Melanin MVP

Annijke Wade — Adaptive Mountain Biker on How to Build Confidence on the Trail

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Annijke Wade shares what it means to get outdoors through adaptive mountain biking—from the mindset shifts that make “getting back out there” possible, to the practical realities of learning trail skills, finding community, and navigating accessibility in cycling spaces.

In this episode, we cover

What adaptive mountain biking is (and the many ways “adaptive” can look)
Rebuilding confidence after a life change—and why progress isn’t linear
Getting started: choosing trails, pacing, and setting realistic expectations
The mental game: fear, risk, and learning to trust your body again
The role of community (and how to find the right people to ride with)
Accessibility on trails: what helps, what’s missing, and how riders can advocate
Why representation in outdoor sports matters—and how it impacts participation

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

The Economics of Women's Basketball: Togethxr, Unrivaled & the WNBA

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0400

As the WNBA CBA negotiations deadline has been extended, again, I share my thoughts on the players' collective bargaining power. From media rights to media brands, women professional athletes are arguably in their most powerful moment yet.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Finding Light in Every Step: April Pullins' Journey Through Running and Entrepreneurship

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I sit down with April Pullins, an Atlanta-based runner and founder of Be Light Compression Socks. Known affectionately as the 'Crazy Sock Lady', April shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal challenges during COVID-19, discovering running as a therapeutic outlet, and transforming her passion for tie-dye socks into a thriving business. We dive deep into her mental and emotional journey, the impact of running on her life, and her commitment to helping women through the Selah Movement Club. April's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of staying active. Tune in to hear about her vibrant personality, entrepreneurial tips, and her mission to spread positivity and light.

00:00 Introduction to April Polands: The Crazy Sock Lady

02:44 From Fun to Business: The Birth of Be Light Compression Socks

04:20 The Therapeutic Power of Running

06:06 Group Walks and the Selah Movement Club

07:40 Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Rest

13:04 Challenges and Successes in Business

15:35 April's Running Journey and Community Support

22:27 Giving Back and Mentoring Others

24:12 Upcoming Events and Conclusion

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Ultramarathoner and USA Triathlon Coach Gives Advice to Endurance Athletes

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Melanin MVP, I'm joined by Doc Holiday Golden, a dynamic triathlete and ultra-marathoner. Referred by past guest Mary Fleming, Doc shares her inspiring journey into endurance sports. We dive into how she met Mary, her beginnings in marathon running, the transition from running to triathlons, and the importance of community support. Doc also discusses her coaching role, nutrition strategies, and the mental barriers she's faced during races. Tune in as we explore her story of growth, determination, and the power of pushing boundaries.

00:00 Meeting Mary Fleming

01:54 Doc's Athletic Beginnings

02:49 First Steps into Distance Running

05:25 Community and Motivation

08:04 Journey into Triathlons

11:02 First Triathlon Experiences

17:29 Balancing Marathons and Triathlons

21:30 Rest and Recovery

23:04 Balancing Nutrition and Training

29:29 Coaching and Mentoring in Triathlon

36:51 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Races

41:28 The Power of Action and Consistency

43:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

From Paramedic to 70.3 Finisher Without a Coach — The Playbook

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Dismuke, a world champion triathlete who opens up about her journey from dealing with PTSD as a paramedic in Boston to becoming a passionate triathlete. Jamie shares her origins in Boston, how she started in triathlons, and her first experience with a sprint triathlon as a way to manage work-related stress. She also delves into her transition to competing in a full Ironman, the challenges she faced, and her strategies for overcoming them. Jamie discusses her relationship with swimming, the differences between pool and open water swimming, and the role of sports in building confidence. Additionally, Jamie talks about her experience with coaches, her partnership with Varlo, and her future plans, including aiming for the USA team for Abu Dhabi and qualifying for Kona. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an undying passion for triathlons.

00:00 Journey to Becoming a Triathlete

01:20 First Triathlon Experience

03:59 Challenges of Open Water Swimming

07:58 From Sprint to Ironman

09:11 Training for the Ironman

12:19 Overcoming Race Day Obstacles

16:17 The Role of Coaches and Mentors

20:58 Partnerships and Personal Life

29:32 Future Goals and Reflections

31:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Women's Sports Wednesday: 001

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Women's Sports Wednesday, a weekly series covering the top headlines in women's sports. This week: the first Black women on the US Hockey Team, LOVB gets a new partner, the Portland WNBA team reveals their name, and more!

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Pucks, Passion, and Purpose: The Black Girls Hockey Club Story

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Join me as I welcome Renee Hess, founder of Black Girl Hockey Club, to Melanin MVP. We delve into Renee's journey from attending academic conferences to becoming a passionate hockey fan, the challenges of being a Black woman in hockey spaces, and how she founded the Black Girl Hockey Club to create a supportive community. We explore the influential role of Black women as fans, mothers, and leaders in hockey and discuss the importance of diversity and representation in sports. Don't miss Renee's inspiring stories and insights about creating a safe and inclusive environment for Black women and other marginalized groups in the world of hockey.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:34 Renee's Journey to Becoming a Hockey Fan

04:29 Founding of Black Girl Hockey Club

08:40 Experiences and Challenges in Hockey Spaces

12:35 Women's Hockey and Advocacy

18:43 Community and Support for Black Women in Hockey

31:15 Partnerships and Future Plans

34:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Nike After Dark Half Marathon Los Angeles - Race Recap with DJ Tricey Trice

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I welcome fellow podcaster and newly-minted half-marathoner DJ Tricey Trice (A Trice Rias-Thompson). She shares the spontaneous decision-making process that led her to take on a half marathon, her solo training regime, and the mental and physical challenges she overcame to complete it. The discussion also touches on the importance of nutrition, the benefits of running groups, and the unique experience of participating in the Nike After Dark Half Marathon event. Shifting gears, DJ Tricey Trice is also the host of LA Sparks Weekly, so I had to ask her about her thoughts on her favorite team this season. We dived into an in-depth analysis of the WNBA, discussing team dynamics, key players, and the current season’s surprises and challenges. Part race report, part WNBA season analysis, part comedy show. I hope you enjoy, and check out her show: https://www.instagram.com/djtriceytrice/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 The Decision to Run a Half Marathon

01:58 Training for the Half Marathon

06:58 Race Day Experiences and Challenges

12:44 Post-Race Reflections and Continued Running

20:40 Basketball and the LA Sparks

25:33 Coaching Changes and Player Movements

26:30 Jordan Canada's Impact and Future

26:46 Nneka Ogwumike: The Underrated MVP

28:34 Dallas Wings' Strategy and Player Dynamics

32:53 Phoenix Mercury's New Era

43:34 Sparks' Future Lineup and Strategy

46:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Welcome to Melanin MVP, hosted by Angela Hollowell

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Thanks for joining us!

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

HBCU to Global Courts: L'Oreal Gamble on Building a Women's Basketball League

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, I spoke with L'Oreal Gamble, who shared her extraordinary journey from Fayetteville State University to professional basketball overseas. L'Oreal takes us through the unique challenges HBCU athletes face in breaking into pro sports, her eye-opening experiences playing overseas, and the bold decision to create a women's basketball league in Raleigh. She provides insights into the financial realities of running a women's sports organization and discusses the current landscape of investment in women's athletics. This conversation offers valuable perspective on player development, emerging opportunities, and what it takes to build sustainable platforms for female athletes. Whether you're a basketball fan, aspiring athlete, or business enthusiast, L'Oreal's story demonstrates how passion combined with strategic vision can transform sports at the community level. Follow along on her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lg3baby

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Global Running Day 2025: Celebrating Black women of speed

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Dominic Lawson is the host of Black is America, a podcast highlighting African American figures and stories. He created an incredible narrative podcast episode about 3 Black women icons in track and field: Wilma Rudolph, Florence Joyner Griffin, and Sha’Carri Richardson. I sat down with him to get some behind-the-scenes insight into the premise of the episode, why he chose to highlight these 3 women, and how he feels about the current state of women’s track and field.

There are so many accomplished Black women runners, it can be easy to forget that they all started by putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes the biggest challenge for a runner isn’t being fast, it’s learning to lead a life as an athlete who wants to get paid for their passion.

Find the original episode here: https://www.blackisamericapodcast.com/wilma-florence-and-shacarri-american-women-of-speed/

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Meet the Founder of Tough Cutie, Brittany Coleman

Wed, 21 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

I sat down with the founder of Tough Cutie, Brittany Coleman to talk about her active sock brand. She's a part of Founded Outdoors, and enjoys camping, hiking, and cycling. We talked about representation for women and people of color in the outdoor apparel industry, and the gap she hopes to fill with her company. Check out Tough Cuties: https://www.toughcutie.com/

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

From 250 Miles to 250 Pounds: This Runner's Epic Journey Into Bodybuilding

Sat, 10 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Alissa Lay shares how she retraced the historic 1928 cycling route from Harlem to Washington, DC, along with insights into her rigorous yet contrasting training regimes for bodybuilding, long-distance running, and cycling. She also recounts her involvement in promoting trail running among Black, Indigenous, and people of color through organizations like Dirtbag Runs, now We Run Long. Alissa emphasizes the importance of accessibility and representation in sports, highlighting her journey from sprinting to endurance running, including completing a 50K trail race shortly after giving birth to twins (yes, you read that correctly). This episode showcases Alissa’s dedication to multiple sports, her advocacy for inclusivity, and the transformative power of coaching and community support.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Mary Fleming Conquers the London Marathon

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

I spoke with marathon runner Mary Fleming as she shares her remarkable journey from the couch to accomplished marathoner. In this in-depth interview, Mary discusses her training evolution, nutrition strategies, and the profound impact running has had on her mental health. Learn how she's built a supportive running community while helping others achieve their running goals. Whether you're an experienced runner or just starting out, Mary's insights and encouragement offer valuable lessons about perseverance, personal growth, and the transformative power of running. Discover how running can be more than just exercise - it's a path to self-discovery and community building.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Unrivaled season 1 recap, March Madness WBB, and the 2025 WNBA Season

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Chloé and I went live on Substack to talk about March Madness women's basketball, Unrivaled's first season in Miami, and how both of these will affect the 2025 WNBA season. Join us for an in-depth discussion on March Madness 2025 and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. From Unrivaled's groundbreaking season to WNBA prospects, we're covering it all!

In this episode, we'll break down:

Complete March Madness tournament analysis and bracket predictions
Key matchups and potential upsets to watch
Standout players and their WNBA potential
The impact of Unrivaled on women's basketball
Future of women's sports leagues and expansion plans

This episode offers expert insights into the tournament, player development, and the business side of the sport. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more basketball analysis!

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Breakfast of Champions

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

What's the deal with athletes on cereal boxes? When I saw Coco Gauff on the Wheaties box and Angel Reese's secure a collab with Reese's Puff, I had to dig deeper. In this episode, I share what I found.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

How do we define marketability for women athletes?

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Women athletes have always been talented, competitive, and worthy of being seen. The UConn vs. USC women’s basketball game last night demonstrated that. So why is it so hard to find women’s sports games and athletes on cable TV networks and streaming platforms? I keep coming across the term “marketability” when I search for answers to this question. In this episode, I explore what's really meant by that term and how it's measured.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

How Cyclists are Keeping Civil Rights History Alive on Alabama's Historic Highway

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Robert Traphan is the president of the Montgomery Bike Club, which is hosting the 60th anniversary commemorative bike ride in honor of the Selma to Montgomery March. We talked about the start of the club almost 30 years ago, their work to make Montgomery and surrounding areas safer for cyclists, how women in their group have found an outlet in competitive cycling, and what you can expect when you attend the Selma to Montgomery bike ride. You can find out more information about their organization and future events online here: https://www.mgmbikeclub.org/

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

From Military Veteran to Triathlete | Meet the founder of Fast Chix

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0400

I sat down with the founder of Fast Chix Triathlon Club, Yvonne Spencer, on the latest episode of Melanin MVP. Yvonne, a military veteran, shared the compelling story behind the club's inception. What began as a small group of determined women has blossomed into a thriving community of triathletes, breaking barriers and setting new standards in the sport. Fast Chix's mission is to make triathlon more accessible and welcoming to all women, regardless of their athletic background or experience level. Check out future events with this Black woman-led triathlete club.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Inside the WNBA's Million-Dollar Identity Crisis

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 11:30:00 -0400

The WNBA has an identity problem. Unrivaled is beating them on their home turf. Here's why.

This episode was originally featured as an article in our newsletter, subscribe below.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Vamos Outdoors | Meet the Executive Director of Latino Outdoors

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0400

In this week's episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Luis Villa, the Executive Director of Latino Outdoors, to explore how this organization is transforming the outdoor recreation landscape by creating welcoming spaces for the Latine community.

Luis shared powerful insights about Latino Outdoors' mission to inspire, connect, and engage Latino communities in the outdoors while embracing cultura y familia as part of the outdoor narrative. Through their work, they're not just organizing hiking trips or camping adventures – they're building communities that celebrate cultural heritage while fostering a deep connection with nature. Though the organization was founded by a man, 2/3 of its volunteers are women, and that has remained constant throughout its history.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a community organizer, or simply looking to connect with an outdoor organization in a new city, this episode offers valuable insights into building inclusive outdoor spaces and communities. Listen to the full episode to hear more about Latino Outdoors' signature events, their vision for the future, and how you can get involved in your local chapter of Latino Outdoors.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

Runner, Therapist, and star of Trail Therapy | Meet Sharon Mosley

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0400

This week's guest is Sharon Mosley, a runner and therapist based in Durham, North Carolina. We talked about her experience being featured in a short film, her reaction to the feedback she's received from the film screenings, how she's been training this winter, and what races are on her radar for 2025.

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This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/