The New YorkHer Podcast (S3E9): A Conversation with the NFL's Sam Rapoport

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with the NFL Sam Rapoport. The two discuss how Sam fell in love with the sport football (0:36), playing quarterback for Canadian flag football and tackle teams (5:41), and making the transition from the field to getting a job within the NFL (9:13). They go on to discuss opening doors for women in sports (13:16), women bringing balance to the workforce (16:20), and Sam's workflow in the NFL (17:24), Lastly, they discuss statistics of young women who would be inactive if flag football was not offered (20:39).

00:40 - When Kaitlin became a Jets fan & her experience at home games this season
4:00 - What made Kaitlin realize social media the right career for her
6:58 - Kaitlin's experience starring on reality TV show "Paradise Hotel"
12:18 - How Kaitlin uses her platform to build a community and relate to fans
17:17 - Hendy's Hot Seat

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by Jersey Shore's Sammi Sweetheart on the New YorkHER podcasted presented by Nike. They discuss Sammi's journey on MTV's reality show, Jersey Shore.

2:37: The process of how Sammi was discovered by Jersey Shore producers and later casted as an original house member.
10:10: The effects fame had on Sammi in the beginning of her career.
12:30: Lessons that Sammi learned throughout her career in reality television.
16:02: Sammi's experience returning to Jersey Shore: Family Vacation after an 11-year hiatus from reality TV.
19:20: The Jersey Shore cast's experience at the Week 3 of the Jets season.
22:15: Hendy's Hot Seat (rapid fire questions)

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by NBC Sideline Reporter Melissa Stark on the New YorkHER podcasted presented by Nike. They discuss Starks' journey becoming a reporter and why she decided to go from news to sports.

2:22: What sparked her decision to move from news to sports
6:45: Her transition to NBC after working in a small market
9:40: Her advice on how to succeed in the sports world
12:10 Why she left Monday Night Football
17:05: Hendy's Hot Seat (rapid fire questions)

Host Caroline Hendershot kicks off Season four of the New YorkHER podcast presented by Nike featuring Kay Adams, host of the Up and Adams Show. Adams discusses her journey from Chicago to Mizzou (3:17) and how that led to her to chasing her dreams of being a broadcaster and the atypical route she took to get there (5:22). She also reflects on the beginning of her career (6:57) doing local radio shifts in Missouri and her job with SiriusXM and how that helped her get to where she is now (7:45). Adams details her job with the St. Louis Cardinals (12:00) and her advice to those with an interest in media and broadcast journalism (13:10). Hendershot and Adams break down Adams' experience and favorite moments in her six years at Good Morning Football (19:45). The two then discuss Adams' new show, Up and Adams, and her transition to a solo show (27:22). Lastly, they discuss Adams' experience at Jets Training Camp and her expectations of the team during the 2023-24 season (33:47).

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by comedian and actor Punkie Johnson in the latest episode. Hendershot and Johnson discuss her original interest in becoming a comedian, her career trajectory, some of the people she has met during her career and her experiences on the cast of "Saturday Night Live".

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by Jets Director of Mental Performance, Dr. Anne Shadle. The two discuss Dr. Shadle's background and accolades and how they led to her current role (0:04). Dr. Shadle also gives insight on the mental challenges of going through the Olympic trials and how she identifies the challenges now (4:52). Caroline and Dr. Shadle also talk about retiring from sports and the changes that athletes experience in those transitions (9:13). Dr. Shadle also shares how she got into researching mental health and her time at the Olympic training center with Paralympic athletes as well as her time working and studying with the US Air Force (14:12). Dr. Shadle also walks through her day-to-day work with the Jets and the adjustment of working with the NFL schedule (16:01). Dr. Shadle explains the struggles players may experience in transitioning to the NFL as well as the complexity of dealing with injuries (21:24). Lastly, Dr. Shadle highlights her favorite parts of working with the Jets and how much her work with the team means to her (23:07).

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by NFL Chief Football Administrative Officer Dawn Aponte. They kick off the podcast talking about Aponte's current position in the League office (0:22) and how it changes in season and off season (2:26). Aponte also talks about beginning her career with the Jets and the evolution of her roles (3:31), especially her role as a salary cap assistant (4:52). Aponte discusses the impact of the mentors she has had along the way including Mike Tannenbaum, Bill Belichick and Bill Parcells (7:10). The two then talk about working and succeeding in a male-dominated environment (9:29). Aponte highlights the pivotal moments in her career (10:33). Hendershot also asks Aponte about the challenges and surprises of the job (18:16). Lastly, the two discuss the excitement surrounding the Jets and the NFL as a whole this season (20:00).

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined by "Good Morning Football" host Jamie Erdahl. They kick off the podcast talking about Erdahl's journey into the sports broadcasting world (00:49) and how her sports production background and experience as an athlete helps her excel in her role (3:45). Erdahl highlights her jump from working at NESN to becoming a reporter at CBS (5:50) and the sports world's reaction to her recent addition to the "Good Morning Football" cast (10:30). They also delve into the transition Erdahl made from sideline reporter to morning show personality (12:44) and adjusting to the chemistry of the group on "Good Morning Football" (17:00). Erdahl also discusses the challenges of sideline reporting and her current shift of now studying games from afar (19:20). The two then talk about her love for this year's New York Jets and the various turning points for the team throughout this season (20:41). Lastly, they share on their love for Taylor Swift and talk about Erdahl's impressive game of song bingo on "Good Morning Football" (25:15).

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined in studio by New Jersey high school girls flag football coaches Dr. Simone Edwards and Mia Brickhouse (Hawthorne High School). They kick off the podcast talking about their various accolades as football players and multi-sport athletes and how their path brought them to coaching (00:17). The ladies also speak about what it's like to break the mold as women in football (4:43), and they reminisce on their best memories of playing football and their biggest accomplishments (8:25). The coaches explain the process of how the Hawthorne High School girls flag football team was assembled (12:00) and the challenges of teaching flag football and coaching the details of the game (14:10). The group also talks about the courage it takes to step into a coaching role and their favorite moments from the spring season (18:58). Finally, they talk about the impact of the participation in their team and they look forward to the upcoming season of flag football (21:30).

Host Caroline Hendershot is joined in studio by social media influencer and TikTok star Kate Norkeliunas. They kick things off by talking about Norkeliunas' identity as an influencer and her journey to TikTok (0:17). She highlights how food culture and connection has been a strong influence in her content (3:41). The two also discuss the evolution of social media and what it means to be a role model in today's society (5:53), as well as the passion and fun of connecting with the public (8:18). Hendershot and Norkeliunas explore the pressures of social media (10:52), but also the balance that Norkeliunas tries to have in keeping her content true to herself; as well as follower attraction to real and relatable content (12:04). She also recalls taking the jump to quit her job in the fashion industry and pursue content creation full-time (18:05) and how the New York State of Mind is motivational to her brand (20:30). Lastly, they talk about the loyalty, excitement, and passion of being a Jets fan (22:30) and the fun of football being for everyone (24:12).

Host Caroline Hendershot kicks off a new season of The New YorkHER podcast featuring a conversation with CBS Lead NFL Reporter Tracy Wolfson that they had leading up to the 2022 NFL season. Hendershot shares how she and Wolfson met and started their mentorship through a CBS immersion experience (0:46). They both reflect on their experiences at their alma mater Michigan and breaking into the business (6:31). Wolfson also explains her journey and obstacles from a journalism student to the lead CBS reporter (8:01). Then, they discuss the self-perseverance necessary to succeed (12:32) and they also discuss the path of women in sports (13:45). Wolfson shares a story about a big lesson she learned early in her career while reporting at the US Open (18:33). Wolfson then talks about her CBS broadcast team featuring Tony Romo and Jim Nantz, and they also recall Romo's amusing pre-show tradition of singing (25:09). Lastly, Hendershot asks Wolfson about her opinion on this year's Jets, from a reporter's perspective, and as a fan herself – Wolfson believes they're on the rise (28:18).

Host Olivia Landis welcomes NBA TV and TNT host and sideline reporter Kristen Ledlow to the New YorkHER podcast to discuss her career in broadcasting. Ledlow talks with Landis about her podcast with Candace Parker, current roles on NBA TV's "Game Time" and TNT's "Inside the NBA". Ledlow discusses how her experience has grown from hosting "Inside Stuff" with Grant Hill beginning in 2013 into a variety of avenues during eight-year career with Turner Sports. Ledlow also talks about how she got into sports and offers some advice for listeners.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes ESPN's NFL Communications Co-Lead Allie Stoneberg to the New YorkHER Podcast to discuss her role with the Worldwide Leader in Sports. Stoneberg talks with Landis about her responsibilities as a storyteller, her career and some advice for those interested in the profession. Listen to learn about a very important behind-the-scenes job within ESPN's campus.

As part of Women's History Month in March, host Olivia Landis welcomes former Jets owner Helen Dillon to the New YorkHER podcast. Dillon describers her journey as the first female executive in NFL history and what her time was like as an owner of the Jets, including her experience with Super Bowl III.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes ESPN NFL analyst Kimberley A. Martin to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Martin talk about her time as a Jets beat reporter for Newsday from 2012-17. The Brooklyn native talks about her journey through sports writing after graduating from Syracuse. Martin describes the importance of developing a human side of athletes when covering a team and league on a daily basis. Martin discusses some of the important aspects of good storytelling. She also describes her transition to television while working with ESPN.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes the host of NFL Network's NFL Total Access, MJ Acosta-Ruiz to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Acosta-Ruiz discuss how her father's professional basketball career in the Dominican Republic influenced her love for sports. Acosta-Ruiz talks about spending time as child in the Dominican Republic, New York and Miami and how each place played a role in her life. She talks about her goals of owning her own dance studio and her love for dance growing up. Acosta-Ruiz describes her experience working as a full-time television reporter while being a Miami Dolphins cheerleader. Finally, Landis and Acosta-Ruiz discuss advice and guiding principles for success in the sports industry.

Host Olivia Landis continues a team reporter series on the New YorkHER podcast with a host of reporters from clubs around the NFL. Ravens team reporter Cassie Calvert, Jaguars team reporter Ashlyn Sullivan, Lions team reporter Tori Petry, Falcons team reporter Kelsey Conway and Eagles team reporter Amy Campbell join Landis to discuss a variety of topics about their experiences of being female reporters in the NFL.

Host Olivia Landis kicks off a team reporter series on the New YorkHER podcast with a host of reporters from clubs around the NFL. Rams team reporter Sarina Morales, Giants team reporter Madelyn Burke, Colts team reporter Laura Overton and Bills team reporter Maddy Glab join Landis to discuss a variety of topics about their experiences of being female reporters in the NFL.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes NFL Media's Judy Battista to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Battista talk about some of the differences in and around covering the Super Bowl during the pandemic. Battista talks about her day-to-day role as a columnist on NFL.com and her regular appearances on NFL Network. After starting as a news reporter at the Miami Herald, Battista talks about her transition into sports. Battista discusses her approach to writing columns that make football fans interested in consuming her content. She also gives some advice to young journalists and how to create skills to be a successful in the industry.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes team reporter Casey Phillips from the Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Phillips chatted just before Super Bowl LV to discuss all things related to the Bucs' postseason run. Phillips discusses what it has been like reporting with a team headed to the Super Bowl, working with the Bucs coaching staff led by Bruce Arians, how she adjusted to working within the COVID-19 protocols, what got her into the human side of sports in reporting, things she's learned while covering the Bucs during their Super Bowl run and how she has positively impacted the industry being a female reporter.

Celebrating National Girls & Women In Sports Day, We Take a Look at Highlights from the First Season of the New YorkHER Podcast Hosted by Team Reporter Olivia Landis

Host Olivia Landis welcomes marketing executive Elisa Padilla to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Padilla discuss overcoming the challenges presented by the COVID-19 Pandemic for so many people in the sports/entertainment industries. Padilla discusses the storytelling platform she launched on Instagram TV called Lunchtime Conversation by Kick It By EP after being furloughed. Padilla describes the importance of being able to turn a negative into a positive situation with her storytelling platform. Padilla talks about her path as a professional, including stops with the Miami Marlins, the NBA, the rebrand of the Brooklyn Nets. Finally, Landis and Padilla discuss advice for overcoming adversity.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes Sports Photographer Abbie Parr to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Parr discuss Parr's growth from being a sports photography intern for Getty Images in New York City into a frequent freelance sports photographer with Getty in Seattle. Parr talks about the advice she would give young professionals looking for an opportunity in the business and how she got into photography. Parr tells stories about some of the events she has photographed.

Host Olivia Landis welcomes NFL Network's Colleen Wolfe to the New YorkHER podcast. Landis and Wolfe discuss Wolfe's Philadelphia roots, her unique role into the broadcasting industry, auditioning for a role with NFL Network while working in wedding videography, moving to the West Coast, career advice for women in the sports media industry, her journey from sports talk radio into television and more.