Good Game with Sarah Spain

Author Elise Hart Kipness joins Sarah to talk about her transition from journalism to writing fiction, what it’s like to live vicariously through her book’s main character, and the story behind her latest thriller, Dangerous Play, in which reporter Kate Green discovers a dead body in the locker room while covering the USWNT at the Olympics. Plus, Caitlin Clark adds another honor to her resume, a game for the corn farmers among us, and some great books to cozy up by the fire with. Pick up a copy of Dangerous Play at your local bookstore or via this Bookshop.org link And make sure to check out our other Good Game book club books, too!  Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League by Frankie de la Cretaz and Lyndsey D'Arcangelo can be purchased here  Locker Room Talk by Melissa Ludtke can be purchased here  Standing Tall: A Memoir of Tragedy and Triumph by C. Vivian Stringer with Laura Tucker can be purchased here  The National Team: The Inside Story of the Women Who Changed Soccer by Caitlin Murray can be purchased here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah’s good pals Josh Bard, producer for ESPN’s Around The Horn, and Kelaine Conochan, VP of global sales for Legends, join her for another edition of Group Chat. This time, they talk all things college hoops, attempt to craft an official co-ed adult sports etiquette code, and choose which Unrivaled basketball clubs they’ll be rooting for in January. You heard our 5-rule official etiquette code for coed adult sports. Got a rule you think we should add? Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caroline Fitzgerald, CEO and founder of GOALS Sports and host of "The Business Case For Women's Sports" podcast, joins Sarah to discuss the “aha!” moment that pushed her to start her own marketing and consulting business, the immense economic opportunity in women’s sports, and what she’s learned from connecting brands and leagues. Plus, the PWHL is in the game, and Alyssa Naeher’s versatility gets her into the Good Game Hall of Fame. See the list of players selected in the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft here Watch LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson gift a fan a pair of her Puma PE’s here Check out the PWHL in the NHL25 video game here And purchase the game here Subscribe to the Business Case for Women’s Sports podcast here And follow GOALS 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.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close and guard Kiki Rice join Sarah to talk about their #1 ranking, beating the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks, and handling mini mogul status at age 20. Plus, Toronto Tempo president Teresa Resch hops on to discuss the expansion draft and the accidental leak of her franchise’s team name. Check out the full NCAA Volleyball Tournament bracket here See the women athletes in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Sports class here Follow the Toronto Tempo on Instagram here and on X/Twitter here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ESPN basketball reporter Alexa Philipou joins Sarah to talk all things college basketball, including JuJu Watkins' ceiling (is there one?!), the end of South Carolina’s win streak, why UCLA has been her No. 1 all season and whether women's sports media is ready to hold problematic players accountable. Plus, a WNBA website oopsie and the benefits of being part shark. Read Alexa's story about JuJu Watkins here Submit your NCAA volleyball tournament bracket to the Good Game group here *before* 3:30pm ET Send us your thoughts about the possibly leaked name "Toronto Tempo" at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com or leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 Check out Evollve – the new volleyball stats site from the folks behind HerHoopsStats – here  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden joins Sarah to talk self-discovery in LA, being the epitome of a soccer mom, using food stamps to help support herself and her son early in her career, and the future of ACFC. Plus, a slice gets something off their chest and a little “Good Game, Good Game, Fact You” to celebrate our 100th episode. Join our NCAA Volleyball Championship Challenge group here What are you celebrating? Have a milestone you wanna brag about? We want to know! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forward for the Minnesota Frost and two-time Olympic medalist with Team USA, Kelly Pannek, joins Sarah to talk about her goals for season two of the Professional Women's Hockey League, being PWHL teammates with rivals from Team Canada, her new beer "Been There, Won That," and balancing winter hibernation and summer fun. Plus, WNBA schedule release vids, PWHL TV deals and a hoops legend gets double-bruhhhhhh’d. EPISODE NOTES: Check out the 2025 WNBA Regular Season Schedule here Check out the bracket for the 2024 NCAA women's volleyball tournament here  Fill out a bracket in the ESPN Volleyball Championship Challenge here Follow Kelly Pannek on Instagram: @kpannek Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minnesota Frost and Team USA captain Kendall Coyne Schofield joins Sarah to talk winning the first ever Professional Women’s Hockey League championship, negotiating the league’s collective bargaining agreement, the start of PWHL season two and her plans for the 2026 Olympics. Plus college hoops upsets and BOS Nation has regrets. EPISODE NOTES: Check out the PWHL schedule here Mikaela Shiffrin's IG Post - here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USWNT legend and Angel City FC co-owner Lauren Holiday joins Sarah to talk about wanting to be a changemaker in the sports ownership space, the latest on her group's bid to take control of the North Carolina Courage, her meet-cute with MNBA player husband Jrue Holiday, and how a brain tumor helped her learn how to choose joy. Plus, the PWHL season starts this weekend, listeners share their quirky vacation collectibles, and a reminder to respect and acknowledge native land.  Check out the Orlando Pride’s full championship celebration at City Hall here And more sights and sounds from the Pride’s parade here and here See the NCAA soccer College Cup schedule here Read Katie Barnes’ story about the SJSU volleyball team here Find out what native land you live on here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook joins Sarah to talk joining the Current via midseason trade, getting her teammates to eat vegan food, trying to keep up with Temwa Chawinga in practice, and microdosing failure. Plus, our show mascot obsession grows and there's a new No. 1 in college hoops! See the full college hoops AP poll for Week 4 here Pro Volleyball Federation draft results here Check out the list of AU Softball League GMs, players, and coaches here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kansas City Current co-founder Chris Long joins Sarah to talk about getting Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce to a match at CPKC Stadium, hosting the 2024 NWSL Championship, and signing league MVP Temwa Chawinga. Plus, Sarah and Mish debrief on a whirlwind weekend of parties, beer pong, and watching the Orlando Pride win their first title. Follow iHeart Women’s Sports on Instagram here Check out all things Shea Butter FC here Check out all things Gal Pal Sports here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of tomorrow’s NWSL championship, Sarah previews the clash between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit, and revisits our conversation with Pride defenders Kylie Strom and Emily Sams (the newly-named NWSL Defender of the Year!). Plus, the debut of a new segment that takes us back to an epic NWSL championship of the past, and we need your holiday TV and movie recs for Thanksgiving week. Check out the Unrivaled roster selection video here And subscribe to the league’s newsletter here See UConn WBB players honoring Chris Dailey in their own special way here and here Discover Melanie Page’s “Can’t Retire From This” project here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The show field trip to Málaga, Spain was an elfin' blast! Sarah spills on exploring Spain's mountains, castles and restaurants, and she and Alex recap the amazing Billie Jean King Cup finals. Plus, e.l.f. Cosmetics CMO and president of Keys Soulcare Kory Marchisotto joins Sarah to talk about bringing brands into the women's sports investment space, having the audacity to be first, and the importance of bringing your whole self to work. Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billie Jean King sits down with Sarah in Málaga, Spain to discuss the tournament that bears her name, why tennis scoring is stupid (her words, not ours!), how she and her wife Ilana Kloss helped spark the PWHL into existence, and why it’s important for athletes to understand the business side of their sport. Plus, reindeer games, good boys who just wanna play ball, and rookie hardware. Find PWHL Takeover Tour tickets here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington Spirit and U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder Croix Bethune joins Sarah to share how her dad’s wise words inspire her both on the pitch and in life, plus she discusses her love of bowling, old school R&B and taking herself on solo dates. Most importantly, we get her take on Spirit owner Michelle Kang’s best fit to date. Hint: it involves some very high heels. Take a look at Marta’s spectacular goal here  Find NWSL Championship tickets on sale here  Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow us on Bluesky! We’ve included the new links below!  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Berri and Nefertiti Walker join Sarah to talk about their book, "Slaying the Trolls,” and how they’re helping women's sports fans shut down tired, false, and illogical arguments. David and Nefertiti share why they decided to write the book, the challenges of building fandom in new leagues, and why it's important that women's sports investors are emotionally connected to their teams. Pick up a copy of Slaying the Trolls here Read David's story about the WNBA media rights deal here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow us on Bluesky! We’ve included the new links below!  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNC field hockey coach Erin Matson joins Sarah to talk about her (very fast!) transition from player to coach, how she’s still dangling on her teammates, and what the 18-0 Tar Heels need to do to win another natty this year. Plus, a hockey WTFact that’ll have you shaking your head and an ode to a social media mix-up involving x-rays and pups. Take a look at the Daily Mail x Lindsey Vonn post we mentioned here  Follow UNC Field Hockey’s journey through the NCAA tourney here  The NWSL playoff schedule is here  The NCAA soccer bracket and schedule is here  The NCAA volleyball schedule is here The NCAA basketball schedule is here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow us on Bluesky! We’ve included the new links below!  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meg Linehan, senior writer at The Athletic, joins Sarah to discuss the nominees for the 2024 NWSL Awards, explain the “Yes, And” she’d like to see from Canada Soccer, and give unaffiliated Slices reasons to root for each of the teams in the NWSL semifinals. Plus, we’re transitioning to Bluesky, and a listener rages against the “move the Connecticut Sun” machine. Check out Caitlin Clark’s epic shank at The ANNIKA pro-am here See the nominees and info for the 2024 NWSL Awards here, and cast your vote here Play NWSL Bingo with the Full Time with Meg Linehan crew on their IG account here Follow Meg on Bluesky: @meglinehan.com Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow us on Bluesky! We’ve included the new links below!  Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.bsky.social Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! Bluesky: @mishthejrnalist.bsky.social Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With PWHL camps underway and season two right around the corner, our resident hockey expert, Alex, preps fans both new and old with her “PWHL 101" primer. Plus, college bracket season is back, we’re squeezing and zesting, and accidental doll porn. Read the Onward State story here  The full NCAA soccer bracket is here  Watch the super cute video of new Chicago Sky coach Tyler Marsh and his son here  Listen to “Jocks in Jills” here  Listen to “Moms Who Puck” here Follow the six PWHL teams on social!  Boston Fleet Minnesota Frost Montreal Victoire New York Sirens Ottawa Charge Toronto Sceptres Keep sending in names for Sarah, Mish and Alex! Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Kassouf, ESPN reporter and creator of the women’s soccer site The Equalizer, joins Sarah to share his thoughts on the upcoming NWSL semifinal matchups, why he’s not in love with NWSL playoff expansion, and how the arrival of superstar African players has changed the landscape of the league. Plus, soup recipes (or a lack thereof) and the wonderful ways you Slices are positively impacting your little corners of the world. Give us a name! Send us soup recipes! Or just drop us a line! 872-204-5070 or goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com  Follow Sarah on social! X: @SarahSpain Instagram: @Spain2323 Follow producer Misha Jones! X: @mishthejrnalist Instagram: @mishthejrnalist TikTok: @mishthejrnalist Follow producer Alex Azzi! X: @ByAlexAzzi See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.