Good Game with Sarah Spain

Analyst, host and reporter Terrika Foster-Brasby joins Sarah to talk about the chances the Aces finish off a WNBA Finals sweep tonight, Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts’ failure to make adjustments, and the dramatic WNBA offseason that awaits. Plus, the tennis elites are thriving in the Wuhan Open, the LPGA continues to make history, and Angel Reese lives up to her name. Follow Terrika on Instagram here and on X here Listen to Terrika’s podcast “Levels to This” – which she co-hosts with Sheryl Swoopes – here The NWSL schedule can be found here Listen to Sarah’s appearance on Katie Nolan’s podcast “Casuals” here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, former US Olympic swim team captain and 10-time Olympic medalist Allison Schmitt joins Sarah to talk about how her family, friends, and training partner Michael Phelps helped her address her mental health while still pursuing wins in the pool. Plus, the perils of chasing perfection and how she managed a healthy transition out of elite athletics into post-swimming life and work. Follow Allison on Instagram here Check out "To Write Love on her Arms" here Check out the National Alliance on Mental Illness here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LJ Rader, the man behind the uber-popular Art But Make It Sports social media account, joins Sarah to discuss what inspired him to start the account, why it’s so important to him to credit photographers, and his philosophy of covering women’s sports. Plus, the Phoenix Mercury look to make things interesting in game 3 of the WNBA Finals, Napheesa Collier gets back on the mic, and MNBA commissioner Adam Silver enters the chat. Listen to the episode feat. Cindy Brunson here and Sabreena Merchant here Follow LJ’s account Art But Make It Sports on Bluesky here and on Instagram here Check out producer Alex’s powerpoint for her drawing class here   The surfing comparison to “The Garden of Earthly Delights” can be seen here The U.S. soccer comparison to the “Incredulity of Saint Thomas” can be seen here   The hockey comparison to “Untitled” by Joan Mitchell can be seen here The Syd Colson comparison to “Woman on her Deathbed” can be seen here The Paige Bueckers and Haley Jones comparison to “The Mother and Sister of the artist” can be seen here The Trinity Rodman comparison to “Untitled” by Hilma af Klint can be seen here    The Paige Bueckers comparison to “The Irritating Gentleman” can be seen here The Rose Lavelle comparison to “Singer with a Glove” can be seen here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant joins Sarah to discuss what she witnessed in games one and two of the WNBA Finals in Las Vegas, whether we should be reading more into Alyssa Thomas’s hand injury based on her handles, the cost-benefit of letting A’ja Wilson eat, and what to expect next in the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Plus, an alliance to align the women’s hockey calendar, plastic confidence, and the boys are fighting.  Watch the post-game incident involving Anders Jacobson and Jimmy Coenraets here  Follow Sabreena on Instagram here and on Bluesky here Check out photos Ilona Maher’s Barbie doll here, her video promoting the collab here, and Mattel’s press release here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women's hoops broadcaster Cindy Brunson joins Sarah to talk about the Las Vegas Aces’ big game 2 win over Phoenix in the WNBA Finals, what the Mercury need to do to get back in the series, and to give her take on the Napheesa Collier/Cathy Engelbert beef. Plus Unrivaled is headed to the City of Brotherly Love, we're flagging a new opportunity, and consider this our signal to you. Vote for us in the Signal Awards’ Best Daily Podcast category here Watch Rosemonde Kouassi's game winner for the Washington Spirit here  Read Lindsay Gibbs’ story for CBS Sports about the WNBA-NBA relationship here Check out Casey Krueger’s son, Caleb, helping out with a baby announcement here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the WNBA Finals tipping off tonight, Big Citrus gets together to preview the best-of-seven(!) Aces-Mercury series and to discuss the continued fallout from Napheesa Collier’s comments, including what Caitlin Clark had to say in her exit interview. Plus, Slices and Swifties unite, dress like the best (of all time) and a whole buncha pucks and gay shit. The NWSL schedule can be found here Read the San Diego Union-Tribune’s report on the lawsuit Jill Ellis is facing here  Pick up tickets to the NSL final here  Celebrate pucks & gay shit! Amanda Boulier’s wedding photo dump is here and Sidney Morin’s is here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Citrus gets together for a “Gimme A Minute” segment on Napheesa Collier’s league-shaking statement on Tuesday, then we’re in the presence of field hockey greatness as legendary player turned Northwestern head coach Tracey Fuchs and Wildcats captain Aerin Krys join Sarah. They talk about how the team is keeping motivation levels high after winning a national title last season, the ways field hockey can still grow as a sport, and how the undefeated Wildcats can still improve. Plus, the WNBA Finals are set, the Final Four is movin’ on up, and parting ways at an opportune time.  Follow Northwestern Field Hockey on Instagram here The WNBA Finals schedule is here The China Open schedule is here, and results are here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a 16-year club and national team career, Angel City FC defender and captain Ali Riley is retiring from soccer. She joins Sarah to discuss finding the balance between “Ali the Player” and “Ali the Person,” fighting to get healthy so she can say goodbye on the field with her teammates, and the injury struggles and personal challenges she’s battled over the last few years, including losing her childhood home to the Palisades Fire just days before her wedding. Follow Ali on Instagram here Listen to BFFR here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You missed us, huh? Fret not, Big Citrus is BACK! This time, Sarah, Misha and Alex break down the suspension that caused Cheryl Reeve to miss the decisive game 4 of the Minnesota Lynx’s series with the Phoenix Mercury, Reeve’s criticism of WNBA officiating, and Phoenix’s return to the Finals. Then, the trio predicts the winner of the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever series. Plus, JuJu’s staying sidelined, AU Pro Volleyball is back in action, and the jury’s out on a new Netflix biopic. Watch highlights from the Diana Taurasi bench celebration here The AU Pro Volleyball Championship Schedule is here The China Open schedule is here And results are here Read Kendra Andrews' story for ESPN about the data on WNBA officiating and injuries here Read Emma Baccellieri’s Sports Illustrated story about WNBA officiating here Listen to the "This American Life" segment about the MNBA's replay center here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Las Vegas Aces-Indiana Fever semifinal series heading to a decisive game 5, Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Callie Fin joins Sarah to discuss what didn’t work for the Aces in game 4, why Becky Hammon’s coaching decisions were partly to blame, and how the Tuckman Development Model is applicable everywhere, even the WNBA! Plus, a Sunday Funday for the Mercury, the Red Roses are in full bloom, and the NWSL playoffs have got the Spirit. Follow Callie on Bluesky here and on Instagram here  Watch Flau’jae Johnson’s videos with coach Kim Mulkey here and here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Carolina Courage player Brianna Pinto joins Sarah to discuss the Black Women’s Player Collective’s upcoming high school showcase, what her Courage team is focusing on as the NWSL playoffs approach, and her desire to one day work for FIFA. Plus, survey says the soccer industry has some work to do, the WNBA semifinals continue tonight, and some really cute softball and gay shit. Follow Brianna Pinto on Instagram here Follow the Black Women’s Player Collective here  Pick up some Black Women’s Player Collective merch here Read Meghan L. Hall’s story for USA Today on the Jonas Brothers/Phoenix Mercury fan drama here The NWSL schedule can be found here Read more about the bleak takeaways from Women in Football’s survey results here And find the full WIF survey here  Check out Sierra Romero and Addison Caldwell’s cute proposal here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Citrus is back on the mic! Sarah, Misha and Alex discuss all things WNBA, including the semifinals matchups, the best championship storyline for the league, the W’s coaching carousel, and OG fans getting priced out of tickets. Plus, Sandy Brondello’s out in New York, Unrivaled signings are coming in faster than we can read ‘em, and Good Game is a Signal Award finalist! Vote for us in the Signal Awards’ Best Daily Podcast category here Read Annie Costabile's story about coaching movement in the W here See the full roster of Unrivaled player signings here Read Tamerra Griffin’s story on the Ballon d’Or voting process here Reserve a spot at “Beyond the Game: Women’s Sports and the Future of Fandom” here Watch Haley Jones’ hilarious TikTok here And read about Jones and other players living on the fringes of the WNBA here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legendary coach and player Dawn Staley joins Sarah Spain for a candid conversation about leading in life, beyond just wins and losses. Staley, whose Hall of Fame career has shaped generations of athletes, discusses the pressure of coaching in the new NIL and House v. NCAA era, her advocacy for equity in women’s athletics, and the emotional strength required to support friends and family through health challenges — including breast cancer. Dawn and Sarah explore how true and lasting influence lives beyond the scoreboard, and beyond the arena. Follow Dawn on Instagram here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Front Office Sports reporter Annie Costabile joins Sarah to talk takeaways from the first games of the WNBA semifinals, A’ja Wilson’s historic fourth MVP win, the New York Liberty’s early exit in the first round, the lack of well-tenured coaches in the league, and the odds that Angel Reese returns to the Chicago Sky. Plus, the Kansas City Current clinch the club’s first NWSL shield, Caitlin Clark coughs up some dough, and a friend of the show wins a world title. Follow Annie on IG here Watch Temwa Chawinga give Vlatko Andonovski a big hug after her first-ever header here See Cathy Engelbert and Bam Adebayo surprise A’ja Wilson with her fourth MVP trophy here And check out Wilson’s dad Roscoe and Aces owner Mark Davis in their pink wigs here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Round21 CEO Jasmine Maietta joins Sarah to discuss leaving the safety of big corporations behind to start her own business, the evolving landscape of independent apparel brands in the women’s sports space, and the good advice she’s glad she didn’t take. Plus, the t-shirts we can blessedly leave behind. Follow Round21 on social media here And follow Jasmine Maietta here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s Tennis Association CEO Portia Archer joins Sarah to discuss her first year on the job, the role players have in WTA decision-making, and understanding and advancing commitments made before her time, including a partnership with Saudi Arabia and tournaments taking place in China. Plus, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is unstoppable, a busy week for the NWSL, and women’s college hockey is BACK, baby. The WNBA playoff schedule is here The NWSL schedule can be found here The college hockey schedule can be found here Pick up tickets to Christine Sinclair’s jersey retirement game here  Follow college hockey reporter Nicole Haase on Bluesky here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrity stylist and wardrobe consultant Amadi Brooks joins Sarah to talk about dressing the world’s best hoopers (including girlfriend Sydney Colson), how tunnel fits have expanded the appeal of women’s basketball, and some of her favorite WNBA player looks this season. Plus, starting at the half, keeping the season alive, and the pink pony cover shoot club. Follow Amadi on IG here, and follow her styling page here Read the story about Tina Charles joining AU here Watch Paige Bueckers get her Rookie of the Year award here See some of the fits Amadi talked about for yourself: A’ja Wilson’s green denim fit is here Syd Colson’s Dalya suit is here Skylar Diggins’ Thom Browne suit is here Read the StudBudz’ Vogue profile here And see photos of Natisha Hide-ya-man here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WNBA standout Lexie Brown sits down with Sarah to talk about being a pro hooper when your biggest opponent isn’t on the other team–it’s your own body. After being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease mid-career, Lexie took on a new set of challenges: learning how to listen to her body, advocate for herself in a physically demanding career, and speak openly about an invisible illness that so many people silently endure. In this candid and empowering episode, the pair also discuss WNBA teams not using their bench players while complaining about roster size, the narratives around the Seattle Storm this season, and Lexie’s podcast Full Circle, which she hosts right here on the iHeart Women’s Sports Network. Follow Lexie on Instagram here And check out her podcast Full Circle here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Marisa Ingemi joins Sarah to talk about covering the Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural season, how the team’s games have become a gathering place for queer folks in the Bay Area, and the keys to the Valks getting a win in Game 2 of their opening round playoff series with the Minnesota Lynx. Plus, Vegas rolls on, the NWSL makes a good call, and we welcome a new inductee into the Good Game Hall of Fame. Read Nick Zaccardi’s feature on Melissa Jefferson-Wooden here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah is back from vacation just in time for the start of the WNBA Playoffs! She sprints through the biggest stories from the last two weeks, gives kudos to ballers past and present, and breaks down the first round WNBA match-ups, African safari-style. Plus, Angel vs. the Sky, Unrivaled expands, and we cry over unspilt milk. The WNBA Playoffs schedule can be found here The World Track & Field Championships U.S. broadcast schedule can be found here  Watch Sue Bird’s speech here Check out the Jordan Brand post for Maya Moore here Read The Athletic’s story on Alyssa Thompson’s move to Chelsea here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.