The Winded Podcast | Sports Talk Interviews and Sports Media Stories – Details, episodes & analysis

Sammy Smith joins The Winded Podcast to talk about coming home to Massachusetts and signing with the Boston Legacy, the city’s new NWSL expansion team. In this episode, Sammy shares her journey from Hanson, Massachusetts to Boston College, Texas A&M, and professional soccer in Iceland before landing back in Boston on a two-year deal. She opens up about what it means to represent her home region, build something from the ground up with an expansion club, and play in front of Boston fans at Gillette Stadium.

We also talk about her success in Iceland, the transition into the NWSL, the culture being built with the Boston Legacy, and why this is such an exciting moment for women’s sports in Boston. Sammy shares thoughts on growing up on the South Shore, the recruiting process, learning through challenges, and what it is like to play against some of the biggest names in women’s soccer.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in women’s soccer, the NWSL, Boston Legacy, women in sports, Boston sports, college soccer, professional soccer overseas, and the growth of women’s sports in New England.

Guest links:
https://www.instagram.com/sammysmlth/
https://www.instagram.com/bostonlegacyfc/

Bekah Shininger joins The Winded Podcast to talk about her life as a marathon runner, pacer, content creator, and Columbus Blue Jackets ice girl. In this episode, Bekah shares what it takes to pace a marathon, how she helps runners hit major goals, and why building community through running has become such a big part of her journey. She also opens up about balancing endurance sports, social media, and life in the sports world while staying authentic to herself.

We also talk about her recent experience pacing the Eugene Marathon, running with asthma, how she built a strong running community online, and what people misunderstand about being an ice girl. Bekah shares insight into marathon preparation, brand partnerships, social media growth, and the mental side of endurance sports. The conversation also covers women in sports, content creation, and the power of showing personality instead of just performance.

This episode is perfect for anyone interested in marathon running, pacing, women in sports, social media, endurance training, fitness content, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and building a real community online.

Guest links:

https://www.instagram.com/bekinreallife/

https://www.tiktok.com/@bekah.marathonrunnergirl

Rae joins The Winded Podcast to talk about how she blends her passions for hockey, baking, Olympic coverage, and storytelling into a unique content brand. In this episode, Rae shares how she balances multiple interests, why staying true to what you genuinely enjoy matters, and how social media has helped her connect with people through sports and food content.

We talk about hockey culture in Dallas, the growth of the Dallas Stars fan base, the creativity behind baking content, and why Olympic and Paralympic storytelling has become such an important part of her platform. Rae also shares thoughts on doing content for fun, building community online, and creating content that reflects who you really are.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in hockey, baking, Olympic coverage, Paralympics, sports fandom, content creation, social media, sports storytelling, and finding ways to combine multiple passions into one platform.

Guest links:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@raedw11
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raedw11

Elyse joins The Winded Podcast to share her journey from social media creator to entrepreneur, photographer, and brand builder. In this episode, she talks about how she built her platform across TikTok and Instagram, how running has remained a major part of her life, and what it takes to balance multiple passions while growing a personal brand.

We also dive into content creation, audience engagement, and the challenge of managing several ventures at once. Elyse shares insight into her work in photography, the rise of Rusty the Red Lab, and the launch of her swimwear brand, SolSearch. This conversation is full of insight for anyone interested in social media, entrepreneurship, photography, running, and building a brand with personality and authenticity.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in content creation, social media, entrepreneurship, TikTok, Instagram, photography, running, swimwear, brand building, and growing an online audience.

Guest links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elyseekb/
TikTok: @elyseekb
Photography: @solsearchphotography
Photography Website: https://www.solsearchphotography.com/
Rustyy the Red Lab: @rustyytheredlab
SolSearch the Label: @solsearchthelabel
Website: https://solsearchthelabel.com/

@sidelinewithsarah joins The Winded Podcast to talk about building an independent sports media brand through passion, consistency, and authentic Boston sports coverage. In this episode, Sarah shares how her love for sports turned into a growing content platform, the process behind creating quick-turnaround content, and why staying independent matters in today’s media landscape.

We talk about balancing speed with quality, giving fans strong analysis with personality, and building trust through authenticity. Sarah also discusses women in sports media, the rise of women’s sports in Boston, standout athletes and storylines, and her vision for the future of local independent sports coverage.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in sports media, content creation, Boston sports, women in sports, fan engagement, independent journalism, and building a personal brand in media.

In this episode, we cover Boston sports media, independent content creation, fast-turn sports analysis, women in sports representation, social media strategy, long-form sports content, collaboration, and the future of independent creators.

Guest links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidelinewithsarah/

Brooke Johnson joins The Winded Podcast to talk about balancing life as a NICU nurse while staying active through golf and running. In this episode, Brooke shares how sports help her manage stress, support her mental health, and stay motivated despite the demands of a challenging career.

We talk about her growing love for golf, why running has become such an important part of her routine, and how she makes time for the hobbies that keep her grounded. Brooke also opens up about working as a NICU nurse, the emotional side of the job, and the importance of finding balance between work, wellness, and everyday life.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in golf, running, nursing, mental health, active lifestyles, motivation, and creating balance while managing a busy schedule.

In this episode, we cover golf, running, life as a NICU nurse, mental health benefits of sports, staying motivated, time management, favorite golf courses, dream golf destinations, and building relatable sports content.

Guest links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/broookejohnson_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bogeyswithb

Bailey Martin joins The Winded Podcast to talk about her journey from Missouri to Nashville, her evolution from country music to pop music, and the personal experiences that have shaped her as an artist. In this episode, Bailey shares how storytelling drives her songwriting, why authentic music still matters, and how building a real connection with listeners has guided her career.

We also dive into misconceptions about the music industry, the pressure of social media, and the reality of growing as an independent artist in Nashville. Bailey opens up about living with lupus, the daily challenges that come with it, and why raising awareness is such an important part of her story.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in songwriting, the music industry, artist development, Nashville, country music, pop music, lupus awareness, and the power of personal storytelling in music.

In this episode, we cover genre shifts in music, authentic artist development, songwriting, social media and music careers, lupus awareness, Nashville’s music scene, and Bailey Martin’s future projects.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileymichellemartin/

Julia Boutin joins The Winded Podcast to share her journey from working in radio production to becoming the Manager of Game Presentation for the Boston Fleet. In this episode, Julia breaks down what it takes to create an unforgettable live sports experience, build team traditions, and keep fans engaged from puck drop to final horn.

We talk about her career path through sports entertainment and broadcasting, the fast-paced world of live event production, and how her radio background helped prepare her for game presentation in hockey. Julia also shares what goes into planning major events, creating memorable moments for fans, and helping shape the identity of a growing team.

This episode is a great listen for anyone interested in sports management, game presentation, women in sports, live event production, hockey, fan engagement, sports broadcasting, and careers in the sports industry.

In this episode, we cover game presentation, fan engagement strategies, building traditions in sports, live sports entertainment, the Boston Fleet, TD Garden, and advice for women pursuing careers in sports.

Alessandra Lucia joins The Winded Podcast to share her journey from growing up as a passionate New Jersey Devils fan to working behind the scenes in the hockey world. She talks about game-day life with the Devils and the New York Siren, what it is like being around the rink, and how her love for sports helped shape her career.

The conversation also dives into social media, content creation, and how Alessandra built her “Sporty Lux” brand by blending sports, lifestyle, and wellness in an authentic way. She explains how she approaches brand partnerships, why staying genuine matters online, and how she is expanding her platform into wellness education, hormone health, Pilates, and entrepreneurship.

Alessandra also shares her vision for a wellness-focused café and community space in Jersey City, along with insights on healthy habits, sports culture, fan experience, and building a personal brand that connects with people.

This episode is great for fans of hockey, the New Jersey Devils, the New York Siren, sports media, social media strategy, wellness, hormone health, Pilates, entrepreneurship, and women in sports.

Follow Alessandra

Elena Ladushyna joins The Winded Podcast to share her powerful journey from escaping Ukraine at the start of the war to rebuilding her life in Germany through tennis and content creation. She talks about surviving those first chaotic days, starting over in a new country, rediscovering her love for tennis, and growing on TikTok and Instagram by sharing her story authentically. This episode explores resilience, women in sports, social media growth, overcoming adversity, and finding purpose after hardship.

https://www.instagram.com/lenorrr___/

Elena Ladushyna, Ukraine, Ukraine war, escaping Ukraine, refugee story, resilience, tennis, women in sports, athlete interview, sports podcast, inspirational story, content creation, TikTok growth, Instagram growth, social media, rebuilding after hardship, Germany, tennis player, sports media, overcoming adversity