Sportly

10 Episodes

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Buzzer Beaters and Barriers: Dr. Nefertiti Walker on Changing the Game On and Off the Court

2024-09-1648:29

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

Dinking Around: The Rise of Pickleball

2024-09-0929:16

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

“They Don't Include Women, They Don't Care"

2024-08-2647:45

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

Where Sole Meets Soul at the Marathon des Sables

2024-08-1929:36

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

First on the Field: Asian Trailblazers in American Sports

2024-08-1231:39

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

Hip-Hop Hits the Podium: Breaking in Paris 2024 Olympics

2024-08-0535:33

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

The Game-Changing Evolution of Olympic Sports

2024-07-2937:15

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

Game Day Patriotism: The Star-Spangled Banner's Sporting Journey

2024-07-2236:05

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

From Stumps to Stadiums: How Cricket Became an International Sporting Phenomenon

2024-07-1535:52

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

Introducing Sportly

2024-06-2802:38

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

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