Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird

On this week’s episode, we welcome Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston to ‘Bird’s Eye View’!  Before Aliyah’s conversation with Sue, Sue recaps the first round of the WNBA playoffs between the Seattle Storm vs. Las Vegas Aces, Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream, Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries, and Phoenix Mercury vs. New York Liberty.  Then Sue and Aliyah dive deep into her life and career. They discuss what it was like growing up on Saint Thomas island and making her way to playing for the University of South Carolina. Aliyah explains what her relationship with Dawn Staley was like in school, and how it’s developed into her professional career. Aliyah also explains her development in her game as a playmaker and a post player. She also shares what it was like meeting Caitlin Clark, what it’s like being her teammate, and how their relationship on the court has grown. After last year’s playoff exit, Aliyah explains how the Fever had a target on them, and how they want to make a deeper playoff run this year (which they just accomplished upsetting the Dream to make the semifinals.) You don’t want to miss this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we welcome Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm to 'Bird's Eye View!' Aka the "French Army Knife." Sue and Gabby discuss so much, including how Gabby began her athletic career as a track star - even competing in the Olympic Trials at the age of 15. They the discuss Gabby's career at UConn, playing for head coach Geno Auriemma, and what life lessons she learned from UConn's program. They then dive into her professional journey, including getting drafted by the Chicago Sky and her suspension from the Sky a few years into her career. Gabby shares how playing in Europe was a real turning point for her, and explains her journey of getting the keys to the French National Team. She gets into all the details on "prioritization" and what she wants for the future of both WNBA and FIBA basketball. They also get into some real hoop talk about how Gabby can do it all on the basketball court before Gabby talks about the Seattle Storm's season. Much more is discussed as well, you don't want to miss this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WNBA star Satu Sabally, known as the league's "Unicorn," joins Sue Bird to share her incredible journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s most versatile and dynamic players. Satou opens up about her breakout 2023 season, which saw her earn a spot on the WNBA All-Star First Team and finish fifth in MVP voting. She also reflects on her German roots, her transition to the U.S., and the sacrifices that shaped her career. In this episode, we get into everything—from her rookie struggles and learning the physicality of the WNBA to her decision to request a trade to the Phoenix Mercury. Satou breaks down her personal growth, overcoming injuries, and the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. Plus, she shares her thoughts on team chemistry with Phoenix’s Big Three and her goals for the 2025 season. Whether you’re a die-hard WNBA fan or simply love hearing stories of perseverance and success, this episode is for you. Don’t miss out—hit that follow button for more exclusive WNBA content with new episodes every Friday! 00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Sue’s View 02:47 - Playoff Race Insights 06:50 - Resting Players Strategy 09:23 - Liberty Team Concerns 12:25 - Alyssa Thomas, Phee, A'ja MVP Cases 18:02 - Regular Season Impact on MVP 21:30 - Satou Interview 27:07 - Growing Up in a Big Family 31:54 - Playing Pro in Germany 36:48 - Choosing Oregon for College 40:15 - College Recruitment Insights 42:51 - Adjusting to College Basketball 46:17 - Playing with Sabrina Ionescu 48:59 - Trio Success at Oregon 52:25 - 2020 NCAA Tournament Cancellation Impact 54:02 - Leaving College Early 55:33 - Entering the WNBA Bubble 58:58 - Adjusting to WNBA Physicality 1:05:54 - Satou's Breakout in the 2023 Season 1:08:38 - Olympics and Shoulder Injury 1:14:13 - Requesting a Trade 1:18:10 - Current Game Style 1:19:46 - New Trio and Roster Dynamics 1:25:07 - Defining Success for the Mercury 1:26:15 - Returning to Dallas Experience 1:27:08 - Wrapping Up with Satou 1:27:51 - Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard sits down with Sue Bird to reflect on her standout Kentucky years, her early years in the W, and her aspirations to bring a championship to the Dream. They discuss how Rhyne strongly considered transferring after Kentucky head coach Matthew Mitchell retired before deciding to stay with the program. They also dive into how Howard consistently turns doubt into motivation, what people get wrong when they question her motor, and why she sees it as simply playing at her own pace. They also discuss her impact on both ends of the court and what she thinks of the Dream’s new head coach Karl Smesko and his system as Atlanta chases a title. Plus, Sue gives another history lesson — this time on Elena Delle Donne and her incredible 2019 MVP season. Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more WNBA interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Napheesa Collier sits down with Sue Bird to discuss her journey from Jefferson City, Missouri to UConn—why her freshman year was such a challenge, and how she turned that struggle into becoming an elite defender. They explore the influence of Maya Moore on her career, and how Collier has anchored the Minnesota Lynx atop the WNBA standings this season. Phee also talks about playing under Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, and how her style compares to Geno Auriemma’s at UConn. She shared how impactful the veteran leadership of Sylvia Fowles was early in her professional career, and how playing overseas helped her develop by experiencing the unique styles and physicality of different leagues. They also discuss Collier’s experience co-founding Unrivaled with Breanna Stewart. Plus, Sue answers listener questions about her statue at Climate Pledge Arena and which historical WNBA moments new fans should watch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two-time WNBA champion, Four-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum joins Sue Bird to open up about her decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, how she’s fought to prove herself in every stage of her career, and what it means to lead the Los Angeles Sparks. They also discuss her incredible career at the University of Washington and Plum's early years in the league. Plus, Sue breaks down how this season will impact the 2026 draft order and what is leading to both the Aces and the Sparks' recent success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

his week, we welcome the one and only Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Caitlin opens up about so much, starting with her iconic run at Iowa and making two NCAA Championship games, and how she stayed grounded while becoming a household name. Caitlin also shares how she’s learning to adjust to the physicality and defensive tactics of the WNBA, her “risk assessment” in the passes she makes and shots she takes, and why the Fever have been the perfect organization to start her career. She also candidly discusses what it’s been like dealing with her injuries this season — including what she’s missing most about being on the court, but also what she’s come to learn from the sideline and how she thinks her career will benefit going forward. Caitlin also explains how she manages the high praises and harsh criticisms she receives, before closing with her top three shots of her career. Plus: Sue breaks down the latest WNBA trades, and gives a big shoutout to Naz Hillmon and the Atlanta Dream. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two-time All-Star Dearica Hamby joins Sue to talk about her late start in basketball, winning a title with the Aces, and balancing motherhood with pro hoops. She also gives us her perspective on her iconic buzzer-beater in the 2019 playoffs, and opens up about how impactful her Sparks teammates were in helping ease the transition from the Aces to LA. Plus, she talks about reuniting with Kelsey Plum in LA and helping shift the culture with the Sparks while continuing to grow her game. Lastly, Sue discusses Skylar Diggins' historic triple-doubles, Arike Ogunbowale's post-All-Star bounce back, and the Sparks' upward trajectory. Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last week at WNBA All-Star, Sue sat down with Kayla Thornton to talk about her incredible journey from going undrafted out of UTEP to becoming the Golden State Valkyries’ first-ever WNBA All-Star. They discuss how Kayla developed her game overseas, grew through tough early-career moments, and built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the league. They also discuss Kayla’s time with the Dallas Wings and what it was like to win a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty. Plus, Sue answers some wild audience questions—including a brutal bench/start/cut between her first UConn championship, her first gold medal, and her first Seattle Storm title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

D.C. Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen are off to an incredible start to their WNBA careers. Sue sat down with them to discuss how they've been able to hit the ground running so effectively in their rookie year. Sonia and Kiki talk about their respective journeys through college, getting drafted 3rd and 4th, and what the transition to the WNBA has really been like. They also break down what makes guarding Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu so difficult, and the value of having great vets around them. Plus: Sue breaks down a monster game from A’ja Wilson and how Angel Reese's prolific rebounding is helping the Sky win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tina Charles has seen it all. She’s won an MVP, Olympic gold medals, played overseas, been traded, and competed alongside (and against) some of the biggest names in WNBA history. This is a special two-part episode, recorded first in late June, then again on July 10. Across both conversations, Tina and Sue talk about Tina’s early struggles at UConn, playing for her hometown New York Liberty, and what she learned from each of her stops along the way. Tina also reflects on the highs and lows of her time in Phoenix, what it was like joining super teams, and how she’s evolved as a leader and a teammate. Finally, Tina and Sue tell some incredible previously untold stories about USA basketball, life overseas, and...drug tests... Plus, Sue shares her take on the new CBA possibly bringing more European players to the W, DeWanna Bonner’s return to Phoenix, and the rookies named to this year’s All-Star team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Indiana Fever’s Natasha Howard basically wins wherever she goes. Howard sits down with Sue Bird to talk about what it takes to win three WNBA championships, why being adaptable is her secret weapon, and how she’s approaching her new role as a leader on a young Indiana team. She also reflects on learning from legends like Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, and Rebekkah Brunson, the four trades that shaped her career, and what it’s like playing alongside Caitlin Clark. Plus, Sue and Natasha reminisce about their championship runs together in Seattle. Sue also explains the WNBA's connection to the flow offense utilized by the Indiana Pacers during their NBA Finals run, previews the Commissioner's Cup, and weighs in on some of the narratives around the league’s physicality. Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breanna Stewart sits down with Sue Bird to reflect on everything from her early struggles during her freshman year at UConn to how her first love was actually for the University of North Carolina. She also talks with Sue about their championships with the Seattle Storm, how she developed such a versatile game, and what it’s like being the face of the W alongside A’ja Wilson. Finally, she discusses her championship hopes in New York and how the Liberty have been able to play at such a high level this season. 00:00 Introduction05:09 Developing Versatility08:22 Setting Screens & Coming Off Screens13:32 UNC & Recruitment Story17:15 Freshman Year at UConn22:15 UConn's Culture25:45 WNBA Draft & Seattle First Impressions30:45 Adjustment to the WNBA36:30 Winning & losing with the Storm45:11 Face of the W with A’ja48:28 Heading to New York59:20 Final Thoughts Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday! Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sue sits down with Dallas Wings star Arike Ogunbowale to talk about everything from playing with Paige Bueckers, to her two iconic buzzer beaters at Notre Dame, to scoring in the WNBA—and why defense is the real key for her. Sue also shares her view of the league, including the Valkyries’ exciting start and the extremely hot starts from New York and Minnesota. 00:00 Intro 00:14 Sue’s View 05:07 Funny Ejection Story 11:00 Choosing Notre Dame 18:46 2018 Run & Buzzer Beaters 26:42 Post-Tournament Fun 30:02 WNBA Draft & Rookie Year 35:10 Scoring vs Playmaking 42:05 Playing with Paige 50:02 All-Star MVP & Success 56:39 Final Thoughts Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kate Martin sits down with Sue Bird to discuss her incredible college career at Iowa, where she and Caitlin Clark played in two national championship games. She also talks about her friendship with Kelsey Plum, lessons from her rookie year with the Las Vegas Aces, and what she’s bringing to the Valkyries for their inaugural season. Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jackie Young and Sue Bird sit down to talk about playing against each other, how Becky Hammon’s swagger helped Jackie develop her three-point shot, and A’ja Wilson’s leadership. They also discuss some of the incredible college basketball games Jackie was a part of, as well as her decision to leave Notre Dame early for the WNBA. Sue also gives her take on what Natasha Cloud is bringing to the Liberty, the Dream’s offensive rebounding, and the surprising start from Phoenix Mercury rookie Monique Akoa Makani. Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jewell Loyd and Sue Bird walk through Jewell’s early days as a practice player for the Chicago Sky, leaving Notre Dame a year early to play in the W, and her relationship with Kobe Bryant. Then they discuss her incredible run with Sue, Breanna Stewart, and the Seattle Storm, Jewell’s friendship with Kyrie Irving and Phil Handy, and how she’s planning to fit in with the Aces. Plus Sue gives her takes on the Mystics' rookies, the Lynx hot start, and how hard it is to play basketball in a mask!  Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For our first episode of Bird’s Eye View, Sue Bird sits down with WNBA Champion Sabrina Ionescu! Sue and Sabrina talk about her journey from Walnut Creek, to Oregon and to the New York Liberty. She talk’s about adding a floater to her game, competing against Stephen Curry (The Golden State Warriors) in the 3-point contest, and how she’s adjusted to playing on a superteam with stars like Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Courtney Vandersloot. Help us make this show better by filling out our audience survey: http://voxmedia.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird! Bird’s Eye View is your courtside seat to the WNBA, hosted by Hall of Famer and four-time champion Sue Bird. Every week, Sue offers sharp insight, candid analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that spotlight the brilliance of women’s basketball — on the court. Subscribe today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices