitness. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is brought to you by Zocdoc. Stop putting off those doctor appointments and visit http://Zocdoc.com/Sportly to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. What do wrestling, tag, martial arts, and breath control have in common? Kabaddi! In this adrenaline-pumping episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the thrilling world of Kabaddi, a centuries-old Indian sport now making international headlines. From its mythological roots in the Mahabharata to its modern-day revival through the Pro Kabaddi League, we trace Kabaddi’s incredible journey across history, culture, and continents. You will meet fearless raiders, strategic defenders, and incredible women breaking barriers through the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or have heard “kabaddi, kabaddi, kabaddi” for the first time, this episode will leave you breathless — literally. Tune in to learn why this high-octane game is more than just a sport; it’s a movement.   Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What started as a way to chase down dinner has turned into everything from a lifestyle flex to a way to find love. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the surprising history of running, from ancient messengers and Olympic legends to modern-day run clubs that double as dating mixers. Kavitha unpacks how running got its glow-up, why it's become a status symbol, and who still gets left out of the picture. Whether you’re a marathoner, a hot girl walker, or just wondering what all the hype is about, this one’s for you Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai| Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantly IG @immigrantlypods Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey everyone, I’m Saadia Khan, a producer of Sportly. Since pickleball is about to take over parks everywhere, we’re bringing back one of our favorite episodes of the Sportly. Whether you’re already hooked or just wondering what all the hype is about, this one’s worth another listen. And don’t worry—Sportly will return with a brand-new episode next week. See you then! What do you get when two friends, a wiffle ball, and a summer day collide? The answer is pickleball—a sport born from a moment of boredom in 1965 that’s now taking the world by storm. In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the quirky origins of pickleball, exploring how this simple backyard game invented by Joel Pritchard has become America’s fastest-growing sport. From its humble beginnings on Bainbridge Island to celebrity-filled tournaments and public park controversies, Kavitha uncovers the story behind the paddle and how a game meant to pass the time is now passing records. Whether you're a seasoned pickler or just pickle-curious, this episode will undoubtedly offer some fascinating insights. Get ready to volley with history! ___ Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March Madness is around the corner, and College Sports insider Nicole Auerbach joins host Kavitha Davidson to break it all down. They cover everything from the biggest men’s and women’s tournament storylines to the shifting landscape of NIL and athlete compensation. What teams should you watch? How has NIL changed the game? And what’s next for college sports under the current administration? Get ready for expert analysis, bold predictions, and a deep dive into the business behind the game. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writer: Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantlypodcast IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to legalize sports betting, millions of Americans, especially young men, have been drawn into a rapidly growing industry that rakes in billions. But at what cost? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives deep into the rise of compulsive gambling, the history of sports betting scandals, and the policies fueling today’s public health crisis. With first-hand accounts from recovering addicts and insights from experts, we explore the consequences of this digital gambling boom and what can be done to curb its dangers. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producer: Saadia Khan I Associate Producer: Andreea Coscai I Content Writers: Nicholas Black & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantlypodcast IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey, Sportly listeners! We’ve got a special treat for you today from our friends at Next Chapter Podcasts. We are bringing you an episode of BEEF with Bridget Todd, a podcast where Business Wars meets pop culture history. In this episode, BEEF takes us inside one of the most legendary showdowns in sports entertainment: the battle between wrestling tycoon Vince McMahon and media mogul Ted Turner. Their fight over WWF and WCW turned cable television into a high-stakes battleground, forever changing the world of professional wrestling. We know you love the storytelling and personalities that make Sportly so exciting, so we think you’ll love this episode. BEEF with Bridget Todd is a part of Next Chapter Podcasts. BEEF is an original scripted non-fiction storytelling podcast where Business Wars meets pop culture history.  Award-winning host Bridget Todd tells the stories of legends in their fields and how they tried to stomp out their competition only to find that their enemies become the driving force behind their success, ultimately changing the world as we know it. Hosted by Bridget Todd Written by James "Sam" Levine Editing & Sound Design by Pete Musto Produced by Benjamin Austin-Docampo Created by Executive Producer Jeremiah Tittle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to be the fastest in the world—without ever leaving your chair? In this episode of Sportly, host Kavitha Davidson dives into the high-stakes world of speedrunning, where milliseconds separate gaming legends from the rest. Kavitha breaks down Niftski’s record-breaking Super Mario Bros. run, explores the history of speedrunning from arcade halls to Twitch streams, and uncovers top players’ mind-blowing strategies to push gaming to its limits.  Plus, meet Zero Master, the greatest Doom speedrunner of all time, and learn how the speedrunning community is shaping the future of gaming. Listen now and join the race. Host: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha A. Davidson I Fact Checking and Research: Jonathan Hazel & Suhasini Patni I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Graphic Designer: Sarah DiMichele Join us as we create new intellectual engagement for our audience. You can get more information at http://immigrantlypod.com. Please share the love and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts & Spotify to help more people find us!  Remember to subscribe to our Apple podcast channel for insightful podcasts.  Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. You can reach the host, Kavitha, at kavitha@immigrantlypod.com Follow us on TikTok @immigrantlypodcast IG @immigrantlymedia Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices