SPKN’s SIDELINE
Elevating sports leadership with expert insights.
Elevating sports leadership with expert insights.
The Sport Professional Knowledge Network
SPKN is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide sport industry professionals with the evidence-based knowledge and tools necessary to develop today’s athletes – mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Episodes

Oct 12, 2024
CHRISTINE YU | Exploring Women's Sports Science
Oct 12, 2024
Oct 12, 2024
45 min
Join SPKN's "Sideline" as hosts Meg Wilson and Dr. Brian Gearity dive into an enlightening conversation with Christine Yu, an award-winning journalist and author of "Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes." Discover how Christine's work sheds light on the unique challenges and scientific gaps faced by women in sports since the implementation of Title IX in 1972. This episode explores the gender data gap in athletic research and offers groundbreaking insights into female physiology and sports performance. Don't miss this compelling discussion that challenges longstanding myths and pushes the boundaries of sports science!
Oct 12, 2024
45 min

Oct 12, 2024
Oct 12, 2024
57 min
In this enlightening episode of SPKN's SIDELINE, hosts Brian Gearity, Andrew, Robert, and Kate delve into the critical issues of racism, homophobia, and disablism within sports coaching. Andrew shares poignant stories from his experiences in regional communities, highlighting instances of discrimination that impact coaching opportunities for marginalized individuals. Robert reflects on a troubling encounter in disability sport, emphasizing the need for coaches to reassess their perceptions and practices. The discussion underscores the importance of truth-telling in the journey toward reconciliation and inclusivity in sports. Tune in for a powerful conversation that advocates for change and the elevation of sport leadership.
Oct 12, 2024
57 min

Sep 4, 2024
Sep 4, 2024
47 min
Jennifer Lynn Williams, the new Chief Development Officer for the USA Basketball Foundation, is developing a fundraising platform to support programs that empower youth, champion women, and promote social responsibility. She has created the Torch Leadership and Sport Mentoring Program, which provides opportunities in sport and at USA Basketball. She also discusses the challenges of navigating sponsorships in college sports and the importance of strategic branding and marketing in fundraising.
Sep 4, 2024
47 min

Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
43 min
In this enlightening episode of SPKN's "Sideline," Meg Wilson and Dr. Brian Gearity sit down with Shawn Maloney, the Mountain Regional Manager for USA Lacrosse. Shawn shares his extensive insights into the best practices for safety, inclusion, and athlete development within grassroots sports organizations. Discover the innovative strategies and passionate commitment Shawn brings to fostering sports communities across the mountain region. Whether you’re involved in grassroots sports or interested in the broader impact of inclusive practices in athletics, this episode offers valuable perspectives that can transform sports programs at every level.
Aug 5, 2024
43 min

Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
48 min
Dive into a riveting conversation with Joel Shinofield, Managing Director of Sport Development at USA Swimming, on SPKN's Sideline podcast. Joel shares his profound insights on coaching, the transformative power of sports, and his unique journey in the world of competitive swimming. Discover the impact of mentoring, the evolution of swim coaching, and Joel's visionary approach to athlete development. Whether you're a swim enthusiast or a budding coach, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiring stories to fuel your passion for the sport.
Aug 5, 2024
48 min

Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
38 min
Join Meg and Dr. G in this enlightening episode of the SPKN Podcast as we host Natalie White, the visionary CEO of Moola Kicks. Dive into the transformative journey behind creating the first basketball shoe designed by and for women. Natalie shares her inspiring story, from the challenges she faced to the innovations in shoe design that enhance performance and prevent injuries for female athletes. Discover how Moola Kicks is shattering stereotypes and championing equality in sports footwear. Don't miss this compelling conversation that's not just about basketball shoes but also about empowering the next generation of female athletes.
Aug 5, 2024
38 min

Aug 5, 2024
Aug 5, 2024
52 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Emily Clark, a seasoned sports psychologist, as she dives deep into the challenges and strategies of mental health in athletics on SPKN Media. In this episode, Dr. Clark explores the crucial balance between mental health and peak performance, shares personal stories from her career, and offers practical advice for athletes and coaches. Whether you're a professional athlete, coach, or sports enthusiast, this discussion will provide you with valuable insights into the psychological dynamics of sports.
Aug 5, 2024
52 min

Jul 30, 2024
Jul 30, 2024
37 min
Join Meg Wilson and Dr. Brian Gearity in this inspiring episode of SPKN's "Sideline" as they sit down with Roy Kessel, founder of the Sports Philanthropy Network. With over 25 years of experience in sports law and management, Roy shares how his organization is building healthier and more inclusive communities through sports. Discover the power of sports philanthropy, learn about the initiatives aiming to connect and support sports-related nonprofits, and hear Roy's vision for fostering a culture of generosity in sports. Whether you're a sports professional, nonprofit leader, or simply passionate about community development, this episode offers valuable insights into leveraging sports for social good.
Jul 30, 2024
37 min

Jul 30, 2024
Jul 30, 2024
48 min
In this compelling episode of SPKN's Sideline podcast, host Meg Wilson sits down with Diana Cutaia, the innovative founder of Coaching Peace and a trailblazer in sport leadership. Diana shares her unique approach to fostering positive, empathetic, and safe cultures within sports. From her roots in collegiate basketball to her transformative role as Director of Athletics at Wheelock College, Diana discusses her journey and vision for redefining the sports leadership landscape. Dive into this conversation to explore how sport can be a powerful platform for inclusivity, equity, and positive change.
Jul 30, 2024
48 min

Jul 30, 2024
Jul 30, 2024
52 min
In loving memory 1964-2024
Join us on SPKN Sideline as we dive deep into the fascinating world of sport psychology and coaching with Dr. Jim Denison. In this engaging episode, Dr. Denison, a professor from the University of Alberta and a renowned sports sociologist, shares his insights on the influence of post-structuralist thought in sports, the challenges of traditional coaching methodologies, and the importance of integrating ethics and creativity into coaching practices. Dr. Denison studies coaching from a socio-cultural perspective. He draws on the work of Bruno Latour and Michel Foucault to examine a wide-array of topics and problems related to the '”doing of coaching” as a complex and heterogeneous formation.Whether you're a coach, athlete, or sports enthusiast, this conversation will expand your perspective on the psychological and sociological aspects of sports coaching.
Jul 30, 2024
52 min

Apr 10, 2024
Apr 10, 2024
49 min
Dive into the captivating world of youth sports with Meg and Dr G. as we speak with experts from the Aspen Institute's Sport and Society Program, including Vince Minjares and Jon Solomon. Delve into the history of sports since James Naismith's invention of basketball and the impact of professional sports on youth opportunities. Uncover the urgent need to disrupt traditional systems and embrace experimental and non-mainstream sports, promoting physical education and activity for all. Learn about the significance of amplifying youth voices and designing healthy systems that genuinely cater to kids' needs. Discover the groundbreaking 'Reimagining School Sports Playbook' and the vital importance of prioritizing young athletes' perspectives in shaping the future of youth sports. Tune in to our podcast and join the conversation on redefining youth sports for a brighter, more inclusive future. (2023)
Apr 10, 2024
49 min

Dec 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023
42 min
Sara Doell and Jade Siphomsay join Meg and Dr. G to discuss coach athlete relationships. Jade is the captain of the University of San Francisco Women’s Golf team and Sara Doell is the Women’s Golf coach at the University of San Francisco and Author of Amazon Bestseller “Your Future Self Will Thank You”. Jade and Sara reveal what it takes to develop a healthy coach athlete relationship. Sara explains sometimes less can be more as a coach, and learning how to communicate with athletes in order to best serve their needs is key to unlocking performance.
Dec 21, 2023
42 min

Dec 7, 2023
Dec 7, 2023
39 min
Meg and Dr. G. welcome Dr. Sophia Jowett & Ian Goldberg to discuss coach-athlete relationships. Sophia is a Professor of Psychology at Loughborough University, specializing in coach-athlete relationships. Ian Goldberg is the Founder and CEO of iSport360, an app that allows coaches to set goals, post training videos and schedules, and most importantly engage with their athletes off the field. Together, Sophia and Ian highlight how important it is to create an environment of healthy communication between athletes, coaches, and parents and why they should start sooner than later.
Dec 7, 2023
39 min

Nov 9, 2023
Nov 9, 2023
58 min
Alex Sarama is a basketball coach/consultant and the founder of Transforming Basketball. Alex began his coaching at the age of 14, and has since dedicated himself to implement research based coaching. In this episode Meg and Dr. G learn about the Constraint Led Approach and Ecological Dynamics and how Alex utilizes research to inform his practices. He argues that this approach is underestimated and can be applied in any sport. Alex challenges coaches to reconsider their traditional methods and drills and provides examples of how he uses the Constraint Led Approach to improve performance in his athletes.
Nov 9, 2023
58 min

Oct 26, 2023
Oct 26, 2023
45 min
Allison Maurer is a Sports Dietician who has advised multiple sporting organizations including the Pittsburgh Pirates and the University of Tennessee. She is currently the Associate Athletic Director for Student Health and Wellness at Knoxville Catholic High School. In this episode, Allison provides valuable insight on foundational nutritional knowledge. Coaches and athletes are realizing the value of nutrition as science progresses and results are starting to become evident on the playing field. Meg and Dr. G learn how to fuel for performance as well as highlighting overlooked aspects of nutrition and much more.
Oct 26, 2023
45 min

Oct 5, 2023
Oct 5, 2023
46 min
Jim Harbaugh is the Head Football Coach for the University of Michigan. Coach Harbaugh played in the NFL for 14 seasons before dedicating himself to coaching. Jim was head coach of Stanford, San Diego and the San Francisco 49ers before returning to his Alma Mater, the University of Michigan. In this episode Meg and Dr. G learn about creating meaningful relationships with players in order to promote success on and off the field. Jim explains how his family values inform his coaching, and he provides insight on the balance between being a decisive coach and leader. (2023)
#Sportknowlege #sportleadership #SPKN #SidelinePodcast #JimHarbaugh #MichiganFootball #LeadershipInSports #CoachingPhilosophy #PlayerRelationships #SuccessOnAndOffTheField #FamilyValuesInCoaching #DecisiveLeadership #SPKNNetwork
Oct 5, 2023
46 min

Sep 7, 2023
Sep 7, 2023
53 min
Chris Waddell and Dr. Michael Cottingham join Meg and Dr. G to discuss adaptive sport. Chris Waddell is a Paralympic Medalist, Author and Speaker. Dr. Michael Cottingham is Associate Professor and Director of Adaptive Athletics at the University of Houston. In this episode, Chris provides insight on his journey to continue pushing boundaries with sit skiing, and adventures such as becoming the first paraplegic to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dr. Michael Cottingham describes the culture of adaptive sports, as well as challenging the viewer to reconsider how they recognize the achievements of disabled individuals.
Sep 7, 2023
53 min

Aug 10, 2023
Aug 10, 2023
56 min
Dr. Shawn Arent is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Exercise Science at University of South Carolina Sport Science Lab. Shawn has worked with a multitude of teams, coaches and athletes including professional baseball, hockey and soccer players. In this episode Meg and Dr. G learn about proper training methods, as well as what crafting a scientific hypothesis and experiment for athletes looks like. Dr. Arent describes how using science can be a way to discover new avenues of performance and how it can be used to recontextualize the information that coaches use in order to prove a more nuanced understanding of their athletes.
Aug 10, 2023
56 min

Jul 27, 2023
Jul 27, 2023
46 min
Clarisse Machanguana is a professional basketball player from Mozambique. She played in the WNBA (1999-2002), as well as internationally representing Mozambique. In this episode, Meg and Dr. G learn about Clarisse’s journey to becoming a professional basketball player and how important sport was in developing her self esteem and confidence. In 2014 Clarisse founded the Clarisse Machanguana Foundation, in order to empower and educate Mozambican youth through sport. The Clarisse Machanguana Foundation uses sport as a tool to develop self esteem and life skills as well as educate young athletes about proper healthcare in order to combat HIV. To learn more and support, please visit https://clarissemachanguanafoundation.com.
Jul 27, 2023
46 min

Jul 19, 2023
Jul 19, 2023
44 min
Kawser Amine is a former member of the historic Afghanistan Women’s National Soccer Team and currently serves as an activist for women’s rights. Kawser explains what has changed in women’s sports since the fall of Kabul in 2021, and how it has impacted young women growing up in Afghanistan. Kawser is the founder and CEO of Women's Solidarity for Peace and Leadership (WPSL), a non-profit dedicated to advocating for global change and raising women’s voices, especially in countries where women are facing oppression. To support Kawser and Women's Solidarity for Peace and Leadership visit http://www.wsplglobal.org/ .
Jul 19, 2023
44 min



