Sportly

Today on Sportly, Kavitha Davidson discusses the relationship between religion and sports. Stadiums feel like modern-day cathedrals, with fans chanting in unison like a congregation, and Sunday football practically replaces church for many. But how much space should personal faith take up on the field? The conversation covers everything from on-field prayers and team chaplains to controversial debates sparked by cases like Coach Kennedy’s. Why do some religious expressions in sports feel inspiring while others spark backlash? And what does all this say about the delicate balance between personal beliefs and public spaces? Join Kavitha for a timely deep dive into how religion influences sports and what it means for fans, players, and the game itself. Host: 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 | 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

Today’s episode is a special feed drop from The GIST of It. Co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz explore how the upcoming Trump administration and Republican-led Congress could impact athletes across the U.S., focusing on Title IX and trans athlete rights. The fight to protect these rights continues. In part two, they dive into the NWSL Playoffs with a preview of the quarter-finals. Tune in next week for a brand-new Sportly episode. For more of The GIST of It: https://ca.thegistsports.com/podcasts/ 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 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

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 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, 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