On Her Mark

Whether she likes the title or not, Chris Ernst is a trailblazer in women's sports. As captain of the 1976 Yale women's rowing team, she led her teammates in protesting the unequal treatment they faced and demanding the protections and opportunities promised under Title IX. Chris and her teammates walked into the office of their assistant athletic director and read a 300-word statement after removing their sweatsuits to reveal "Title IX" written across their bodies. Soon, the world knew their story, and change began to follow. Chris joined me at the Head Of The Charles Regatta to dive in to: 

Before 2x Olympian, 5x World Cup medalist, and 2x World Championships medalist Meghan O'Leary picked up an oar, she was an accomplished 2-sport collegiate athlete (softball and volleyball) and building a promising media career at ESPN. Then, at 25, a Google search led her to rowing. The rest, as they say, is history. When she transitioned out of competition she explored some other passions before sport drew her back. Today, she is the founder of Triple Threat, owner of San Francisco Signal (LOVB), investor, consultant, and athlete advocate.

She joined me at the Head Of The Charles Regatta...

Fresh off her first Olympic appearance in Milan and a 4th place finish at World Championships in March, figure skater Isabeau Levito is ready to get back to work.  A 2024 World silver medalist, six-time Grand Prix medalist, 2023 U.S. national champion, and three-time U.S. national bronze medalist, the young star has already accomplished so much on the national and international stages. Now, she’s looking ahead to a new season, a new program, and new opportunities to bring characters to life on the ice. Today we dive into: 

Emily Harrington has done what very few people who ever dream to do: free climb "Golden Gate" on El Capitan in under 24 hours. When she reached the summit in 2020, she became the first woman and fourth person ever to complete the route in under a day. A professional rock climber and 5-time national champion, Emily has also summited Mount Everest and joined an expedition to ascend an unclimbed mountain in Myanmar. Free climbing El Cap was always on her list, but it was far from easy. The gritty, challenging, and unglamorous journey was captured in Netflix's feature documentary "Girl...

There's only one way to describe the success of Emilea Zingas and Zadym Kolesnik's 2026 season: METEORIC. Four years ago, they started skating together and immediately clicked. Now, they are the top ice dance duo in America. Just this year they placed fifth at the Milan Olympics, earned bronze at ISU Figure Skating World Championships just weeks later, and a gold at ISU Figure Skating Four Continents Championships before that! They simply love of skating together, taking risks, and chasing big dreams. Emilea thought she would be coming to Boston to attend university, now she's here as an Olympian chasing...

2026 has been a huge year for Shea Dolce. First, the Connecticut native wrapped up a stellar lacrosse career at Boston College. Then, she was selected second overall in the Women's Lacrosse League (WLL) Draft to the Boston Guard, won gold with Team USA at the World Lacrosse Women's Championships, named 'Player of the Game,' and scored a coaching gig at Dartmouth College! Shea is one of the best goalies in the sport -- she plays with precision and joy. She was hooked from the jump and has been chasing success ever since. Today we dive into: 

After 4 years at Temple University, and a final year of eligibility at Boston College, defender Courtney Taylor wasn't ready to say goodbye to lacrosse, so, she found ways to keep playing. Courtney played three years with Athletes Unlimited, went on to bring home a gold medal for Team USA at the World Lacrosse Box Championships in 2024, and just wrapped up her second year with the Boston Guard in the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL). Today we dive into: 

There's  new rowing discipline debuting at the LA 2028 Summer Olympic Games: beach sprints! It's completely different than traditional rowing (think Head of the Charles Regatta!) but exactly what Sera Moon Busse had always hoped for in the sport. Sera won silver at the 2025 World Rowing Beach Sprints and won back-to-back Canadian Henleys. She's started rowing her sophomore year at Tufts University and was hooked. As a speed and power athlete she was thrilled when beach sprints were introduced. You may also recognize her from Hydrow where she coaches athletes across the globe.  Today we dive into: 

Lauren Shehadi is one of the most recognizable voices covering Major League Baseball. The host and reporter has loved the sport since her Little League days, and now she gets to be a part of it at the professional level. Lauren is a co-host of 'MLB Central' on the MLB Network among other sports assignments (think: on-field during MLB post-season, March Madness, etc!) Earlier this year she was hired for Netflix's MLB coverage as their in-game reporter, giving her the opportunity to cover the MLB at Field of Dreams Game on Thursday, August 13th. Today we dive in to: 

Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts is the woman you want on your team when you're looking to find peace in our world's chaos. Chelsea is a highly sought-after yoga, meditation, and breathwork teacher (you probably know her from Peloton!) She found yoga first as a workout and quickly realized that it could (and would!) bring so much to her life. She is a graduate of Spellman College and went on to get her PhD in educational studies from Emory. It was there she coined the concept of "inner literacy," which she dives into today.  Now, Chelsea combines all of the l...

It’s not often that you find your passion and purpose at the same time. So, when Ednaija 'Nay' Lassiter did, she stepped into her power. Nay grew up playing basketball in Boston and went on to play through high school and college. It was during college when she started to struggle with her mental health, where she found help, and where she found her purpose. So, Nay founded "Heavy Hearted Convos" to ensure that youth today have easy access to the mental health resources, workshops, and mentorship.  She has not left her love of basketball behind, she is the...

Imagine a sports bra that doesn’t chafe, doesn’t dig into your shoulders or torso, or require a second one to provide adequate support. Basically, imagine a sports bra that fits! That’s exactly what Harvard engineer and Robyn Athletic founder Sara Falkson is after! You probably know her from her viral videos on social (or her first episode here on the podcast!) Now, Sara is taking all she worked on at Harvard and is developing the first Robyn sports bra set to release in Spring 2027.  Of course, Robyn started with the bra but is now so much more, i...

It didn't take long for goalkeeper Casey Murphy to become a fan favorite in Boston. The USWNT and NWSL veteran signed with the Boston Legacy FC last year after 5 years with the North Carolina Courage last summer. She quickly embraced a leadership role, helping lay the foundation for a championship culture in Title Town.  Murphy knows what it means to be successful. In her first start for the USWNT she recorded a clean sheet, becoming the seventh goalkeeper to accomplish the feat. She's also been on some of the world's biggest stages, including the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and w...

In 2016, competitive snowboarder Kelsey Boyer was on a mission in to qualify for the Olympic, competing as often as she could. She started the season with a knockout but kept at it. Eventually, she was rushed to the hospital by her friends and admitted for emergency brain surgery.  This set her on a path of re-learning, recovery and self-discovery. Four years into her recovery, she founded Save A Brain, a non-profit with the mission to provide education, encourage prevention, and spread awareness about the long-term medical and physical effects of TBIs and concussions. She has created a large community o...

If there’s anyone who embodies the saying, “a minor setback for a major comeback,” it’s Kate Boggs. The recent US Coast Guard Academy graduate first found the sport in college after never playing a ball sport before. It also happened to be the "thing" that kept her at USCGA after a rocky first year. She bounced back to find her footing in the classroom and on the field. Then, in the final 20 seconds of the 2025 Collegiate Rugby Championship, she broke her leg. After a tough recovery, she was back for her final season.  In 2026 she earned 'Division II Nation...

We talk a lot about sport-specific training, recovery, and mindset work, but not often about proper fueling. It’s a HUGE part of performance. And Laura Reece knows this from personal experience as an athlete and as a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. Laura is now the Director of Sports Nutrition at Women’s Health, Sports & Performance (WHSP) in Boston. She focuses on performance-based nutrition and the treatment of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs), disordered eating, and eating disorders in athletes. Today we dive in to:

Ali Truwit ran her first marathon in 2023, graduated from Yale University, and went on a celebratory trip with friends — that’s when her life came crashing down. While snorkeling in Turks and Caicos, she was attacked by a shark and ultimately suffered and suffered the loss of her foot and lower leg. Since then, Ali has been on a mission to turn her trauma into triumph. A year after the attack, Ali raced in the Paris Paralympics where she earned TWO silver medal. She also ran the 2025 NYC Marathon, modeled in the Sports Illustrated Swim issue, launched the 'Stronger Than...

Sports can change lives; they teach resilience, grow leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and challenge us in all the right ways. It is these gifts and power that drive the work at Common Goal every day. Common Goal uses soccer to bring people together and drive society-wide change across the globe. This is something their new CEO Mary Connor believes to her core. She calls the sport her the "best friend" that's been through many chapters with her -- starting as a kid, playing professionally, and now in the non-profit world. When her playing career was done, Mary stayed...

7-year NWSL veteran Bianca St-Georges was excited to come to Boston to help build a new era of professional women's soccer with the Boston Legacy FC. Not only has she brought her strength, skill, and ambition to the team, but her leadership. She is helping younger teammates build their confidence while also learning from them. When she is not training or traveling, you can find her giving powerful mindset pep talks on YouTube. Today we dive in to: 

When Patty Hung first ran the Boston Marathon 40 years ago, she didn't set out to break any records or run the iconic course at 80 years young. But, in 2023, when Patty crossed her 37th Boston Marathon finish line, she broke the record for longest female streak...and she hasn't stopped. Whenever someone hears Patty's story they are shocked and inspired. Then, they meet her and it all makes sense. She has the energy of a golden retriever puppy, a heart of gold and gratitude, a genuine passion for life, and unrelenting love and commitment to her family. And this weekend...

When Juliann Faucette isn't blocking and hitting on the volleyball court, she is in full-on mom mode to her three little ones at home. After a standout career at Texas, Juliann pursued a professional career overseas. She stepped away in 2018 to start a family and was pulled back in for a season in 2020. Then, she thought her playing career was wrapped up and she was committed to coaching and staying around the sport to help guide younger generations. She added twins to her family and her hands were full. But LOVB came calling....and Juliann answered. She helped LOVB...

Amy Purdy simply doesn't quit. She has taken every obstacle life has thrown her way and turned it into an opportunity. At just 19 a sudden case of bacterial meningitis resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee, her kidney function, and spleen. After fighting for her life, she became a trailblazer in snowboarding, even making history as a 3-time Paralympic medalist. After, she continued to inspire millions by competing on "Dancing With the Stars," touring with Oprah, and authoring a New York Times best-selling memoir. Then, in 20198, life threw another obstacle her way causing her to rebuild...

Mohegan has OFFICIALLY announced that the Connecticut Sun franchise has been sold to the Tilman J. Fertitta family, pending WNBA approval. The team will play its final season at Mohegan Sun Arena through the 2026 season and move to Houston in 2027. CT Sun President Jen Rizzotti sat down with us to share more about the impact of the sale on the team, the franchise, fans, and continued growth of the league and women's basketball overall. We dive in to: 

Not many people would describe themselves as "a southern girl looking for colder weather," but Brantley Mullins does. The professional snowboarder grew up riding in North Carolina but has since gone pro and moved out to Salt Lake City. She competes in street style snowboarding or urban snowboarding (think: sliding on rails, jumping off things, etc). She competes in different cities in Red Bull Heavy Metal competitions (she did say Boston was unlike anywhere else!) Today we dive in to: 

Not only did standout high school hooper (and future UCONN Husky) Olivia Vukosa earn the 2025-26 Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year Award, she was surprised with the news by UCONN legend Diana Taurasi. DT shocked Olivia at school Thursday morning surrounded by her teammates, family, and friends. Later, they sat down to dive into the significance of this award, DT offers advice to Olivia for UCONN, Olivia's hoop dreams & more! 

Follow Olivia Vukosa on social: @olivia.vukosa

Follow Diana Taurasi on social: @dianataurasi

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_h...

Morgan's Message Co-founder Meaghan Birnie and Student Ambassador Michaela O'Connor are back to chat more about why starting conversations around mental health is so important and how the non-profit is supporting students athletes across the globe. Today we dive in to:

A year after Morgan Roger's took her own life in 2022, her friends and family got together to turn their pain into purpose. Morgan's Message was born as a way to grieve the full of life, fun-loving sister, friend and teammate, but what it turned into is so much more. The non-profit works with schools across the globe to open conversations around mental health and provide resources. Today,  Co-founder Meaghan Birnie and Ambassador Michaela O'Connor (Boston College Women's Lacrosse Senior Captain) join me to dive in to: 

Not many people get to live one dream in their 20s, but Kelsey O'Driscoll is living two: working as a nurse to help people and representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. After a spinal injury in 2021, Kelsey was determined to not let those dreams pass her by. She still works as a nurse (at the same hospital that inspired her to pursue the career) and became Gore Mountain's first adaptive ski patroller. Additionally, Kelsey now races as a four-track skier, a form of para alpine skiing where an athlete uses two skis and two hand-held outriggers (metal...

The Boston Fleet brought home a lot of hardware from the Olympic Games. Goaltender Aerin Frankel recorded a .980 save percentage and became the first Olympic women's hockey player to record three shut-outs on this stage. She helped Team USA to a perfect 7-0 record and GOLD medal! Meanwhile, her teammate Alina Müller scored the game-winning goal with just one minute left in overtime to secure the BRONZE medal for her home country of Switzerland. She also earned the honor of Closing Ceremony flagbearer. Just back from Italy, they dish on: 

Everything is golden for Team USA women's hockey defensemen Megan Keller and Haley Winn! Megan knocked in the golden goal in OT to best Canada to bring home her second Olympic gold (third Olympic medal) and make it an unforgettable first Games for Haley! The two Boston Fleet players made significant contributions in Italy for the historic perfect 7-0 run. They are back in Boston for the PWHL season and stopped by to chat about: 

Have you ever been stuck in the mindless doom scroll when you come across an inspirational quote that makes you stop and smile? Chances are, it was from ThoughtswithH, a social media page and community wellness brand founded by Helena Eldoueihy. Helena started the page to spread kindness and positivity and it has grown into so much more. Now a licensed mental health clinician, Helena continues to bring people together through inspirational quotes and community. Today we dive in to: 

She is THAT GIRL! Elana Meyers Taylor is bobsled royalty. She went into her fifth Olympic Games in Milan (2026) with 5 Olympic medals, 4 World Champion titles, and the title of most decorated Black athlete in the history of the Winter Olympics. Elana had the dream to be an Olympian since witnessing the 1996 Olympics in her home state of Georgia (at the time she thought it would be for softball). Not only has she earned countless medals, Elana is also celebrated for her relentless drive, work ethic and passion. Today we dive in to: 

They call her the volleyball GOAT or Nebraska "Gov," and deservedly so. Jordan Larson is World Champion, League One Volleyball (LOVB) founding athlete, LOVB Nebraska co-owner, and 4-time Olympic medalist leading Team USA to their first gold medal in 2020 as both team captain and MVP. Jordan recently announced the 2026 LOVB Nebraska season will be her last as a competitive athlete.  She first picked up a volleyball in a small town Nebraska and now she will be wrapping up an outstanding career in the same state surrounded by friends, family and countless fans. She is excited for a farewell season f...

It's time to bet on YOU (yes, you reading this!) Sisters Erin Connor and Katie Wood are on a mission to inspire and equip athletes to build mental strength, confidence, and belief to grow through challenges and train their minds like they do their bodies to become the best teammates, athletes, and humans. Erin, a mental performance mastery coach, and Katie, an author and motivational speaker, are both former athletes, entrepreneurs, and moms (8!) They have experienced first-hand the benefit of training your mind, have seen it with their kids, and now thousands of athletes across the country they have...

Coming back to the Head of the Charles Regatta was like a homecoming for Paralympic coxswain Emelie Eldracher. The 2024 silver medalist, MIT grad (undergrad and grad degree), lifelong student and fashion lover is now earning her second masters degree across the pond but has stayed connected to the sport and was racing with her mixed Worlds team. She is combining her passions of science and data with para athletics to advance the sport and create more opportunities. Today we dive in to: 

Haymakers For Hope brings fighters together to build community, find purpose, and most importantly, knockout cancer. Co-founder Julie Kelly, a cancer survivor, wanted to raise money and fight cancer in a meaningful way and the endurance events (marathons & triathlons) just weren't doing it for her. Haymakers started in 2011 and has grown immensely since, including the launch of a women's fight night called 'Belles of the Brawl.' 2025 Belle Janella Casella stepped into the ring to honor her son's battle and victory with cancer. She walked away with a win, new passion for boxing & lifelong friendships. Today we dive in...

It's a special thing when a mother and daughter share a passion. And even more special when they get to enjoy it together professionally, and personally. The first time Keira Gotrell got on the water she fell in love. Her mom, Myrna, wasn't far behind and quickly understood her daughter's passion. Over a decade later, the women now coach the Hackensack Crew team together, a program that Keira founded in 2018 when she wanted to represent her high school in competition. Today we dive in to: 

Did you stretch tho?! Something you've probably heard Peloton founding instructor Hannah Corbin ask once or twice in a class! Inspired by more than a decade of sweating with millions on the popular app, the dancer and fitness professional was inspired to put something together to help people do the one thing they are likely missing in their routine: stretching. Inspired by her own fitness journey and helping those in her community take time for them, she's released a new boxed set "Did You Stretch Tho: 52 Stretches to Increase Flexibility, Balance, and Performance." Today we dive in to: 

The Head of the Charles Regatta is one of Boston's most iconic weekends and when Tori Stevens stepped into the role of executive director last summer she was excited to continue the strong tradition. Tori has more than 2 decades worth of global leadership experience in sports, media and technology. Most recently, Tori was the CEO of SUP3R, known for creating music festivals like the Bonaroo Music & Arts Festival. She is excited about her new role, especially growing the fan experience, partnerships and access to HOCR and the sport in general. Today we dive in to: 

Erika Kemp has been running since high school and slowly inched her way up to the marathon distance! She is a 2x U.S. champion (15k & 20k distances) and professional runner for Brooks. As a New England native, her first marathon was Boston (naturally!) in 2023 where she broke the record for fastest marathon run by an American-born Black woman. Just a few years later in Houston she shattered her own record by 11:01 minutes. She runs for Brooks' elite team and trains out of Providence, RI. Today we dive in to: