Fearless & Fierce: Celebrating Women in Sports

Strike Zone Bias: Racism Behind the Whistle

This episode of Fearless and Fierce examines how racism and bias in officiating impact girls and women in sports, using real-game examples, research findings, and personal stories to show how calls can hurt athletes of color.We cover statistics on unequal discipline, the emotional and participation consequences for Black and Latina players, and examples from youth, high school, and collegiate play.Finally, the episode outlines solutions—data tracking, mandatory implicit-bias training, transparent reviews, and community action—urging coaches, parents, and leagues to document, speak up, and demand accountability.

From Bakersfield Dust to Diamond Dreams

Host Abbigail Brown traces her softball journey from sixth-grade rec leagues in Bakersfield to South High, travel ball, and adult rec play, while weaving in local legends, community roots, and the broader rise of women’s sports.
The episode balances weekly women’s sports headlines with a personal, heartfelt look at grit, sisterhood, and how a small-town field can spark big dreams.

The New Gridiron: How Women Are Winning Football's Future

Host Abbigail Brown highlights the explosive growth of women’s football—from grassroots pioneers and the WFA’s national spotlight to flag football’s rapid rise and its path to the 2028 Olympics—featuring stars like Adrienne Smith, Sami Grisafe, and Jasmine Plummer.
The episode traces the sport’s history, celebrates athletes balancing jobs and family, and urges listeners to support local tackle and flag teams to help expand opportunities and visibility for girls and women in football.

Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Middle-Aged Women in Sports

Join host Abbigail Brown in this inspiring episode of "Fearless and Fierce," where we explore the stories of extraordinary women breaking age barriers in sports. From Olympic medalists to recreational athletes, these women prove that greatness knows no age. Dive into the latest achievements lighting up women's sports, including legendary moments by athletes like Caitlyn Clark and Christine Sinclair.
But the focus today is on those rewriting the rules of competition—mothers, executives, and others who refuse to hang their jerseys just because the calendar turns. Discover how experienced athletes leverage their knowledge and resilience to outperform younger competitors, even as they navigate the challenges of balancing life and training.
This episode uncovers the thriving over-40 sports community, where camaraderie and joy rival the most competitive spirits, showing that midlife isn’t the end of the game, but a new beginning filled with endless possibilities. Follow Fearless and Fierce, and find inspiration to lace up and get back in the game—because prime is a decision, not a number.

The Unsung Heroes: Mentors in Women's Sports

Welcome back to another empowering episode of Fearless and Fierce, hosted by Abbigail Brown. This month, we spotlight the transformative impact of mentorship in women's sports. From Keeley Jones managing a Women's Premier League team in "Ted Lasso" Season 4, to Crystal Dunn's new nonprofit mentoring young black coaches, we're seeing big moves and powerful voices shaping the field.
The episode dives deep into the vital role of mentors—coaches, teachers, role models—who craft the leaders of tomorrow. With insights from groundbreaking studies, we uncover how mentorship doubles the likelihood of girls staying in sports through their teens, tripling their chances at leadership roles.
Through inspiring stories of legends like Billie Jean King, Alyssa Nakken, and Simone Biles, discover how mentorship is not just a guiding hand, but a catalyst for change, helping athletes face challenges and redefine success on their terms. It's a celebration of those who believed in others before they could believe in themselves.
Join us as we honor individuals who teach us that growth starts with belief—one mentor, one moment at a time. Together, let's keep the cycle alive, ensuring every girl can see and seize her potential.

The New Wave: Women's Sports at the Heart of NCAA Policy Shifts

In this episode of Fearless and Fierce, host Abbigail Brown explores the groundbreaking changes in NCAA policies that are transforming college athletics, with women's sports at the forefront. Delve into topics such as revenue-sharing deals, the implications of Title IX oversight, expanded opportunities in emerging sports, and the newly imposed restrictions on transgender athletes. Abbigail examines the impact on female student-athletes and the cultural shift needed to ensure equity and inclusion. Join the conversation to understand how these regulatory alterations will redefine the future for women on and off the field.

Unleashing Potential: Inside the True Motivators of Teenage Girl Athletes

Welcome to Fearless and Fierce Celebrating Women's Sports, hosted by Abbigail Brown. In this episode, "More Than a Roster Spot, What Motivates Teenage Girl Athletes?," we challenge the conventional beliefs about what keeps teenage girls in the game. Discover how belonging, growth, and inner strength drive them beyond trophies and scholarships.
Girls across the nation find their place in sports teams, feeling a deep sense of connection that goes beyond popularity. With teamwork as their backbone, they develop resilience, confidence, and friendships that last beyond the field.
Explore how personalized coaching and a focus on personal growth empower girls to evolve, seeing improvements not just as players but as individuals. Learn how sports provide a sanctuary for mental well-being, leading girls to expand, embrace their strength, and prove their capabilities, even against societal pressures.
Uncover the importance of tone, trust, and fairness in coaching, and how these elements can make or break an athlete's spirit. This episode is a call for coaches and parents to support these athletes, reminding them of their value beyond playing time, leading them to become unstoppable forces both on and off the field.

Katie Ledecky: Redefining Swimming Greatness

Welcome to "Fearless and Fierce: Celebrating Women's Sports," a podcast dedicated to the extraordinary stories of women athletes who define greatness on and off the field. In this episode, hosted by Abbigail Brown, we delve into the remarkable journey of Katie Ledecky, the world's most relentless freestyle swimmer.
From her humble beginnings in Bethesda, Maryland, to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder, Katie Ledecky's story is one of discipline, humility, and unparalleled focus. Raised in a family that valued hard work and service, she excelled not just in the pool but also academically, pursuing a degree at Stanford University while training for the Olympics.
Known for her incredible work ethic, Katie logs an impressive 70,000 to 80,000 yards in the pool weekly, alongside rigorous dry land workouts. Her race strategy involves going hard from the start and holding nothing back, leading her to dominate the 800 and 1,500-meter freestyle events with unprecedented times.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Katie's commitment to literacy programs, STEM education, and female empowerment showcases her as a true ambassador and mentor. Listen to her inspiring story and learn how greatness is built not just in competition but in unwavering dedication and self-belief.

Cowgirl Up: Breaking Barriers at the WRWC

Welcome to another thrilling episode of Fearless and Fierce, where we celebrate the grit and glory of women's sports. This time, we dive into the exhilarating world of women's rodeo, spotlighting the Women's Rodeo World Championship (WRWC) held at AT&T Stadium. Discover how this groundbreaking event, launched in 2020, has become the richest women-only rodeo on the planet, offering a massive $802,000 finale purse and pushing total payouts beyond $5.3 million.We explore the trails and tales of aspiring cowgirls as they balance daily jobs with their rodeo dreams, highlighting the stories of inspiring athletes who compete in barrel racing, breakaway roping, and team roping. From the preliminary rounds in Fort Worth's Cowtown Coliseum to the grand finals in Arlington, we unveil the unsung heroes who fuel this sport with resilience and determination.Join us as we discuss the ongoing quest for equal pay, structural change, and recognition within the rodeo arena. With national TV coverage and growing sponsorship opportunities, the spotlight on these phenomenal athletes continues to shine brightly. Tune in, cowgirl up, and ride along as we celebrate the unstoppable force of women in rodeo.

The Phone-Free Fundraiser: A Team Bonding Revolution

In this compelling episode of "Fearless and Fierce," host Abbigail Brown takes us on a journey to Northern California, where the Del Oro High School girls' softball team embarked on a transformative experience. Facing the pressures of modern teenage life, they decided to unplug from their smartphones for 30 days. This bold move wasn't just about raising funds for their team, but it became a journey of rediscovery, connection, and empowerment.
Through this phone-free challenge, the team raised over $12,000 and gained insights into the power of real interactions, improved focus, and restful sleep. The episode delves into how this unique initiative not only exceeded fundraising goals but also led to genuine friendships and heightened on-field performance. Join us as we celebrate the courage and community of these young athletes who chose to prioritize presence over screens.