February 13, 2025 • 52 mins
On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl and Tee talk with sports journalist Khristina Williams about her journey from working in a top ad agency to being on the forefront of Women’s sports journalism. They break down WNBA free agency’s biggest moves, team investments, and the push for equity in women’s sports. Tune in for real talk, industry insights, and a look at the future of women’s basketball.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Levels to This is an iHeart Women's sports production in
partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find
us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you
get your podcasts.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
What's up, everybody, It's Treka Foster Brasby.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Y'all know what time it is.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
It's your girl Cheryl swoops Hey, And this is Levels
to This the podcast. This is the show where we
share that it's levels to the shit that women go through.
And we have such a fun show lined up today.
Today we are going to be joined by our girl,
Christina Williams, who always knows what's going on. She is
the host of In Case you missed It, also on
(00:40):
the iHeart Women's Sports Network. But first, Cheryl.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Yeah, we hait. No, not first, cause I gotta say
something because I don't. I don't know who'll be in
the streets more you are, Christina.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Ah, we've been in the streets together. That's the crazy part.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That is the one.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Right before we started recording this show, I was clear
on the phone with her, texting her trying to figure
out what the move is gonna be for NBA All
Star because we've been invited to about fifteen parties and
ten of them is on the same day, and I'm like,
I don't know how we're gonna do this, well.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Me knowing y'all the way, I know y'all, y'all will
find a way.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
We will find a way.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, you will find a way. So because I know
we're gonna get into something, but yeah, let me let
me be in my feelings for a minute, please do so.
You're telling me that you and Christina have gotten ten
to fifteen invites to parties, advents, whatever.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
And you are aware that I too will be in
San Francisco, yep, Yepop.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Should I stop her keeping?
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Nope?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
You can keep going because I got an answer for
you allready.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Don't know. I already know what you're gonna say, but
I'm gonna keep going out of the ten to fifteen
that y'all have gotten. Yep. Can a sister get an
invite to just one? Answer?
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Question?
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Would a question?
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Nope? Nope, nope, because I think I know what your
answer is gonna be. I don't just want just one,
I don't even want the other nine, twelve, eleven, thirteen, Yeah, yep,
what's your question to my question?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
My question? To your question is will you be awake
to attend?
Speaker 1 (02:21):
I don't know, probably not. But what I thought you
were really gonna say. I thought I thought you were
gonna really be a smart ass and say, well, every
time I invite you to something, you never come.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
I no, I already knew. I already knew every single
thing we've been invited to has will start at ten pm.
See what I'm saying. Now, when I get the day party,
invite you to first on the list.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Listen, I am wide awake during the day. T if
there's something about being fifty three and menopause, like all
the things that when when sleep hits me, I don't
care where I am, I will lay my head down
on your shoulder at any pool after a certain time.
(03:11):
So anyway, y'all have fun for me, think about me,
and I'm done with that conversation.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
So that is keep funny, keep all fifteen.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Of you invite.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I am real life in tears, because as soon as
we get to Oakland or sand friend, I already know
that I'm gonna be like, hey, Shirul, we about to go,
and you're gonna be like okay, and then when the
time comes, you're gonna be like, girl, I'm going to
my room.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I'm going to No, that's exactly that's me. I ain't
even gonna lie because that's me.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
I'm want to be here.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
But but I had all intentions of going to dinner
with y'all in Nashville.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
So the good thing about it is that so Sheryla
and I were in Nashville. She's still in Nashville for
Athletes Unlimited, which has been great, by the way, Like
the games have been good. There was a game this morning.
It was a school field day game, and it was
a really competitive game, like up until maybe the fourth quarter.
I was like, wow, So I love it out of
(04:06):
ce Simms A bucket, a bucket, a bucket honesty. Simms
is a stat sheep stuffer period, a one away, one
away from a triple double today, one assister way, one
rebound away. But anyway, but we didn't get a chance
to really kick it while we were in Nashville. So
I come back on the twenty fifth of this month,
and I'll be there for another week, so hopefully you
(04:28):
and I will be able to just kick it while
I'm there too. Plus my sister lives in Nashville. And
she was really trying to grab all my time and
attention when I was there the first time. So I it,
you did, you did. But she's gonna be gone. She's
going to Houston first spring break, trying to be.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Grown, depending on the time, because you know, I love
my sleep. I do, I do, I do, Oh my god.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But I also know that while we are in San
fran for NBA All Star, you'll be there because her
son is participating in the g Le Dunk Contest, which
is exciting.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
I'm super excited for her.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I am so excited for him. But also he's just
really on a wind streak right now, like he's winning
by being in a dunk contest, and he's winning because
he's about to be a father, about to be a Grahama,
a glamor.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Way.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
What was the name? What was the name?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
A Nana?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Nana? That's right? A n Yes, Nana, that's right? And
nan do you know what you're having? Do you know? Girl?
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Okay, no, I don't, but I guess I soon will.
So right before we recorded, you know, I got a
call from him and he was like, I need to
tell you something. So I was like, okay. So he
said that she went and had some blood work done, right,
and so I'm thinking, oh, no, like what happened. So
(05:55):
he said, in at the very bottom of the blood
work they put the gender of the baby. They spoiled it,
and I was gonna have this whole big gender reveal,
so she knows, but he said he doesn't want to know.
So he was like, do you want to know? I
was like, absolutely, I need to know these things. Yes,
(06:19):
So now I guess I'm gonna say the gender Reville
will be only for him, but I already know it's
not gonna last because she's gonna tell him and he's
gonna be like, I tell me what is.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
No, no, no, no, You've got to stay on her.
You gotta stay on her because it's fun. It's fun
no when he doesn't know, and it's fun when the
guests doesn't know. So I mean, ultimately, if they don't know,
but you definitely got to know because you need to
know for the cake and the balloons and all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
No, no, no, I need to know because I'm already shopping
what you So I've bought all gender neutral stuff and
now I need to know if I'm going pink.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Or blue that is hilarious. You know, maybe about to
have all types of elephants, and.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
We had all kinds of gifts under the tree for
Christmas and not even knowing the sex of the baby yet.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
That is so crazy.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
But I had this whole big plan right of the
gender reveal, me and a couple of my girlfriends were talking.
I didn't have all the details, but what I knew
was I was gonna fill a basketball with either pink
or blue, and he was gonna dunk it.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Oh and when he dunk it, it will explode or
something with all of the stuff. Yeah, I still think
that's a good idea.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
I love it, but I girl the babies. I do
it to July.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Still.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
My mama used to say she can't hold water on
her stomach.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Well, so when did you plan to have it? Because
it's already February, so I know the babies do in July.
You could probably do a Genderville like around April and
I'd be good.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Okay, that should work. But now I got let's hurry
up because I got a call and find out to
find out, well, we're not going we're not going be
labor them because I too am nosey as hell, and
I want to know.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
What the baby is so I could start getting my
Amazon cart together and shit. So that's how we finn
to roll around here. So with no further ado, we
gonna have our girl Christina come in because lo KEI
we about to ask her to put in on the
baby shit too. She got to come in or you
got to come in and contribute to the baby shit too, y'all.
Let's get Christina on the line and let's take this
(08:25):
to the next level. There are oftentimes where we come
across people and we're like, I think I'm gonna click
with them.
Speaker 4 (08:36):
I think that's gonna be my girl.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
And then there are like times where you meet people
and you're like, this is my sister, period, like this
this just is what it is. It was that way
with us Ryls, Like the first time we met it
was just like, oh my god, this is my sister
for life.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
But can we keep it real too and say, but
you also have those friends or those people that you're like,
oh Na, this bitch aint gonna be it period.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
It's not gonna be the one. We're not gonna talk,
We're not gonna chill. It's gonna be business only. Like
it ain't going to carry it. But I'm telling you,
the one person who had never felt that way about,
and it's been years in the making now, is this
phenomenal woman that we have on the show today, and
that is the one and only Christina Williams. Hey, Christina from.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
The legendary Ryl Swoops Christina. Okay, time out because I
don't know if the people are gonna be able to
see t but I gotta let them know. Christina came
with the Middle Park bust down.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
I don't lack.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
She's not playing playing and it is rageous.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
It makes sense to me that she will walk up
in here with this twenty eight inch busch down.
Speaker 4 (09:58):
Because when you have been wrecked ized by Forbes, and when.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
You have received the accolades that Christina has received for
not only being a creator and not only being someone
in this space who's been innovative, but also being the
founder of her own network, the founder of our own
media company, I'm literally in the game with her own
show right here on the iHeartRadio Network. In case you
(10:21):
missed it, With Christina Williams, you can't go anywhere where
you aren't flawless.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
So I get it. It makes sense to me.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
I didn't expect anything less. So yeah, but in fairness
to Christina though she always the hair is always laid, now,
don't got the hair is always laid.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Fact.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
I think one thing that's interesting though, is that so
many people know Christina's name and so many people have
seen Christina's face. But Christina's really a private person, right,
and so there isn't a lot that.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
People get to actually know.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
So I am excited for you to be here because
I want to give fans an opportunity to get to
know you a little bit more like how did you
get into this business? Where did you start? And what's basketball?
And see I know this because this guy, you's my
real friend, was basketball and sports even the initial media
space for you when.
Speaker 4 (11:20):
You got into this business.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
That's a good question and very loaded. And so I
will start to my love for the game. Obviously, I
grew up in New York, which I think is the
mecca for basketball. No disrespect to anybody who's listening from
anywhere else. Yeah, so for me, how I speak on
the podcasts or the Hall of Famer shows poops, but no,
but like growing up in New York, specifically in Harlem.
(11:42):
It wasn't abnormal for me to see women and girls
who play basketball and be very successful at it. I
always tell the story of growing up in Harlem and
seeing Shannon Bobbit, specifically playing in the neighborhood. My sister
went to middle school with her. They played in middle
school together. Being able to see and be around and
see women be great like that, especially like in the
close distance, it just made me fall in love with
(12:04):
the game. And obviously I knew where the game stopped
for me, and that was in high school after varsity.
But I just loved basketball and loved watching women play
and just what the game did in terms of changing
my life. And so my involvement with basketball involved.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
Over the years.
Speaker 6 (12:22):
As you know, Tea, I grew up a theater kid,
so just storytelling has always been a part of who
I am as a person, and so for me, it
was just going to college and studying journalism was a thing.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Went to school study journalism.
Speaker 6 (12:34):
At the same time, worked in marketing at one of
the top marketing agencies. I won't give them a shout out,
but worked at one of the top marketing agencies in
the world where I learned all the aspects of production
and was probably one of the youngest people in the company,
and all the older people around me really just nurtured me,
mentored me, and really encouraged me to start my own thing.
(12:56):
And I was kind of scared. I'm like the type
of person that needs all my ducks in a row
before I do something. I take risk, but calculate a risk.
And so in twenty eighteen, I looked at the coverage
on social media, and I'm a millennial, so like social media.
I have the best of both worlds, growing up with
and without social media. And so at that point in time,
(13:16):
I saw that there was a lot of coverage for
men's sports, specifically the NBA, where there were highlight pages,
news pages, all the different things, and so I started
to reach out to some of those people behind those
pages who were very successful at growing accounts things like that,
and I learned the game from them, and I was like,
why don't we have this for women's basketball.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
It just simply didn't exist.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
It was so hard to find game scores, storylines, just
different things.
Speaker 5 (13:40):
And so I.
Speaker 6 (13:41):
Created Girls Talks from CV really as a hobby at first.
It wasn't a business at first, and then I would
say after the first year, I've revamped everything and turned
it into its own, you know, business.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
And went from there.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
But really it started just as the passion of mine
to keep the stories going, the accessibility, the visibility of stories,
and then growing my network within covering the games. Obviously
I live in New York, so going to the Liberty Games,
providing coverage community events, wherever there was something happening.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
I was there, and at the time it was just
bare bones.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
So me and my phone, my camera, cross network with
some people went to college with that was my camera
crew and we would just literally be everywhere. In that
first season of covering the New York Liberty and that's
when they were at Westchester. They had just left MSG
went to Westchester. It was me, Ari, Camille, Sophie and
that was it. There was like four of us there.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
So that's really.
Speaker 6 (14:36):
How I got involved, just showing up right and just
seeing a need and filling that void of the covers
that I wanted to see and then yeah, it's his
own thing. I've become like a go to source for
some breaking news here and there for free agency, but
really my passion was just always finding new entry points
to provide different types of coverage, But never in a
(14:57):
million years I think that I would end up here
on this podcast you and that's certainly not where I
thought I opened up.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
But I'm grateful for the journey. Yes you did.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
You knew that you talk about you being grateful for
the journey when you look at where you started and
the coverage of women's basketball to where it is today.
I have my own thoughts on some people that have decided, oh,
women's basketball is the thing to do now, so let
me go over here and cover it. What are your
thoughts on not only where the game is today as
(15:30):
far as the talent, but even the coverage, especially when
it comes to women covering the game today.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Much time we got. I have a lot of thoughts
on this, and I don't.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Know what I can and can't say, but I feel
like in terms of the representation of those who are
covering a game, specifically black women.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
There's still a huge gap.
Speaker 6 (15:59):
And I'm always an advocate for diversity and newsrooms and
and media companies because that's how we get the best
of the best stories by providing those different perspectives.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
And so when I see all of.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
These new opportunities and all of these things and all
the things. It sattens me a little bit because those
who have been in the space and covering a space
and help building and laying the groundwork are not getting
those opportunities are getting etched out. Really, when we look
at what's been happening over the last year or so,
people are seeing that it's cool, so they parachute in.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
And we've seen that happen in the.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Wnbas throughout the WNBA season when we've seen certain coverage
that has impacted the season or the storylines and the.
Speaker 5 (16:40):
Narratives being pushed.
Speaker 6 (16:41):
When we look at the statistics, less than two percent
of all sports newsrooms have black women in it. And
so I will always shout from the rooftops that we
need more diversity in those places. But also people that
are willing to advocate for black women more diversity.
Speaker 5 (16:56):
At a time where DEI.
Speaker 6 (16:57):
Is kind of like seen as the bad thing in
this country, I think that it's super important to have
that in the newsrooms. Like I said, never in a
million years that I thought I would have to start
my own business in order to have an opportunity. I
went to school for journalism. I have my degree in journalism,
and so when I got out of school, I didn't
feel entitled like I had to get a job at
a major news company, but I was fucking applying it
(17:21):
not getting the jobs. And on top of that, having
the experience that I did and pre and post production.
Prior to being a sports reporter, I was in entertainment
and fashion, literally covering the Emmys at the BET Awards,
doing press junkets at movie premieers. Like I have an
extensive resume when it comes to this industry and being
(17:41):
able to get those opportunities fueled me to create my
own lane, which I guess that's just how life worked
for me in terms of my destiny and what.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
My purpose is in this space.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
But I think that we have a long way to
go when it comes to, like you said, share women
being able to have the opportunities to be a part
of the storytelling. And I think that Sue Bird at
the Tribeca Film Festival last year, she really put that
in perspective, and she really said it. She was just like,
we need people in the sea to have been here
(18:12):
and to be a reflection of that seventy percent of
players in the WNBA so Bong ways to go yeah, yeah, no.
Speaker 4 (18:20):
I hear that.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And I will never forget when I met you first
in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
We were all covering.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
The Connecticut Sun and the WNBA finals up here in Connecticut,
and there is I call it an iconic photo because
I think it is an iconic photo, this photo, and
I know I'm gonna forget somebody, but I'm in it.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
You're in it. Ari's in it, the China, Robinson's in it,
Megan Nick, pet Lauren, Camille, Lauren is in it. Camille
is in it.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
There is so many people who now fast forward from
twenty nineteen till now, it's like you guys have been
the voices and the torch bearers for the coverage around
when's basketball and women's sports. But at this one time,
quite literally, it was like the first time it was
a media role that was nothing but black women.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Like the wow row Wow, there was nothing but black women.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
And you look for it after this moment yep.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
And there was another reporter was like, I want that
picture because I want to write a story on just
this because this is something that we just truly do
not see.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
It's interesting where we are now, where we.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Constantly see more faces and more names and more people
entering into this space. But what pisses me off, though,
is that there is this notion from a lot of
people who are new to the space that those of
us who are ogs of the.
Speaker 4 (19:44):
Space are gatekeepers.
Speaker 6 (19:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
I can't stand when folks don't understand vocabulary. All right,
Vocabulary is a very basic thing in twenty twenty five,
because all you got to do is pick up your
phone and type it in Google.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Then they will give you the definition. Okay. And so
for those out.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
There who are consistently calling folks gatekeepers, we are not
restricting your access to WNBA.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
We are not restricting your ability.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
To enjoy the WNBA. We are not gatekeepers, right, So
stop saying that shit. It's wrong, It's not true. It's
not what we're doing. What I am saying is, for example,
this is just an example, is Big Bible Media company
has been dominating the media space for fifty years, and
(20:32):
now they're interested in covering women's basketball. You don't need
to pull your boy from the NBA space to cover
the WNBA space. You have the ability to uplift those
who have been in the game, who have the reputation
who already have the sources, who already resonates with fans
who already have the respect.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Because you big Bible.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
Media company like you quite literally can make anybody a start,
so you don't need to pull other people. You can
literally elevate those who have already done it to give
them a bigger platform and give them a bigger space.
And that's practically what some of us, I know, meat
for sure, have been saying for years now, like you
ain't got And what makes it interesting is that we
(21:13):
always see this around two times a year, that's free
agency and trade deadline. We don't see you in the
trenches with us. You ain't at the games with us, says,
you ain't at the games with us, homie, you ain't
never been in the press conference with us. You're not
having these conversations with athletes with us on a day
(21:34):
to day basis. But we always see you during free
agency and we always see you at the trade deadline.
That's a dead giveaway that you're not in it for
the sport and to grow the sport. You're in it
because it's popular and the agency is feeding y'all information.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
That's what Jim Well, it was just about to say
to you, like that goes on the representatives and you
know those people who you know, we'll have control of.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Who gets access to what.
Speaker 6 (22:03):
I think that it's a huge disservice right to just
have those people who parachute in two times a year.
I get that you want to give your client more
exposure when it comes to the coverage or the news,
but you know there are people who have control and
power to amplify the people who are already in this space.
And so I agree, it's very frustrating as someone who
(22:25):
who's been in this space for about seventy years now
to see how certain things unfold. But I don't concern
myself with what other people are doing. I can only
continue to do what you know I do and keep
the main thing.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
To that point, it it frustrates me. And I'm talking
about as a player, right, because I can remember where
we started in ninety seven and who was there, who
was covering not only covering, like, who was talking about it,
who was promoting the league.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Basically, who gave a shit about it?
Speaker 5 (22:55):
Right?
Speaker 1 (22:56):
And it wasn't a whole lot of us, wasn't a
whole lot of y'all And today when I look at
just all the different opportunities, which, yeah, I'm excited to
see it and I'm happy for it, but it pisces
me off when I see.
Speaker 3 (23:10):
Example like an unrival right love the league.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
I think what they're doing for the players is great,
the opportunity is great, but can you just show a
little love and respect and appreciation for those who've been
there from day one covering women's basketball, not men's basketball
or not some other sport. I ain't about to put
(23:33):
no names out there, but I'm just saying like, that's
a great opportunity for unrival, for the players, but it
could also be a great opportunity for journalists, for media,
for people like a Tea Christina, for y'all to have
that opportunity to cover the game because you've been doing
it a lot longer than some of these others who
just finally said, oh damn, this women's basketball thing might
(23:56):
be for real.
Speaker 6 (23:57):
And I do have to say in women's basketball, when
you're in this space, it's more of you investing into
yourself in the beginning, right before you even make any returns.
Like I'm so grateful that I have to live in
doing this, and I have to do anything else. But
there are a lot of people in women's basketball media
who have two and three jobs. They're freelancing, over indexing
(24:17):
as freelancers in this space because of the lack of opportunities,
and when you see other people who cover other sports
this parachute into women's basketball, it's very sad because I
have peers in this industry who want full time jobs
and are getting overlooked because they may not have enough
followers or whatever deal is with that.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
You know, they could be.
Speaker 6 (24:37):
Better the hiring processes, the opportunities should be given to
those who are in the space, who know the space,
who are familiar with the space, and who really care
about advancing the stories of these athletes.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
As a player, as a former player, like, we see
those things and it matters because for me, it's always
been about.
Speaker 3 (24:55):
Building those relationships with the media, with the journalists reporters,
and for me.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
As a player, I wanted to talk to someone that
I could trust, that I was comfortable with, and also
someone that I knew gave a damn about what we
were doing and they weren't just there for a check. Right, Yeah,
you should get paid for what you do, but it
was always important to me to see genuine, real love
(25:24):
for what we were doing, and it just bothers me
to see all of a sudden, people who never really
cared are getting opportunities that people who've been there from
day one should be getting.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 6 (25:35):
I absolutely agree, and it's just really hard to process
because it's happening in real time and you're seeing everything
unfold the way it's unfolding, and it's not the end
all be all, but there's like keeping the main thing
when it comes to being able to provide equal opportunities
for those who've been in the space. And that's why
we need more diversity in these positions when it comes
(25:56):
to decision making, so that you those who are familiar
with women's basketball and are making the decisions make sure
that they.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Keep opportunity to those who have been in this space.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
So facts absolutely absolutely, we're gonna take a quick break
and when we come back, we're gonna have more conversation
with b one and only Christina Williams and the legendary
Chryl Swoops on levels to this. Be right, bad guys, friends,
(26:28):
we are back on levels to this. We got our girl,
Christina Williams with us today, And speaking of decision making,
it's been a lot of decisions in the WNBA over
the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 6 (26:38):
There.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Maybe let's go.
Speaker 4 (26:43):
This thing is litty out here in these streets. Okay.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
First of all, we're seeing people make decisions to leave
their teams. We already knew that this free agency was
about to be nuts, but I don't think I expected
it to be this nuts. And Lord knows, I'm in
Connecticut losing my damn man because I don't know nobody
no more.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
I don't know. I don't know a single nothing about
going on. I ain't never seen a.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
Whole start in five, just literally, the whole Start five,
the entire Start five is all gone.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
It's all gone gone, Gord. I needed a drink.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
I needed a drink every single day, every single day,
every time I saw And here's the thing too, some
people I had an inkling on.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
Some people I knew.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
But unlike our friend Christina, I'm not in the breaking
news space. So always laugh when folks are like, oh,
you out here talking junk, but you ain't posting nothing
on your Twitter above who going We're because that's not
my job. I don't get paid to break news. I
get paid to laugh at y'all reactions when the news
has been broken. I don't get paid to break news,
so don't assult that I don't know what's happening or
what's going on. But until I get paid to break
(27:55):
the news, the news will remain with me until those
who do get paid to break it. With that being said,
I needed a drink every single day.
Speaker 5 (28:05):
Same but same man, I'm sober this far.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Ye, same, Yes, Yes, it's been wild.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
I was telling someone we were talking about it, and
I said, I think in the twenty what twenty.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Eight years of the w is it twenty eight years
on twenty nine? Close?
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Because my son's twenty seven, he'll be twenty Okay.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
I think this was the biggest free.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Agency moves and stuff that we've seen, and I am
here for all of it.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Yes, I love it. It's spicy, it's juicy. People already talking
shit about who's gonna do what?
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Listen.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
I love it.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
I love it now.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I do have some questions about some moves, but I
love it.
Speaker 6 (28:59):
Ie here, as you guys said, is the biggest free
agency that we've seen in recent years, and the WNBA
big splashes were being made. Obviously, having some leagues like
Unrivaled and AU happening in the offseason definitely helped. But
I love that players have been over the last few
free agencies taking their power back, demanding better.
Speaker 5 (29:18):
Facilities playing This might not be a fit for me.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
John Paul Jones knew when her time was up with
the Connecticut Son requested the trade, went to the Liberty
and now two seasons later as a WNBA Champion Finals MVP.
And so to your point, you say Connecticut blew.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
Everything up, I think that you know, it was an
end of an era.
Speaker 6 (29:36):
Like they didn't win the window took it closed a
time ago.
Speaker 5 (29:40):
Steph White jump ship.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
She's in Indiana right now, and so I think that
Core five had to break up and see where it
was time elsewhere.
Speaker 5 (29:48):
Yeah, it was it was.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
I think I expected Dja Carrington at least to be
that one piece to stay. I think of all of
the five people who surprised me the most, seeing Breonna
Jones go to Atlanta shook me the most. I did
not foresee that coming, and I specifically didn't see that
coming after Atlanta had just signed Britney Griner.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
We're gonna talk about that. That was a shock.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
But when I'm thinking about not to get too deep
into weeds here on the basketball, but I'm thinking about
the new coach in Atlanta and carls Mesco. I'm thinking
about how he likes to run a very high volume
of shooting percentage type Austin and I just kept thinking,
you know, BG is a scoring big, right, so she
could shoot from outside, so I could see how that
(30:34):
could possibly fit. I didn't quite see how Breonna Jones
could possibly.
Speaker 6 (30:39):
Fix for Atlanta, honestly, Like, yeah, the spacing, I'm a
little worried about that. I'm not sure how it's gonna
come together with you know, Beg and Breanna Jones, and
then you have your guards that like to drive right.
I don't know how that's gonna work, but I'm looking
forward to seat to seeing how they put it all
(30:59):
to y'all.
Speaker 2 (31:00):
Remember that Cat William's joke, but he was like, I
don't know how this is gonna work, but I'm gonna
do my part. That's how I feel about Atlanta right now.
I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm gonna show
up and support.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
I'm gonna do my part.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Because here's the thing.
Speaker 1 (31:13):
T you were saying, BG can shoot from outside, Yeah,
but g gonna do more damage if she and the pain.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
No, of course, but if you are looking to space
the floor, you can absolutely feel more comfortable if you're
a Smessko Like if BG needs to shoot from outside,
she can't not that's gonna be her first option.
Speaker 4 (31:32):
But I need to give the ball to Breezy to
find out from outside.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
I'm gonna take that all day long because nine times
out of ten, no shade on Breezy, of course, but
I'm just saying that's not her strength. But Christina, I'll
go to you first and then show I'll come back
to you. What move surprised you the most? Over this
free agency so.
Speaker 6 (31:51):
Far surprised me the most? I feel like nothing really
surprised me. If that because I'm the one breaking some
of this stuff, so not.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Even when you get it, when you get it before
we get it.
Speaker 6 (32:03):
Okay, surprise me, I would say, Dewana Bonner to the
Indiana Fever surprised me. Yeah, fifty fifty, only because I
get it.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
I understand.
Speaker 6 (32:14):
Like the history with coach Stephanie White and Amber who
used to work for Connecticut as well, like that relationship
relationships matter, and free agency for sure.
Speaker 5 (32:24):
I understand the fit as well with the other pieces
that they add.
Speaker 6 (32:28):
The top priority obviously for the Fever where to resign
Kelsey Mitchell. And then they add three time champion Natasha Howard,
You add Dwana Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, Jaylen Brown. You add
all of these pieces, and then you're a championship contended team.
I think from the fans perspective, they thought maybe Dewanna
would go to Phoenix and be with her fiancee and
(32:48):
former teammate, you know, Alyssa Thomas, bring the family together
type thing.
Speaker 5 (32:53):
I could see how she would have.
Speaker 6 (32:54):
Fit in Phoenix, but also the cap space situation with
all of those contracts, obviously, that probably would not have
been in their best interest because they have to build
a bench in Phoenix with the signings, have sought to
et cetera, et cetera. So I guess that shocked me
the most to see that she signed to the Indiana Fever.
But I do think that they are going to be
a championship contending team right away.
Speaker 4 (33:15):
Dang, what about you, Cheryl?
Speaker 1 (33:17):
Yeah, Yl's like, yeah, yeah, I want to just piggyback
off of what Christina said. And then I'll give you
another one that surprised me. Do wanna absolutely that one?
I was like, what dB to the Fever? Didn't see
that one coming. But I don't know if people really know,
(33:39):
like Jaylen Brown can ball? She can ball. So you
got Jaylen Brown, You got Natasha Howard, who I think
is a really good vet who can still give you bucket,
she can rebound. I think she's gonna be really good
alongside a Leah Boston because we ain't even talked about
who's coming back. You got Jaylen Brown, Natasha Howard. Do
(33:59):
want a bonner? And so people were saying last year
right like the Fever needed an enforcer or dog or somebody?
Speaker 5 (34:06):
La la la?
Speaker 1 (34:07):
Is that Sophie Cunningham. I don't know, but we know
who Sophie. You add Sophie Cunningham. You're bringing back Caitlin
of course, Kelsey Mitchell resigning, Leah Boston and Lexi Hall listen, listen.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
To their problem.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
They are going to be a problem from day one, Okay.
Speaker 1 (34:31):
And we can talk about this team all day long,
but I'm gonna go to Dallas, Busy Dallas exciredly making
some moves right. You already got Irique. And then here's
my thing. They get the number one pick, and I
know people are talking, that's Paige Beckers.
Speaker 3 (34:53):
To me, if it's.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
Page Beckers, if it's Olivia Miles, doesn't really matter. Either
one of them are gonna come in and fit in
right away. And then you add Melissa Smith Djonay. I
was like, okay, Dallas and quiet as it's kept. Didn't
they just the other day signed may sha heinz Allen.
Speaker 5 (35:12):
Yes they did.
Speaker 3 (35:13):
Yeah, I really like this Dallas team.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Ty Harris going to Dallas gives him another point guard.
Speaker 3 (35:21):
Don't sleep on Texas, baby a sol them will.
Speaker 6 (35:24):
Say, I heard got in that front office and immediately
started cooking. And then you add Chris Clokanis, who obviously
served as an assistant coach throughout the WNBA, but just
had tenure at USC as well, really working with Juju
Walkins and some of the players. He's a players coach,
preached a lot of defense first, has that experience in
Nola as well. We'll be joining the coaching staff. So
(35:45):
you just add all of the different elements. I think
that it changes the conversation and the way people perceive
the Dallas Wings organization, who notoriously have had that bad
rep over the last few years of not being able
to retain their stars of front office whatever. I think
that you have all of these people in right now
just resetting everything and just changing that perspective. You have
(36:06):
those new facilities that are going to be built and
done by next year, moving downtown. I think that it
automatically makes this attractive destination for free agency. Free agency,
also tax free. I know the state tax.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Yeah we none, we might not be paying taxes anyway,
but that's a whole difference.
Speaker 5 (36:29):
Why Well, you said you were going to say the
least I was.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
Dallas to me was the surprise like of the teams.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
Dallas was a surprise team because low key the like
you already mentioned it. You said it like everybody who
they brought back, and it was just like wow, like all.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
Low key, you're making moves. But I will also say,
I like what they are trying to build in Los Angeles.
I'm not going to sleep on Los Angeles. I like
what they're building in Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
Bringing over Kelsey Plumb was so smart and you and
I both Cheryl talked about how we did not understand
why Odyssey Simms was not on a roster to start
a season. Them signing Odyssey Sims given one how she
performed last year in both Dallas and LA. They looked
like a brand team when they were able to add
(37:18):
a legit point guard. You give that veteran presence to
a team. So you know what she's gonna bring you.
You got d Erica, who, honestly the way D played
last year, if it were not for LA being where
LA was statistically, I very much saw her entering the
MVP conversation.
Speaker 4 (37:35):
We know who the MVP was for sure, and we
know Fee was right here too, for sure. But Deerica
don't sleep.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
D played the hell out of her some basketball last year,
and so I like that energy.
Speaker 4 (37:46):
Connecting her again with Kelsey Plump is going to be cool.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
You're about to get Cam back because Cam said this
acl ain't gonna hold me.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
So you're about to get Cam back. And then my
Detroit girl, Rakia Jackson.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
Gonna eat them up. Like I like what they are
building in LA. So I was happy about that move.
KP seems real excited to be in LA to get
a fresh start. And then the announcement came out that
they are going to be building a practice facility for
the Sparks.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
So about time. It only took twenty nine years.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
It only took twenty nine years.
Speaker 2 (38:19):
Right forever. But I like the investment that teams are making.
To that same extent, that will also be the downfall
of other teams when they are not making that same investment.
It is going to be difficult to attract free agents
and players who want and feel like they deserve to
(38:41):
have top notch and elite facilities. And I think that
is going to be an issue with Connecticut now. I
look at Connecticut right now, and currently they've got Natasha Cloud,
They've got Diamond Deshields who they just signed, Marina Maybrey
still there.
Speaker 4 (38:54):
They've added Tina Charles, so I can.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Say they still have Lacan who was their draft pick
from last year, who's a point guard for France. So
J J. C. Sheldon, You're right, I love jac Sheldon,
Olivia and Olivia Nelson Adota. Of course, that's tween we
got the same birthday. Go to me in I am
not at all saying that it's some scrubs in Connecticut.
Hell no, like they got some dogs in Connecticut if
(39:18):
they can make it fit. But it's gonna be so
much to find out because you're gonna have to see
how each of them work together. It's a new coach,
it's a new GM. Even though Morgan has been there,
she's still new to this particular role. It is going
to be interesting to see how this team comes together.
But it's gonna be hard to bring people there if
they cannot, if the ownership group cannot make the same
(39:41):
financial level of investing into the team as other teams
are beginning to make. Christina, I love your thoughts on
how you feel about p considering new investments, new ventures,
(40:03):
and what they're doing to try to give these women
what they deserve. And Cheryl, I'm gonna come at you
after because as a former player, I certainly want your
thoughts on how important these kind of facilities.
Speaker 6 (40:13):
Are just to add to their free agency the point
of it. I think that one thing that really stood
out to me this off season was Alysa Thomas during
the WNBA season, but in the off season, just her
being very vocal to the media about investment and facilities,
and I think maybe her last row was that community
center birthday party when they were trying to practice during playoffrole.
(40:34):
But yeah, it's like, no longer are these athletes accepting
the bare minimum or the crumbs. This is a professional
basketball league. The top one person athletes in the world
are part of the WNBA, and so the investment should
be reflective of that.
Speaker 5 (40:47):
They deserve the top of the top end.
Speaker 6 (40:49):
So one of the things that stood out to me
when I was at Unrivaled was just the athlete first
kind of attitude of what do we need and having
top trainers, performanceities and things available. Resources, just resources available
to these athletes. But also to add to the free
agency conversation, I think that the mistakes are quiet right
now and they need a lot of help. I think
(41:11):
that this is not saying that they're going to trade
or make any moves, but like I feel like throughout
the week, we'll probably see more moves being made and
to the point of big names being signed to other teams.
I think that the New York Liberty still can we
can say or I can say that I still think
that they are one of the top teams to beat.
I think continuity when it comes to teams like the
New York Liberty and the links will definitely be of
(41:33):
an advantage. We saw that it took the Liberty two
seasons with their core to develop the chemistry in order
to win a championship, and so I think that just
continuity with some of the rosters will definitely give certain
teams an advantage coming into the twenty twenty five season.
But I think that this is we'll still continue to
see more moves being made throughout the month.
Speaker 5 (41:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
Well, when you talk about free agency and you talk
about facilities and what players are looking for, you know,
when the league started at ninety seven, this.
Speaker 3 (42:04):
Shit ain't happen. All of that's free agency and movement.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
And you know what, we practiced where the NBA teams practice,
right the Rock of the Comments. We practiced at west
Side Tennis Club where the Rock is practiced. The only
good thing about that for us was we never really
had an issue getting into the practice facility when it
was our time. But I do know for a fact
(42:29):
there are so many teams in the w who had
to fight to get into a practice facility even when
we were in season.
Speaker 3 (42:39):
Crazy when you think.
Speaker 1 (42:40):
About it, and so, yeah, it's about time when I
think about what players look for today and again, it's
very different. But you want to be able to go
somewhere where you feel like the team cares about you,
They're going to take care of you, they understand what
your needs are, they're listening. This is a professional their
professional teams, they're professional women.
Speaker 3 (43:03):
They should be able to have their own shit.
Speaker 1 (43:06):
They should be able to have their own practice facility
where they can have their own lockers and not have
to take their stuff out. We had to do that
all the time, like back in the day, we couldn't
leave stuff in our lockers because it really wasn't hour.
So I'm like really excited to think about all these
teams that are building facilities. And you know, when I
think about it, you mentioned the Sparks are building one.
(43:26):
The Mercury they're getting a new facility. Chicago Sky they're
getting their own practice facility. The Valkyries, we've seen what
they have like crazy, beautiful, great. The ace is Again,
if I'm Connecticut, and I'm only saying Connecticut because you
brought you mentioned Connecticut, You're going to have to do
something different.
Speaker 3 (43:45):
Right if you're trying to compete and you.
Speaker 1 (43:48):
Want to be able to bring in some of the
top free agents, you got to be better than this.
Speaker 5 (43:55):
And the last one.
Speaker 1 (43:55):
I'm going to mention is the Indiana Fever's scheduled to
open up their new practice facility before twenty twenty seven,
a seventy eight million dollar facility. Now I don't know,
I don't know the price for all these other ones,
but everybody.
Speaker 3 (44:12):
Talks about the Caitlin Clark effect. Is this the Caitland
Clark effect?
Speaker 2 (44:16):
Without question? But I also.
Speaker 1 (44:19):
Believe Indiana right, they get it, they understand we also
got to be better. We want to be able to
bring in some of the top free agents. And listen,
I'm not I don't know who is gonna win the title,
but Indiana Fever's gonna be in that conversation.
Speaker 4 (44:35):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (44:36):
And I can't wait to see what this practice facility
is going to look like. But seventy eight million bucks
on a practice facility, let's go. I do want to
say Kelsey Mitchell, I am so happy and excited to
see her finally getting her flowers from Indiana. I'm happy
that she took her time, she explored free agency and
(44:59):
decided that the the Fever was the best place for
her to be. And because that little duo last year
Mitchell and Clark was nice, and I'm just shout out
to Kelsey Mitchell. I'm happy she's getting her flowers and
can't wait to see what she does this season.
Speaker 6 (45:14):
Shout out to Kel's I think that, Yeah, I think
that was a top priority coming in. Ambercox had come
on to my show a couple weeks prior and talked
about how important that was to re sign Kelsey. That
was a top priority for them, and she is one
of the longest tenured players on that roster. She has
a connection with the community outside of what she can
do on the court, and so I think that is
important when you talk about building that next era of
(45:37):
WNBA basketball in Indianapolis.
Speaker 5 (45:39):
So I'm excited to see the Fever play this season.
Speaker 2 (45:42):
Same and just think we're gonna do all of this
all over again next year. Because all of these players
signed one year deals with the new CBA and the
new TV agreement and all of that coming out in
twenty twenty six, these players are now going to shoot
themselves in the foot by signing and locking into more
than knowing that could do and will get more in
(46:02):
twenty twenty six. So to your point about not taking crumbs,
and knowing what they deserve. And man, this is gonna
be so good for women's basketball. And this was great
having Christina on the show to like help us break
it all down and talk about it.
Speaker 4 (46:16):
I love this. Christina.
Speaker 2 (46:18):
You have got to one tell the people where they
can find you and where they can listen to your show.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
I've been on the show, Cheryl. Have you been on
the show?
Speaker 1 (46:27):
No? I haven't. I haven't. I haven't gotten it in.
Speaker 6 (46:30):
I haven't got stuff now I be out on her
podcast on the show.
Speaker 5 (46:38):
Is always invited, She's always invited.
Speaker 3 (46:41):
Stop stop, I'm just I say, I'm always invited. I'm
gonna call you, like, bro, let me come on period
this period.
Speaker 5 (46:49):
You're Hall of Famer. Always invited, always have to invite.
You can find me on.
Speaker 6 (46:54):
Twitter or x whatever they call it at Christina, THAT'SH.
Speaker 5 (46:59):
Not a c H.
Speaker 6 (47:00):
You can follow my show in case you missed it
with Christina Williams on iHeartRadio. It comes on every Wednesday,
so yeah, check for the show. This week, we have
Yukon's kk Arnold on the show helping us break down
some of the latest and women's basketball, So yeah, come
through every Wednesday.
Speaker 5 (47:16):
In case you missed it.
Speaker 4 (47:17):
Love that, thanks so much for joining.
Speaker 2 (47:19):
We will be kicking it at NBA All Star so
you can look and see all of that content on
social media because you already know that it's going to
be a good time when all three of us get together.
But anyway, thank you so much for joining us, Christina, and.
Speaker 4 (47:31):
We will be back to level offs after this.
Speaker 2 (47:37):
You know, I always enjoy talking to Christina, and it
always just feels like such a natural, normal conversation because
like that's my homegirl, right, Like that's my homegirl for real,
for real, And so she's just so insightful when I
think about free agency, when I think about just coming
up into this space, you know, and I think about
(47:58):
all of the people who have really been there from
their beginning, right, maybe not the beginning of the league,
but from the beginning of her time being in the industry.
It feels good to always have that person who you
know is truly invested in covering the game and bringing
light to the game and highlighting players and highlighting the
(48:19):
greats of this game, but also making some noise in
her own right.
Speaker 1 (48:23):
Yeah, but te you're in that category as well, right,
And for me, it's all about those people who've been
there from the beginning, maybe not like ninety seven when
the league started, but you've been there, you've put your
time in, you've invested, and you're doing it for the
right reason. So absolutely, Christina is that she is her.
Speaker 3 (48:46):
You are her.
Speaker 1 (48:47):
And that's why she's stay in the streets. Could she
be getting her information for real?
Speaker 2 (48:53):
That is for real and it means a lot to
hear those kinds of compliments come from someone like you,
not just because you're my co host and friend, but
also because of you being the building blocks. But it's fact,
but it just it also just feels good to know
that we haven't disappointed the people who laid the groundwork
for this game. It's important to us to be able
(49:13):
to make you all proud and be like, hey, I
love the direction of the coverage and that and that
that is truly important. But also, yes, we do be
in the streets, and we will absolutely be in the
streets this weekend while also but we will also be
doing some live shows while we are in the San
France for NBA All Stars. So if you are listening
(49:37):
and you either live in the area or will be
traveling to the area for NBA All Star. Please pull
up as Splash. We will be as Splash a Thrive City.
That's what we're going to be doing some live shows
levels to this will be live. We got some special
guests coming. You gotta show up to see who it is,
So please make sure you're checking in with Sheryl and
I on on Friday. I believe it is when we're
(50:00):
gonna be recording our show.
Speaker 1 (50:02):
So with that and listen before you Yeah, gone, but listen.
Speaker 2 (50:07):
Y'all show up.
Speaker 1 (50:09):
You never know. We might just pull you out of
the audience and be like, come on up here and
have a chit chat with us. Let's talk a.
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Little bit for real. Yes, yes, And we might have
some swag. We might have some giveaways. You never know,
so you might leave with some free shit. Y'all love
free shit. I love I love free shit.
Speaker 1 (50:25):
Girl.
Speaker 2 (50:26):
I don't know what it is. If it's free, it's
for me, a pin, a bag of shirt, I don't
care what it is, a Bobby pin. I might need
a Bobby track down. I'm telling you, you never know,
so pull on us. But anyway, until we get there,
I need you to level us on up with today's word.
Speaker 1 (50:46):
Well, you know I'm gonna do that again. As I
said before, it is still February. It is still Black
History Month. I mean it's Black History for me every day,
but periods Black History Month without getting into all the things,
all the shit that's going on in this world. Right now,
here's a good one. And yeah, I'm gonna say this
(51:06):
to myself and y'all can listen. The question isn't who
is going to let me, it's who is going to
stop me? That's it. That's what I got for you.
Speaker 2 (51:21):
Oh, the question isn't who's going to let me, it's
who's going to stop me. See, that's my mantra.
Speaker 1 (51:29):
Because because I'm gonna make sure it happen.
Speaker 2 (51:31):
That's my mantra, because I'm gonna ask for forgiveness, not
permission type of shack you feel me? Yes, yes, I
love it.
Speaker 4 (51:38):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (51:39):
I love it. I love it. Well with that, friends,
we appreciate you all continuing to listen to levels to this.
We'll be back next week with more next level conversations
just about the real ship that women go through. Probably
have a really cool update as well on what we
did or didn't do at NBA. All y'all y'all what
somebody didn't come to But anyway, just understand that this
(52:02):
is not just our show, but it's our show, so
we want to hear from you. Continue to leave us
your reviews and Apple podcasts. You can also email us
at Levels to This Podcast at gmail dot com. Tell
us what you think of this week's show or what
you might want to talk about. Let us know if
you pulled up on us at the NBA All Star
But in any case, you can follow us on Instagram
at ltt pod and until then, keep your mentals ground
(52:25):
level and we'll be back next week.
Speaker 1 (52:28):
Peace y'all.
Speaker 2 (52:29):
Peace.
Speaker 1 (52:29):
Have listen to Levels to This on America's number one
podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search
Levels to This with Cheryl Swoops and Tarika Foster Brasbee
and start listening
Levels to This is an iHeart Women's sports production in
partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find
us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you
get your podcasts.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
What's up, everybody, It's Treka Foster Brasby.
Speaker 1 (00:16):
Y'all know what time it is.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
It's your girl Cheryl swoops Hey, And this is Levels
to This the podcast. This is the show where we
share that it's levels to the shit that women go through.
And we have such a fun show lined up today.
Today we are going to be joined by our girl,
Christina Williams, who always knows what's going on. She is
the host of In Case you missed It, also on
(00:40):
the iHeart Women's Sports Network. But first, Cheryl.
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Yeah, we hait. No, not first, cause I gotta say
something because I don't. I don't know who'll be in
the streets more you are, Christina.
Speaker 2 (00:51):
Ah, we've been in the streets together. That's the crazy part.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That is the one.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Right before we started recording this show, I was clear
on the phone with her, texting her trying to figure
out what the move is gonna be for NBA All
Star because we've been invited to about fifteen parties and
ten of them is on the same day, and I'm like,
I don't know how we're gonna do this, well.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
Me knowing y'all the way, I know y'all, y'all will
find a way.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
We will find a way.
Speaker 1 (01:16):
Yeah, you will find a way. So because I know
we're gonna get into something, but yeah, let me let
me be in my feelings for a minute, please do so.
You're telling me that you and Christina have gotten ten
to fifteen invites to parties, advents, whatever.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
And you are aware that I too will be in
San Francisco, yep, Yepop.
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Should I stop her keeping?
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Nope?
Speaker 2 (01:46):
You can keep going because I got an answer for
you allready.
Speaker 1 (01:49):
Don't know. I already know what you're gonna say, but
I'm gonna keep going out of the ten to fifteen
that y'all have gotten. Yep. Can a sister get an
invite to just one? Answer?
Speaker 4 (02:01):
Question?
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Would a question?
Speaker 1 (02:02):
Nope? Nope, nope, because I think I know what your
answer is gonna be. I don't just want just one,
I don't even want the other nine, twelve, eleven, thirteen, Yeah, yep,
what's your question to my question?
Speaker 2 (02:15):
My question? To your question is will you be awake
to attend?
Speaker 1 (02:21):
I don't know, probably not. But what I thought you
were really gonna say. I thought I thought you were
gonna really be a smart ass and say, well, every
time I invite you to something, you never come.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
I no, I already knew. I already knew every single
thing we've been invited to has will start at ten pm.
See what I'm saying. Now, when I get the day party,
invite you to first on the list.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Listen, I am wide awake during the day. T if
there's something about being fifty three and menopause, like all
the things that when when sleep hits me, I don't
care where I am, I will lay my head down
on your shoulder at any pool after a certain time.
(03:11):
So anyway, y'all have fun for me, think about me,
and I'm done with that conversation.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
So that is keep funny, keep all fifteen.
Speaker 1 (03:19):
Of you invite.
Speaker 2 (03:20):
I am real life in tears, because as soon as
we get to Oakland or sand friend, I already know
that I'm gonna be like, hey, Shirul, we about to go,
and you're gonna be like okay, and then when the
time comes, you're gonna be like, girl, I'm going to
my room.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I'm going to No, that's exactly that's me. I ain't
even gonna lie because that's me.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
I'm want to be here.
Speaker 1 (03:40):
But but I had all intentions of going to dinner
with y'all in Nashville.
Speaker 2 (03:46):
So the good thing about it is that so Sheryla
and I were in Nashville. She's still in Nashville for
Athletes Unlimited, which has been great, by the way, Like
the games have been good. There was a game this morning.
It was a school field day game, and it was
a really competitive game, like up until maybe the fourth quarter.
I was like, wow, So I love it out of
(04:06):
ce Simms A bucket, a bucket, a bucket honesty. Simms
is a stat sheep stuffer period, a one away, one
away from a triple double today, one assister way, one
rebound away. But anyway, but we didn't get a chance
to really kick it while we were in Nashville. So
I come back on the twenty fifth of this month,
and I'll be there for another week, so hopefully you
(04:28):
and I will be able to just kick it while
I'm there too. Plus my sister lives in Nashville. And
she was really trying to grab all my time and
attention when I was there the first time. So I it,
you did, you did. But she's gonna be gone. She's
going to Houston first spring break, trying to be.
Speaker 1 (04:43):
Grown, depending on the time, because you know, I love
my sleep. I do, I do, I do, Oh my god.
Speaker 2 (04:51):
But I also know that while we are in San
fran for NBA All Star, you'll be there because her
son is participating in the g Le Dunk Contest, which
is exciting.
Speaker 1 (05:05):
I'm super excited for her.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I am so excited for him. But also he's just
really on a wind streak right now, like he's winning
by being in a dunk contest, and he's winning because
he's about to be a father, about to be a Grahama,
a glamor.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
Way.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
What was the name? What was the name?
Speaker 1 (05:22):
A Nana?
Speaker 2 (05:22):
Nana? That's right? A n Yes, Nana, that's right? And
nan do you know what you're having? Do you know? Girl?
Speaker 1 (05:32):
Okay, no, I don't, but I guess I soon will.
So right before we recorded, you know, I got a
call from him and he was like, I need to
tell you something. So I was like, okay. So he
said that she went and had some blood work done, right,
and so I'm thinking, oh, no, like what happened. So
(05:55):
he said, in at the very bottom of the blood
work they put the gender of the baby. They spoiled it,
and I was gonna have this whole big gender reveal,
so she knows, but he said he doesn't want to know.
So he was like, do you want to know? I
was like, absolutely, I need to know these things. Yes,
(06:19):
So now I guess I'm gonna say the gender Reville
will be only for him, but I already know it's
not gonna last because she's gonna tell him and he's
gonna be like, I tell me what is.
Speaker 2 (06:29):
No, no, no, no, You've got to stay on her.
You gotta stay on her because it's fun. It's fun
no when he doesn't know, and it's fun when the
guests doesn't know. So I mean, ultimately, if they don't know,
but you definitely got to know because you need to
know for the cake and the balloons and all that stuff.
Speaker 1 (06:43):
No, no, no, I need to know because I'm already shopping
what you So I've bought all gender neutral stuff and
now I need to know if I'm going pink.
Speaker 2 (06:53):
Or blue that is hilarious. You know, maybe about to
have all types of elephants, and.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
We had all kinds of gifts under the tree for
Christmas and not even knowing the sex of the baby yet.
Speaker 2 (07:04):
That is so crazy.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
But I had this whole big plan right of the
gender reveal, me and a couple of my girlfriends were talking.
I didn't have all the details, but what I knew
was I was gonna fill a basketball with either pink
or blue, and he was gonna dunk it.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
Oh and when he dunk it, it will explode or
something with all of the stuff. Yeah, I still think
that's a good idea.
Speaker 1 (07:28):
I love it, but I girl the babies. I do
it to July.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Still.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
My mama used to say she can't hold water on
her stomach.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Well, so when did you plan to have it? Because
it's already February, so I know the babies do in July.
You could probably do a Genderville like around April and
I'd be good.
Speaker 1 (07:50):
Okay, that should work. But now I got let's hurry
up because I got a call and find out to
find out, well, we're not going we're not going be
labor them because I too am nosey as hell, and
I want to know.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
What the baby is so I could start getting my
Amazon cart together and shit. So that's how we finn
to roll around here. So with no further ado, we
gonna have our girl Christina come in because lo KEI
we about to ask her to put in on the
baby shit too. She got to come in or you
got to come in and contribute to the baby shit too, y'all.
Let's get Christina on the line and let's take this
(08:25):
to the next level. There are oftentimes where we come
across people and we're like, I think I'm gonna click
with them.
Speaker 4 (08:36):
I think that's gonna be my girl.
Speaker 2 (08:37):
And then there are like times where you meet people
and you're like, this is my sister, period, like this
this just is what it is. It was that way
with us Ryls, Like the first time we met it
was just like, oh my god, this is my sister
for life.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
But can we keep it real too and say, but
you also have those friends or those people that you're like,
oh Na, this bitch aint gonna be it period.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
It's not gonna be the one. We're not gonna talk,
We're not gonna chill. It's gonna be business only. Like
it ain't going to carry it. But I'm telling you,
the one person who had never felt that way about,
and it's been years in the making now, is this
phenomenal woman that we have on the show today, and
that is the one and only Christina Williams. Hey, Christina from.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
The legendary Ryl Swoops Christina. Okay, time out because I
don't know if the people are gonna be able to
see t but I gotta let them know. Christina came
with the Middle Park bust down.
Speaker 5 (09:41):
I don't lack.
Speaker 4 (09:47):
She's not playing playing and it is rageous.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
It makes sense to me that she will walk up
in here with this twenty eight inch busch down.
Speaker 4 (09:58):
Because when you have been wrecked ized by Forbes, and when.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
You have received the accolades that Christina has received for
not only being a creator and not only being someone
in this space who's been innovative, but also being the
founder of her own network, the founder of our own
media company, I'm literally in the game with her own
show right here on the iHeartRadio Network. In case you
(10:21):
missed it, With Christina Williams, you can't go anywhere where
you aren't flawless.
Speaker 4 (10:26):
So I get it. It makes sense to me.
Speaker 1 (10:29):
I didn't expect anything less. So yeah, but in fairness
to Christina though she always the hair is always laid, now,
don't got the hair is always laid.
Speaker 4 (10:42):
Fact.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
I think one thing that's interesting though, is that so
many people know Christina's name and so many people have
seen Christina's face. But Christina's really a private person, right,
and so there isn't a lot that.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
People get to actually know.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
So I am excited for you to be here because
I want to give fans an opportunity to get to
know you a little bit more like how did you
get into this business? Where did you start? And what's basketball?
And see I know this because this guy, you's my
real friend, was basketball and sports even the initial media
space for you when.
Speaker 4 (11:20):
You got into this business.
Speaker 6 (11:21):
That's a good question and very loaded. And so I
will start to my love for the game. Obviously, I
grew up in New York, which I think is the
mecca for basketball. No disrespect to anybody who's listening from
anywhere else. Yeah, so for me, how I speak on
the podcasts or the Hall of Famer shows poops, but no,
but like growing up in New York, specifically in Harlem.
(11:42):
It wasn't abnormal for me to see women and girls
who play basketball and be very successful at it. I
always tell the story of growing up in Harlem and
seeing Shannon Bobbit, specifically playing in the neighborhood. My sister
went to middle school with her. They played in middle
school together. Being able to see and be around and
see women be great like that, especially like in the
close distance, it just made me fall in love with
(12:04):
the game. And obviously I knew where the game stopped
for me, and that was in high school after varsity.
But I just loved basketball and loved watching women play
and just what the game did in terms of changing
my life. And so my involvement with basketball involved.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
Over the years.
Speaker 6 (12:22):
As you know, Tea, I grew up a theater kid,
so just storytelling has always been a part of who
I am as a person, and so for me, it
was just going to college and studying journalism was a thing.
Speaker 5 (12:32):
Went to school study journalism.
Speaker 6 (12:34):
At the same time, worked in marketing at one of
the top marketing agencies. I won't give them a shout out,
but worked at one of the top marketing agencies in
the world where I learned all the aspects of production
and was probably one of the youngest people in the company,
and all the older people around me really just nurtured me,
mentored me, and really encouraged me to start my own thing.
(12:56):
And I was kind of scared. I'm like the type
of person that needs all my ducks in a row
before I do something. I take risk, but calculate a risk.
And so in twenty eighteen, I looked at the coverage
on social media, and I'm a millennial, so like social media.
I have the best of both worlds, growing up with
and without social media. And so at that point in time,
(13:16):
I saw that there was a lot of coverage for
men's sports, specifically the NBA, where there were highlight pages,
news pages, all the different things, and so I started
to reach out to some of those people behind those
pages who were very successful at growing accounts things like that,
and I learned the game from them, and I was like,
why don't we have this for women's basketball.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
It just simply didn't exist.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
It was so hard to find game scores, storylines, just
different things.
Speaker 5 (13:40):
And so I.
Speaker 6 (13:41):
Created Girls Talks from CV really as a hobby at first.
It wasn't a business at first, and then I would
say after the first year, I've revamped everything and turned
it into its own, you know, business.
Speaker 5 (13:53):
And went from there.
Speaker 6 (13:54):
But really it started just as the passion of mine
to keep the stories going, the accessibility, the visibility of stories,
and then growing my network within covering the games. Obviously
I live in New York, so going to the Liberty Games,
providing coverage community events, wherever there was something happening.
Speaker 5 (14:12):
I was there, and at the time it was just
bare bones.
Speaker 6 (14:15):
So me and my phone, my camera, cross network with
some people went to college with that was my camera
crew and we would just literally be everywhere. In that
first season of covering the New York Liberty and that's
when they were at Westchester. They had just left MSG
went to Westchester. It was me, Ari, Camille, Sophie and
that was it. There was like four of us there.
Speaker 5 (14:36):
So that's really.
Speaker 6 (14:36):
How I got involved, just showing up right and just
seeing a need and filling that void of the covers
that I wanted to see and then yeah, it's his
own thing. I've become like a go to source for
some breaking news here and there for free agency, but
really my passion was just always finding new entry points
to provide different types of coverage, But never in a
(14:57):
million years I think that I would end up here
on this podcast you and that's certainly not where I
thought I opened up.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
But I'm grateful for the journey. Yes you did.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
You knew that you talk about you being grateful for
the journey when you look at where you started and
the coverage of women's basketball to where it is today.
I have my own thoughts on some people that have decided, oh,
women's basketball is the thing to do now, so let
me go over here and cover it. What are your
thoughts on not only where the game is today as
(15:30):
far as the talent, but even the coverage, especially when
it comes to women covering the game today.
Speaker 5 (15:37):
Much time we got. I have a lot of thoughts
on this, and I don't.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Know what I can and can't say, but I feel
like in terms of the representation of those who are
covering a game, specifically black women.
Speaker 5 (15:57):
There's still a huge gap.
Speaker 6 (15:59):
And I'm always an advocate for diversity and newsrooms and
and media companies because that's how we get the best
of the best stories by providing those different perspectives.
Speaker 5 (16:09):
And so when I see all of.
Speaker 6 (16:11):
These new opportunities and all of these things and all
the things. It sattens me a little bit because those
who have been in the space and covering a space
and help building and laying the groundwork are not getting
those opportunities are getting etched out. Really, when we look
at what's been happening over the last year or so,
people are seeing that it's cool, so they parachute in.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
And we've seen that happen in the.
Speaker 6 (16:33):
Wnbas throughout the WNBA season when we've seen certain coverage
that has impacted the season or the storylines and the.
Speaker 5 (16:40):
Narratives being pushed.
Speaker 6 (16:41):
When we look at the statistics, less than two percent
of all sports newsrooms have black women in it. And
so I will always shout from the rooftops that we
need more diversity in those places. But also people that
are willing to advocate for black women more diversity.
Speaker 5 (16:56):
At a time where DEI.
Speaker 6 (16:57):
Is kind of like seen as the bad thing in
this country, I think that it's super important to have
that in the newsrooms. Like I said, never in a
million years that I thought I would have to start
my own business in order to have an opportunity. I
went to school for journalism. I have my degree in journalism,
and so when I got out of school, I didn't
feel entitled like I had to get a job at
a major news company, but I was fucking applying it
(17:21):
not getting the jobs. And on top of that, having
the experience that I did and pre and post production.
Prior to being a sports reporter, I was in entertainment
and fashion, literally covering the Emmys at the BET Awards,
doing press junkets at movie premieers. Like I have an
extensive resume when it comes to this industry and being
(17:41):
able to get those opportunities fueled me to create my
own lane, which I guess that's just how life worked
for me in terms of my destiny and what.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
My purpose is in this space.
Speaker 6 (17:51):
But I think that we have a long way to
go when it comes to, like you said, share women
being able to have the opportunities to be a part
of the storytelling. And I think that Sue Bird at
the Tribeca Film Festival last year, she really put that
in perspective, and she really said it. She was just like,
we need people in the sea to have been here
(18:12):
and to be a reflection of that seventy percent of
players in the WNBA so Bong ways to go yeah, yeah, no.
Speaker 4 (18:20):
I hear that.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
And I will never forget when I met you first
in twenty nineteen.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
We were all covering.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
The Connecticut Sun and the WNBA finals up here in Connecticut,
and there is I call it an iconic photo because
I think it is an iconic photo, this photo, and
I know I'm gonna forget somebody, but I'm in it.
Speaker 4 (18:39):
You're in it. Ari's in it, the China, Robinson's in it,
Megan Nick, pet Lauren, Camille, Lauren is in it. Camille
is in it.
Speaker 2 (18:47):
There is so many people who now fast forward from
twenty nineteen till now, it's like you guys have been
the voices and the torch bearers for the coverage around
when's basketball and women's sports. But at this one time,
quite literally, it was like the first time it was
a media role that was nothing but black women.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
Like the wow row Wow, there was nothing but black women.
Speaker 5 (19:11):
And you look for it after this moment yep.
Speaker 4 (19:16):
Yeah exactly.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
And there was another reporter was like, I want that
picture because I want to write a story on just
this because this is something that we just truly do
not see.
Speaker 4 (19:25):
It's interesting where we are now, where we.
Speaker 2 (19:29):
Constantly see more faces and more names and more people
entering into this space. But what pisses me off, though,
is that there is this notion from a lot of
people who are new to the space that those of
us who are ogs of the.
Speaker 4 (19:44):
Space are gatekeepers.
Speaker 6 (19:45):
Right.
Speaker 2 (19:46):
I can't stand when folks don't understand vocabulary. All right,
Vocabulary is a very basic thing in twenty twenty five,
because all you got to do is pick up your
phone and type it in Google.
Speaker 4 (19:56):
Then they will give you the definition. Okay. And so
for those out.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
There who are consistently calling folks gatekeepers, we are not
restricting your access to WNBA.
Speaker 4 (20:06):
We are not restricting your ability.
Speaker 2 (20:08):
To enjoy the WNBA. We are not gatekeepers, right, So
stop saying that shit. It's wrong, It's not true. It's
not what we're doing. What I am saying is, for example,
this is just an example, is Big Bible Media company
has been dominating the media space for fifty years, and
(20:32):
now they're interested in covering women's basketball. You don't need
to pull your boy from the NBA space to cover
the WNBA space. You have the ability to uplift those
who have been in the game, who have the reputation
who already have the sources, who already resonates with fans
who already have the respect.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Because you big Bible.
Speaker 2 (20:51):
Media company like you quite literally can make anybody a start,
so you don't need to pull other people. You can
literally elevate those who have already done it to give
them a bigger platform and give them a bigger space.
And that's practically what some of us, I know, meat
for sure, have been saying for years now, like you
ain't got And what makes it interesting is that we
(21:13):
always see this around two times a year, that's free
agency and trade deadline. We don't see you in the
trenches with us. You ain't at the games with us, says,
you ain't at the games with us, homie, you ain't
never been in the press conference with us. You're not
having these conversations with athletes with us on a day
(21:34):
to day basis. But we always see you during free
agency and we always see you at the trade deadline.
That's a dead giveaway that you're not in it for
the sport and to grow the sport. You're in it
because it's popular and the agency is feeding y'all information.
Speaker 6 (21:52):
That's what Jim Well, it was just about to say
to you, like that goes on the representatives and you
know those people who you know, we'll have control of.
Speaker 5 (22:02):
Who gets access to what.
Speaker 6 (22:03):
I think that it's a huge disservice right to just
have those people who parachute in two times a year.
I get that you want to give your client more
exposure when it comes to the coverage or the news,
but you know there are people who have control and
power to amplify the people who are already in this space.
And so I agree, it's very frustrating as someone who
(22:25):
who's been in this space for about seventy years now
to see how certain things unfold. But I don't concern
myself with what other people are doing. I can only
continue to do what you know I do and keep
the main thing.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
To that point, it it frustrates me. And I'm talking
about as a player, right, because I can remember where
we started in ninety seven and who was there, who
was covering not only covering, like, who was talking about it,
who was promoting the league.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
Basically, who gave a shit about it?
Speaker 5 (22:55):
Right?
Speaker 1 (22:56):
And it wasn't a whole lot of us, wasn't a
whole lot of y'all And today when I look at
just all the different opportunities, which, yeah, I'm excited to
see it and I'm happy for it, but it pisces
me off when I see.
Speaker 3 (23:10):
Example like an unrival right love the league.
Speaker 1 (23:13):
I think what they're doing for the players is great,
the opportunity is great, but can you just show a
little love and respect and appreciation for those who've been
there from day one covering women's basketball, not men's basketball
or not some other sport. I ain't about to put
(23:33):
no names out there, but I'm just saying like, that's
a great opportunity for unrival, for the players, but it
could also be a great opportunity for journalists, for media,
for people like a Tea Christina, for y'all to have
that opportunity to cover the game because you've been doing
it a lot longer than some of these others who
just finally said, oh damn, this women's basketball thing might
(23:56):
be for real.
Speaker 6 (23:57):
And I do have to say in women's basketball, when
you're in this space, it's more of you investing into
yourself in the beginning, right before you even make any returns.
Like I'm so grateful that I have to live in
doing this, and I have to do anything else. But
there are a lot of people in women's basketball media
who have two and three jobs. They're freelancing, over indexing
(24:17):
as freelancers in this space because of the lack of opportunities,
and when you see other people who cover other sports
this parachute into women's basketball, it's very sad because I
have peers in this industry who want full time jobs
and are getting overlooked because they may not have enough
followers or whatever deal is with that.
Speaker 5 (24:36):
You know, they could be.
Speaker 6 (24:37):
Better the hiring processes, the opportunities should be given to
those who are in the space, who know the space,
who are familiar with the space, and who really care
about advancing the stories of these athletes.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
As a player, as a former player, like, we see
those things and it matters because for me, it's always
been about.
Speaker 3 (24:55):
Building those relationships with the media, with the journalists reporters,
and for me.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
As a player, I wanted to talk to someone that
I could trust, that I was comfortable with, and also
someone that I knew gave a damn about what we
were doing and they weren't just there for a check. Right, Yeah,
you should get paid for what you do, but it
was always important to me to see genuine, real love
(25:24):
for what we were doing, and it just bothers me
to see all of a sudden, people who never really
cared are getting opportunities that people who've been there from
day one should be getting.
Speaker 5 (25:34):
That's all I'm saying.
Speaker 6 (25:35):
I absolutely agree, and it's just really hard to process
because it's happening in real time and you're seeing everything
unfold the way it's unfolding, and it's not the end
all be all, but there's like keeping the main thing
when it comes to being able to provide equal opportunities
for those who've been in the space. And that's why
we need more diversity in these positions when it comes
(25:56):
to decision making, so that you those who are familiar
with women's basketball and are making the decisions make sure
that they.
Speaker 5 (26:04):
Keep opportunity to those who have been in this space.
Speaker 2 (26:06):
So facts absolutely absolutely, we're gonna take a quick break
and when we come back, we're gonna have more conversation
with b one and only Christina Williams and the legendary
Chryl Swoops on levels to this. Be right, bad guys, friends,
(26:28):
we are back on levels to this. We got our girl,
Christina Williams with us today, And speaking of decision making,
it's been a lot of decisions in the WNBA over
the last couple of weeks.
Speaker 6 (26:38):
There.
Speaker 3 (26:39):
Maybe let's go.
Speaker 4 (26:43):
This thing is litty out here in these streets. Okay.
Speaker 2 (26:47):
First of all, we're seeing people make decisions to leave
their teams. We already knew that this free agency was
about to be nuts, but I don't think I expected
it to be this nuts. And Lord knows, I'm in
Connecticut losing my damn man because I don't know nobody
no more.
Speaker 4 (27:02):
I don't know. I don't know a single nothing about
going on. I ain't never seen a.
Speaker 2 (27:09):
Whole start in five, just literally, the whole Start five,
the entire Start five is all gone.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
It's all gone gone, Gord. I needed a drink.
Speaker 2 (27:20):
I needed a drink every single day, every single day,
every time I saw And here's the thing too, some
people I had an inkling on.
Speaker 4 (27:31):
Some people I knew.
Speaker 2 (27:32):
But unlike our friend Christina, I'm not in the breaking
news space. So always laugh when folks are like, oh,
you out here talking junk, but you ain't posting nothing
on your Twitter above who going We're because that's not
my job. I don't get paid to break news. I
get paid to laugh at y'all reactions when the news
has been broken. I don't get paid to break news,
so don't assult that I don't know what's happening or
what's going on. But until I get paid to break
(27:55):
the news, the news will remain with me until those
who do get paid to break it. With that being said,
I needed a drink every single day.
Speaker 5 (28:05):
Same but same man, I'm sober this far.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Ye, same, Yes, Yes, it's been wild.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
I was telling someone we were talking about it, and
I said, I think in the twenty what twenty.
Speaker 3 (28:19):
Eight years of the w is it twenty eight years
on twenty nine? Close?
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Because my son's twenty seven, he'll be twenty Okay.
Speaker 3 (28:29):
I think this was the biggest free.
Speaker 1 (28:34):
Agency moves and stuff that we've seen, and I am
here for all of it.
Speaker 3 (28:42):
Yes, I love it. It's spicy, it's juicy. People already talking
shit about who's gonna do what?
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Listen.
Speaker 1 (28:51):
I love it.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
I love it now.
Speaker 1 (28:53):
I do have some questions about some moves, but I
love it.
Speaker 6 (28:59):
Ie here, as you guys said, is the biggest free
agency that we've seen in recent years, and the WNBA
big splashes were being made. Obviously, having some leagues like
Unrivaled and AU happening in the offseason definitely helped. But
I love that players have been over the last few
free agencies taking their power back, demanding better.
Speaker 5 (29:18):
Facilities playing This might not be a fit for me.
Speaker 6 (29:21):
John Paul Jones knew when her time was up with
the Connecticut Son requested the trade, went to the Liberty
and now two seasons later as a WNBA Champion Finals MVP.
And so to your point, you say Connecticut blew.
Speaker 5 (29:33):
Everything up, I think that you know, it was an
end of an era.
Speaker 6 (29:36):
Like they didn't win the window took it closed a
time ago.
Speaker 5 (29:40):
Steph White jump ship.
Speaker 6 (29:42):
She's in Indiana right now, and so I think that
Core five had to break up and see where it
was time elsewhere.
Speaker 5 (29:48):
Yeah, it was it was.
Speaker 2 (29:50):
I think I expected Dja Carrington at least to be
that one piece to stay. I think of all of
the five people who surprised me the most, seeing Breonna
Jones go to Atlanta shook me the most. I did
not foresee that coming, and I specifically didn't see that
coming after Atlanta had just signed Britney Griner.
Speaker 4 (30:11):
We're gonna talk about that. That was a shock.
Speaker 2 (30:14):
But when I'm thinking about not to get too deep
into weeds here on the basketball, but I'm thinking about
the new coach in Atlanta and carls Mesco. I'm thinking
about how he likes to run a very high volume
of shooting percentage type Austin and I just kept thinking,
you know, BG is a scoring big, right, so she
could shoot from outside, so I could see how that
(30:34):
could possibly fit. I didn't quite see how Breonna Jones
could possibly.
Speaker 6 (30:39):
Fix for Atlanta, honestly, Like, yeah, the spacing, I'm a
little worried about that. I'm not sure how it's gonna
come together with you know, Beg and Breanna Jones, and
then you have your guards that like to drive right.
I don't know how that's gonna work, but I'm looking
forward to seat to seeing how they put it all
(30:59):
to y'all.
Speaker 2 (31:00):
Remember that Cat William's joke, but he was like, I
don't know how this is gonna work, but I'm gonna
do my part. That's how I feel about Atlanta right now.
I don't know what's gonna happen, but I'm gonna show
up and support.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
I'm gonna do my part.
Speaker 5 (31:12):
Because here's the thing.
Speaker 1 (31:13):
T you were saying, BG can shoot from outside, Yeah,
but g gonna do more damage if she and the pain.
Speaker 2 (31:21):
No, of course, but if you are looking to space
the floor, you can absolutely feel more comfortable if you're
a Smessko Like if BG needs to shoot from outside,
she can't not that's gonna be her first option.
Speaker 4 (31:32):
But I need to give the ball to Breezy to
find out from outside.
Speaker 2 (31:37):
I'm gonna take that all day long because nine times
out of ten, no shade on Breezy, of course, but
I'm just saying that's not her strength. But Christina, I'll
go to you first and then show I'll come back
to you. What move surprised you the most? Over this
free agency so.
Speaker 6 (31:51):
Far surprised me the most? I feel like nothing really
surprised me. If that because I'm the one breaking some
of this stuff, so not.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Even when you get it, when you get it before
we get it.
Speaker 6 (32:03):
Okay, surprise me, I would say, Dewana Bonner to the
Indiana Fever surprised me. Yeah, fifty fifty, only because I
get it.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
I understand.
Speaker 6 (32:14):
Like the history with coach Stephanie White and Amber who
used to work for Connecticut as well, like that relationship
relationships matter, and free agency for sure.
Speaker 5 (32:24):
I understand the fit as well with the other pieces
that they add.
Speaker 6 (32:28):
The top priority obviously for the Fever where to resign
Kelsey Mitchell. And then they add three time champion Natasha Howard,
You add Dwana Bonner, Sophie Cunningham, Jaylen Brown. You add
all of these pieces, and then you're a championship contended team.
I think from the fans perspective, they thought maybe Dewanna
would go to Phoenix and be with her fiancee and
(32:48):
former teammate, you know, Alyssa Thomas, bring the family together
type thing.
Speaker 5 (32:53):
I could see how she would have.
Speaker 6 (32:54):
Fit in Phoenix, but also the cap space situation with
all of those contracts, obviously, that probably would not have
been in their best interest because they have to build
a bench in Phoenix with the signings, have sought to
et cetera, et cetera. So I guess that shocked me
the most to see that she signed to the Indiana Fever.
But I do think that they are going to be
a championship contending team right away.
Speaker 4 (33:15):
Dang, what about you, Cheryl?
Speaker 1 (33:17):
Yeah, Yl's like, yeah, yeah, I want to just piggyback
off of what Christina said. And then I'll give you
another one that surprised me. Do wanna absolutely that one?
I was like, what dB to the Fever? Didn't see
that one coming. But I don't know if people really know,
(33:39):
like Jaylen Brown can ball? She can ball. So you
got Jaylen Brown, You got Natasha Howard, who I think
is a really good vet who can still give you bucket,
she can rebound. I think she's gonna be really good
alongside a Leah Boston because we ain't even talked about
who's coming back. You got Jaylen Brown, Natasha Howard. Do
(33:59):
want a bonner? And so people were saying last year
right like the Fever needed an enforcer or dog or somebody?
Speaker 5 (34:06):
La la la?
Speaker 1 (34:07):
Is that Sophie Cunningham. I don't know, but we know
who Sophie. You add Sophie Cunningham. You're bringing back Caitlin
of course, Kelsey Mitchell resigning, Leah Boston and Lexi Hall listen, listen.
Speaker 5 (34:25):
To their problem.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
They are going to be a problem from day one, Okay.
Speaker 1 (34:31):
And we can talk about this team all day long,
but I'm gonna go to Dallas, Busy Dallas exciredly making
some moves right. You already got Irique. And then here's
my thing. They get the number one pick, and I
know people are talking, that's Paige Beckers.
Speaker 3 (34:53):
To me, if it's.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
Page Beckers, if it's Olivia Miles, doesn't really matter. Either
one of them are gonna come in and fit in
right away. And then you add Melissa Smith Djonay. I
was like, okay, Dallas and quiet as it's kept. Didn't
they just the other day signed may sha heinz Allen.
Speaker 5 (35:12):
Yes they did.
Speaker 3 (35:13):
Yeah, I really like this Dallas team.
Speaker 1 (35:17):
Ty Harris going to Dallas gives him another point guard.
Speaker 3 (35:21):
Don't sleep on Texas, baby a sol them will.
Speaker 6 (35:24):
Say, I heard got in that front office and immediately
started cooking. And then you add Chris Clokanis, who obviously
served as an assistant coach throughout the WNBA, but just
had tenure at USC as well, really working with Juju
Walkins and some of the players. He's a players coach,
preached a lot of defense first, has that experience in
Nola as well. We'll be joining the coaching staff. So
(35:45):
you just add all of the different elements. I think
that it changes the conversation and the way people perceive
the Dallas Wings organization, who notoriously have had that bad
rep over the last few years of not being able
to retain their stars of front office whatever. I think
that you have all of these people in right now
just resetting everything and just changing that perspective. You have
(36:06):
those new facilities that are going to be built and
done by next year, moving downtown. I think that it
automatically makes this attractive destination for free agency. Free agency,
also tax free. I know the state tax.
Speaker 1 (36:21):
Yeah we none, we might not be paying taxes anyway,
but that's a whole difference.
Speaker 5 (36:29):
Why Well, you said you were going to say the
least I was.
Speaker 4 (36:33):
Dallas to me was the surprise like of the teams.
Speaker 2 (36:35):
Dallas was a surprise team because low key the like
you already mentioned it. You said it like everybody who
they brought back, and it was just like wow, like all.
Speaker 4 (36:44):
Low key, you're making moves. But I will also say,
I like what they are trying to build in Los Angeles.
I'm not going to sleep on Los Angeles. I like
what they're building in Los Angeles.
Speaker 2 (36:57):
Bringing over Kelsey Plumb was so smart and you and
I both Cheryl talked about how we did not understand
why Odyssey Simms was not on a roster to start
a season. Them signing Odyssey Sims given one how she
performed last year in both Dallas and LA. They looked
like a brand team when they were able to add
(37:18):
a legit point guard. You give that veteran presence to
a team. So you know what she's gonna bring you.
You got d Erica, who, honestly the way D played
last year, if it were not for LA being where
LA was statistically, I very much saw her entering the
MVP conversation.
Speaker 4 (37:35):
We know who the MVP was for sure, and we
know Fee was right here too, for sure. But Deerica
don't sleep.
Speaker 2 (37:41):
D played the hell out of her some basketball last year,
and so I like that energy.
Speaker 4 (37:46):
Connecting her again with Kelsey Plump is going to be cool.
Speaker 2 (37:49):
You're about to get Cam back because Cam said this
acl ain't gonna hold me.
Speaker 4 (37:53):
So you're about to get Cam back. And then my
Detroit girl, Rakia Jackson.
Speaker 2 (37:57):
Gonna eat them up. Like I like what they are
building in LA. So I was happy about that move.
KP seems real excited to be in LA to get
a fresh start. And then the announcement came out that
they are going to be building a practice facility for
the Sparks.
Speaker 5 (38:14):
So about time. It only took twenty nine years.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
It only took twenty nine years.
Speaker 2 (38:19):
Right forever. But I like the investment that teams are making.
To that same extent, that will also be the downfall
of other teams when they are not making that same investment.
It is going to be difficult to attract free agents
and players who want and feel like they deserve to
(38:41):
have top notch and elite facilities. And I think that
is going to be an issue with Connecticut now. I
look at Connecticut right now, and currently they've got Natasha Cloud,
They've got Diamond Deshields who they just signed, Marina Maybrey
still there.
Speaker 4 (38:54):
They've added Tina Charles, so I can.
Speaker 2 (38:57):
Say they still have Lacan who was their draft pick
from last year, who's a point guard for France. So
J J. C. Sheldon, You're right, I love jac Sheldon,
Olivia and Olivia Nelson Adota. Of course, that's tween we
got the same birthday. Go to me in I am
not at all saying that it's some scrubs in Connecticut.
Hell no, like they got some dogs in Connecticut if
(39:18):
they can make it fit. But it's gonna be so
much to find out because you're gonna have to see
how each of them work together. It's a new coach,
it's a new GM. Even though Morgan has been there,
she's still new to this particular role. It is going
to be interesting to see how this team comes together.
But it's gonna be hard to bring people there if
they cannot, if the ownership group cannot make the same
(39:41):
financial level of investing into the team as other teams
are beginning to make. Christina, I love your thoughts on
how you feel about p considering new investments, new ventures,
(40:03):
and what they're doing to try to give these women
what they deserve. And Cheryl, I'm gonna come at you
after because as a former player, I certainly want your
thoughts on how important these kind of facilities.
Speaker 6 (40:13):
Are just to add to their free agency the point
of it. I think that one thing that really stood
out to me this off season was Alysa Thomas during
the WNBA season, but in the off season, just her
being very vocal to the media about investment and facilities,
and I think maybe her last row was that community
center birthday party when they were trying to practice during playoffrole.
(40:34):
But yeah, it's like, no longer are these athletes accepting
the bare minimum or the crumbs. This is a professional
basketball league. The top one person athletes in the world
are part of the WNBA, and so the investment should
be reflective of that.
Speaker 5 (40:47):
They deserve the top of the top end.
Speaker 6 (40:49):
So one of the things that stood out to me
when I was at Unrivaled was just the athlete first
kind of attitude of what do we need and having
top trainers, performanceities and things available. Resources, just resources available
to these athletes. But also to add to the free
agency conversation, I think that the mistakes are quiet right
now and they need a lot of help. I think
(41:11):
that this is not saying that they're going to trade
or make any moves, but like I feel like throughout
the week, we'll probably see more moves being made and
to the point of big names being signed to other teams.
I think that the New York Liberty still can we
can say or I can say that I still think
that they are one of the top teams to beat.
I think continuity when it comes to teams like the
New York Liberty and the links will definitely be of
(41:33):
an advantage. We saw that it took the Liberty two
seasons with their core to develop the chemistry in order
to win a championship, and so I think that just
continuity with some of the rosters will definitely give certain
teams an advantage coming into the twenty twenty five season.
But I think that this is we'll still continue to
see more moves being made throughout the month.
Speaker 5 (41:53):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (41:54):
Well, when you talk about free agency and you talk
about facilities and what players are looking for, you know,
when the league started at ninety seven, this.
Speaker 3 (42:04):
Shit ain't happen. All of that's free agency and movement.
Speaker 1 (42:08):
And you know what, we practiced where the NBA teams practice,
right the Rock of the Comments. We practiced at west
Side Tennis Club where the Rock is practiced. The only
good thing about that for us was we never really
had an issue getting into the practice facility when it
was our time. But I do know for a fact
(42:29):
there are so many teams in the w who had
to fight to get into a practice facility even when
we were in season.
Speaker 3 (42:39):
Crazy when you think.
Speaker 1 (42:40):
About it, and so, yeah, it's about time when I
think about what players look for today and again, it's
very different. But you want to be able to go
somewhere where you feel like the team cares about you,
They're going to take care of you, they understand what
your needs are, they're listening. This is a professional their
professional teams, they're professional women.
Speaker 3 (43:03):
They should be able to have their own shit.
Speaker 1 (43:06):
They should be able to have their own practice facility
where they can have their own lockers and not have
to take their stuff out. We had to do that
all the time, like back in the day, we couldn't
leave stuff in our lockers because it really wasn't hour.
So I'm like really excited to think about all these
teams that are building facilities. And you know, when I
think about it, you mentioned the Sparks are building one.
(43:26):
The Mercury they're getting a new facility. Chicago Sky they're
getting their own practice facility. The Valkyries, we've seen what
they have like crazy, beautiful, great. The ace is Again,
if I'm Connecticut, and I'm only saying Connecticut because you
brought you mentioned Connecticut, You're going to have to do
something different.
Speaker 3 (43:45):
Right if you're trying to compete and you.
Speaker 1 (43:48):
Want to be able to bring in some of the
top free agents, you got to be better than this.
Speaker 5 (43:55):
And the last one.
Speaker 1 (43:55):
I'm going to mention is the Indiana Fever's scheduled to
open up their new practice facility before twenty twenty seven,
a seventy eight million dollar facility. Now I don't know,
I don't know the price for all these other ones,
but everybody.
Speaker 3 (44:12):
Talks about the Caitlin Clark effect. Is this the Caitland
Clark effect?
Speaker 2 (44:16):
Without question? But I also.
Speaker 1 (44:19):
Believe Indiana right, they get it, they understand we also
got to be better. We want to be able to
bring in some of the top free agents. And listen,
I'm not I don't know who is gonna win the title,
but Indiana Fever's gonna be in that conversation.
Speaker 4 (44:35):
Yep.
Speaker 1 (44:36):
And I can't wait to see what this practice facility
is going to look like. But seventy eight million bucks
on a practice facility, let's go. I do want to
say Kelsey Mitchell, I am so happy and excited to
see her finally getting her flowers from Indiana. I'm happy
that she took her time, she explored free agency and
(44:59):
decided that the the Fever was the best place for
her to be. And because that little duo last year
Mitchell and Clark was nice, and I'm just shout out
to Kelsey Mitchell. I'm happy she's getting her flowers and
can't wait to see what she does this season.
Speaker 6 (45:14):
Shout out to Kel's I think that, Yeah, I think
that was a top priority coming in. Ambercox had come
on to my show a couple weeks prior and talked
about how important that was to re sign Kelsey. That
was a top priority for them, and she is one
of the longest tenured players on that roster. She has
a connection with the community outside of what she can
do on the court, and so I think that is
important when you talk about building that next era of
(45:37):
WNBA basketball in Indianapolis.
Speaker 5 (45:39):
So I'm excited to see the Fever play this season.
Speaker 2 (45:42):
Same and just think we're gonna do all of this
all over again next year. Because all of these players
signed one year deals with the new CBA and the
new TV agreement and all of that coming out in
twenty twenty six, these players are now going to shoot
themselves in the foot by signing and locking into more
than knowing that could do and will get more in
(46:02):
twenty twenty six. So to your point about not taking crumbs,
and knowing what they deserve. And man, this is gonna
be so good for women's basketball. And this was great
having Christina on the show to like help us break
it all down and talk about it.
Speaker 4 (46:16):
I love this. Christina.
Speaker 2 (46:18):
You have got to one tell the people where they
can find you and where they can listen to your show.
Speaker 4 (46:24):
I've been on the show, Cheryl. Have you been on
the show?
Speaker 1 (46:27):
No? I haven't. I haven't. I haven't gotten it in.
Speaker 6 (46:30):
I haven't got stuff now I be out on her
podcast on the show.
Speaker 5 (46:38):
Is always invited, She's always invited.
Speaker 3 (46:41):
Stop stop, I'm just I say, I'm always invited. I'm
gonna call you, like, bro, let me come on period
this period.
Speaker 5 (46:49):
You're Hall of Famer. Always invited, always have to invite.
You can find me on.
Speaker 6 (46:54):
Twitter or x whatever they call it at Christina, THAT'SH.
Speaker 5 (46:59):
Not a c H.
Speaker 6 (47:00):
You can follow my show in case you missed it
with Christina Williams on iHeartRadio. It comes on every Wednesday,
so yeah, check for the show. This week, we have
Yukon's kk Arnold on the show helping us break down
some of the latest and women's basketball, So yeah, come
through every Wednesday.
Speaker 5 (47:16):
In case you missed it.
Speaker 4 (47:17):
Love that, thanks so much for joining.
Speaker 2 (47:19):
We will be kicking it at NBA All Star so
you can look and see all of that content on
social media because you already know that it's going to
be a good time when all three of us get together.
But anyway, thank you so much for joining us, Christina, and.
Speaker 4 (47:31):
We will be back to level offs after this.
Speaker 2 (47:37):
You know, I always enjoy talking to Christina, and it
always just feels like such a natural, normal conversation because
like that's my homegirl, right, Like that's my homegirl for real,
for real, And so she's just so insightful when I
think about free agency, when I think about just coming
up into this space, you know, and I think about
(47:58):
all of the people who have really been there from
their beginning, right, maybe not the beginning of the league,
but from the beginning of her time being in the industry.
It feels good to always have that person who you
know is truly invested in covering the game and bringing
light to the game and highlighting players and highlighting the
(48:19):
greats of this game, but also making some noise in
her own right.
Speaker 1 (48:23):
Yeah, but te you're in that category as well, right,
And for me, it's all about those people who've been
there from the beginning, maybe not like ninety seven when
the league started, but you've been there, you've put your
time in, you've invested, and you're doing it for the
right reason. So absolutely, Christina is that she is her.
Speaker 3 (48:46):
You are her.
Speaker 1 (48:47):
And that's why she's stay in the streets. Could she
be getting her information for real?
Speaker 2 (48:53):
That is for real and it means a lot to
hear those kinds of compliments come from someone like you,
not just because you're my co host and friend, but
also because of you being the building blocks. But it's fact,
but it just it also just feels good to know
that we haven't disappointed the people who laid the groundwork
for this game. It's important to us to be able
(49:13):
to make you all proud and be like, hey, I
love the direction of the coverage and that and that
that is truly important. But also, yes, we do be
in the streets, and we will absolutely be in the
streets this weekend while also but we will also be
doing some live shows while we are in the San
France for NBA All Stars. So if you are listening
(49:37):
and you either live in the area or will be
traveling to the area for NBA All Star. Please pull
up as Splash. We will be as Splash a Thrive City.
That's what we're going to be doing some live shows
levels to this will be live. We got some special
guests coming. You gotta show up to see who it is,
So please make sure you're checking in with Sheryl and
I on on Friday. I believe it is when we're
(50:00):
gonna be recording our show.
Speaker 1 (50:02):
So with that and listen before you Yeah, gone, but listen.
Speaker 2 (50:07):
Y'all show up.
Speaker 1 (50:09):
You never know. We might just pull you out of
the audience and be like, come on up here and
have a chit chat with us. Let's talk a.
Speaker 2 (50:15):
Little bit for real. Yes, yes, And we might have
some swag. We might have some giveaways. You never know,
so you might leave with some free shit. Y'all love
free shit. I love I love free shit.
Speaker 1 (50:25):
Girl.
Speaker 2 (50:26):
I don't know what it is. If it's free, it's
for me, a pin, a bag of shirt, I don't
care what it is, a Bobby pin. I might need
a Bobby track down. I'm telling you, you never know,
so pull on us. But anyway, until we get there,
I need you to level us on up with today's word.
Speaker 1 (50:46):
Well, you know I'm gonna do that again. As I
said before, it is still February. It is still Black
History Month. I mean it's Black History for me every day,
but periods Black History Month without getting into all the things,
all the shit that's going on in this world. Right now,
here's a good one. And yeah, I'm gonna say this
(51:06):
to myself and y'all can listen. The question isn't who
is going to let me, it's who is going to
stop me? That's it. That's what I got for you.
Speaker 2 (51:21):
Oh, the question isn't who's going to let me, it's
who's going to stop me. See, that's my mantra.
Speaker 1 (51:29):
Because because I'm gonna make sure it happen.
Speaker 2 (51:31):
That's my mantra, because I'm gonna ask for forgiveness, not
permission type of shack you feel me? Yes, yes, I
love it.
Speaker 4 (51:38):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (51:39):
I love it. I love it. Well with that, friends,
we appreciate you all continuing to listen to levels to this.
We'll be back next week with more next level conversations
just about the real ship that women go through. Probably
have a really cool update as well on what we
did or didn't do at NBA. All y'all y'all what
somebody didn't come to But anyway, just understand that this
(52:02):
is not just our show, but it's our show, so
we want to hear from you. Continue to leave us
your reviews and Apple podcasts. You can also email us
at Levels to This Podcast at gmail dot com. Tell
us what you think of this week's show or what
you might want to talk about. Let us know if
you pulled up on us at the NBA All Star
But in any case, you can follow us on Instagram
at ltt pod and until then, keep your mentals ground
(52:25):
level and we'll be back next week.
Speaker 1 (52:28):
Peace y'all.
Speaker 2 (52:29):
Peace.
Speaker 1 (52:29):
Have listen to Levels to This on America's number one
podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search
Levels to This with Cheryl Swoops and Tarika Foster Brasbee
and start listening
Hosts And Creators
Terrika Foster-Brasby
Sheryl Swoopes
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com