The First

There aren't many women who hold leadership positions in professional sports but Kelsey Martinez, the first woman to be an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Oakland Raiders, is changing that. In this episode of The First, Kelsey and I discuss her background as a softball player, pursuing a career in strength training, her experience with the Raiders franchise, and she's even sharing tips on how to create a...

On this episode of The First, I sat down with Roderick Sewell Jackson, the first bilateral above-knee blade runner to complete the Ironman World Championship. We discussed his mother's decision to amputate his legs at 18 months old, homelessness, his introduction to the Challenged Athletes Foundation, conquering Kona, and his mission to be a dual-sport athlete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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Ro...

On this episode of The First, I caught up with Blake Bolden, the first African-American player to compete in the National Women’s Hockey League.

We discussed how she got introduced to hockey, her experience playing on an all-boys team growing up, being black in a predominately white sport, protective hairstyles, her mentorship program, the best players boycotting competing in North America, and the formation of the Profes...

On this episode of The First, I caught up with my friend and Olympic fencer Nzingha Prescod, the first American woman to win a gold medal in foil at the Grand Prix, in 2013, and the first African-American woman to ever win an individual medal at the Senior World Championships in 2015.

We discussed her experience as a Black fencer in a predominately white sport; injuries, setbacks, and fearless comebacks; the importance of...

On this episode of The First, Will and I talk about growing up as track and field athletes, playing collegiate sports, mental health, overcoming injuries, faith, turning pro and negotiating contracts, his infamous 2016 Rio Olympics proposal, his music career (listen to his EP here), and prepping for the  2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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Will's Instagram: @willclaye
Tamara's Instagram: @tamsgoinham
Th...

The First is a platform where athletes can be authentic, raw, and candid as they share their journey, experiences, and everything else we don't get to see beyond the stat sheet. Get ready to hear from the most talented athletes who are transcending sports and changing the world.

Thank you Priscilla Brinshot for bringing my graphics vision to life, DJ ESudd for the beats, and Listening Party for providing me with a place to reco...