April 8, 2024 • 47 mins
Join us this week for an inspiring conversation with the amazing Nikki Kay! From a California girl to covering LA sports teams, Nikki's journey is filled with passion, dedication, and the power of storytelling. Discover how she found her voice in sports broadcasting, overcame challenges, and embraced versatility in reporting. Get ready to be inspired by her love for female friendship and her unforgettable moments on the red carpet. Don't miss out as Nikki shares her path in sports reporting and her ultimate fan moment with Doris Burke. Tune in now for a dose of motivation and empowerment!
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hi, my name is Nikki Kaye and I'm a sports host and reporter for Spectrum Networks in LA, and this is her table.
(00:06):
Now you see her.
You are magnificent!
Welcome to her table, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the badass women who are redefining the game.
Join host Kate Foley and Megan Martinez as Payon Locke, the Secrets of Success in the brightest female pioneers in the industry.
(00:27):
Welcome back to her table, we have another amazing episode for you today. I am so excited to have Nikki Kaye on the show.
Nikki is currently a sports reporter at Spectrum Networks. She covers a wide range of sports team in Los Angeles, including the Lakers, the Dodgers, Chargers Rams and Galaxy.
You know I love a girl that can wear some heels and some sneakers. She hosts just about everything.
(00:51):
She even hosts events like the California Sports Hall of Fame and the sports spectacular show-casing celebrity athletes.
You could say that Nikki might just do it all.
I've heard nothing but amazing things about Nikki Kaye. So I'm so excited to have her on the show.
I can't wait for our listeners to learn more about Nikki's story and how she has found success in the sports world.
Let's get to it, Nikki, pull up a chair at her table.
(01:14):
I feel like the odd men out here ladies are both in red.
She tried some of them. You didn't get the memo. I didn't. Left her out of the group. I feel like I should be tired.
I said, "What color is this?"
Okay, I'm gonna go with like a burnt...
Oh my god! Did she tell you to say that? Did she tell you to say that?
It could be the glow of these fabulous pink lights. You have an ear check. That way.
(01:38):
That's funny. All right. She's like, "Are you blind?"
I'm like, "That's red. That's red. You're blind." There's some people who go through life being colorblind and they don't know.
Are you guys trying to tell me I'm colorblind?
There's shades to that. They say there's like shades. It's one of the hand-tellers. Yeah, it's a pantone.
Yeah. It can go the orange family or it can go the red family, whichever one you wear to the toilet.
(02:00):
It's key. I'm with it. I'm with it.
Yeah. That's amazing.
I didn't get the memo. So next time we're together, please give me color coordination.
Yes, absolutely. I love it.
We'll include her next time. I'm not wearing burnt orange. I'll wear something out.
This is like a Texas. You ever see Texas? Yeah. I go like a orange star. Are you fine? No, actually it's like Aguise.
(02:21):
I'm like, "Is that the rain?"
Yes. Stop the front door. I literally was drenched walking through the parking lot.
Oh my gosh. We look like white lights going to get out. Did you just say stop the front door?
Yeah. Stop the front door. How do you stop the front door?
I was going to say shut up, but then I'm sure it would be better about what I say because people get offended.
(02:42):
I don't know. Whenever. Then just don't listen.
Exactly. It's going to skip.
Exactly.
It's with that forward, sir. Yeah.
Exactly. Bye. I was talking to you anyway. Have a good day. Why are you listening to our show you were now?
No, I'm so excited. We have you on. Love it. You're a true California girl.
Absolutely. I am an imported West Coast. I'm from North Carolina originally.
(03:03):
I know, but I like the West Coast. I'm been skinned now. I like to visit the cold not stay in the cold.
So I'm all for it. And I am slowly.
Everyone's like, "When are you going to come back?" I'm like, "When are you going to come visit?"
It's funny how people just move west and can't move back.
Right.
But everyone from California is moving to Arizona. So can you please stop that and keep them here?
(03:24):
Arizona is a magical place. I love those desert trails and runs out there.
And something about the twilight sky. It's really pretty. Yeah.
It's really pretty. But it's interesting because in my neighborhood we have grass and oak trees and white pick fences.
Because I don't understand the people that have rock front yards. They like their yard.
(03:45):
Like no, she's right there.
I'm like, "What is this guy doing?" And he's like, "Raking is rock."
And I'm like, "What is going on? What are we on right now?"
I can't. Okay. So true California girls, you're here covering California sports.
Yes. I grew up in Zanna Barbara.
Okay.
I did a place. I didn't really realize the bubble it was until you leave the bubble.
(04:06):
Right.
I went to UCLA. And then my career has taken me to, you know, when you're starting out in TV, your journey, you're told,
"Oh, go to a local TV market in the middle of nowhere. Get your reps in."
And obviously this was like right around the time that digital stuff was really exploding and that people were forging paths in a digital space too.
(04:28):
So I didn't take that path. Instead I went to Twitten Falls Idaho.
I made 20,000 a year for my first job.
Okay.
So we started there. We worked our way, you know, wrapped around the country.
So we started there. It was a little stop in Oklahoma City and being back in Los Angeles working for a network that is the home network of the team's I grew up rooting for.
(04:50):
It's a dream come true. It's really, and I think we all have to remind ourselves sometimes.
I'm sorry, I'm just laughing. I'm just laughing.
I know what is going on in the world.
We are literally in the Pacific Northwest right now. It's torrential.
I'm here to know. It's like in our cane happening right now.
And we're as we're raving about the weather. Why we know we have four bottles of Tina's vodka.
(05:11):
Yeah, we can just crash in here until it clears down.
Bunch of down.
Baby.
I think it's amazing because I'm what ties home.
Boise Idaho.
My parents live in Boise. So when I saw that you were in Twitten Falls, like, no way.
I mean, that's a couple hours away.
We would go cover the Boise State Games. Those are like, that was the big assignment.
Oh my gosh. I get to go to the blue turf.
(05:34):
And cover Boise State football. And then also it was like when my parents would come visit me,
they'd find a Boise and they'd be like, my big weekend away from Twitten Falls.
I know.
You know, either there or something, but I'll be so.
Yeah.
Idaho was such a beautiful, you know, easily accessible state.
And people were really kind there.
Yeah, they were. I'm just curious. So now I mean, you've had quite the journey, which is amazing.
(05:58):
I love they were in Idaho or East Coast.
So what kind of what you're covering all the sports right now, but you're also doing a bunch of like stuff on the side.
We were looking at your Instagram. We're doing coming Barbie. You're doing like surfing.
Like, can you kind of tap into all that?
Yeah. Yeah. So if there's one thing I have learned in this role with spectrum,
because they hired me as just a general reporter. They call them multimedia journalists, right?
(06:21):
You have to be versatile in terms of what what stories you're able to tell.
Obviously a very hyper local community based focus, but then you like can put the lens of whatever story you're telling.
Attach it to like bigger events going on. And so normally I do that for sports.
Like how does a Lakers Nuggets game have a local impact or like where's the local tie there? So it's really fun.
(06:44):
But also in this role, I've been called to do so many different things and like adventure hosting hosting a Barbie special was honestly.
I like the best of your life. I would be living my best life. Yeah.
You know what's so funny is that I was telling my parents this is like out of all the things and accomplishments I've done, you know, from UCLA to like the big names I've interviewed.
(07:06):
I have never felt more famous than sitting shotgun in a pink Corvette driving around LA dress like Barbie.
The pandemonium of people wanting to take pictures of and with the car is like, I'm glad to know that this is this is what it takes.
Yeah, you know, but I have finally made it. Yeah, I just like calling in life and I don't want to get out. Yeah.
(07:29):
And exactly, but every day spectrum is different and it's an adventure and I used to be really no sports is my brand like my only talk sports.
But now I realize it's such a gift and a privilege to be able to, oh, hey, we need you an extreme weather coverage. Oh, hey, there's riots going on. Can you jump into that?
And the way you see the world and you know, it affects who you are. So really grateful. It's not every day that I'm talking news or politics, but it keeps you sharp.
(07:59):
Right. Well, and it's also just broadens your ability to kind of connect right because I think one of the big things in sports we always see and especially on the agent side is their humans.
Yep. So when they see you have the ability to cover a story outside of the scope that is just on the quarter on the field, it kind of puts that barrier down of like, okay, they've also been out of their setting and allows them to connect with you.
(08:20):
Like, okay, this might be new for me, not for you. And you have the ability to kind of reach out to them as people and kind of tight near scale of the people talking not the athlete 1000% the reliability is there and I'll tell you like doing two minute, you know, many packages on people who overcome adversity in all walks of life has made me such a better storyteller as a sideline reporter, right?
(08:44):
Or it's like, how do you identify meaningful storylines throughout the course of a game? How do you condense those? How do you find what people who maybe have never picked up a basketball or kicked a soccer ball in their life want to relate to right?
Right. Well, it's always weird to because I feel like you're kind of thrust into it. And did you ever go through in your career as you started in sports and now you've had all these different opportunities.
(09:06):
Did you ever go through a moment of imposter syndrome? Oh, I still, I mean, I think it's still very apparent. It's real. I like to work on walking the walk. You know, I do, you know, talking the talk, you have to fake that confidence at all levels.
But no matter what studio you're put into what seat your sadden, you know, whatever arena you walk into, you have to carry yourself. But there are times where I'll be live in the morning and like even, you know, this far into this journey.
(09:40):
I'll come my mom after all and I'll be upset and she'll be like, get over yourself. Nobody noticed the stumble. Nobody noticed that you might have said something, you know, that didn't really make sense.
Sometimes I'm like, what sentence just came out of my mouth? But you, you know, there is a beauty to being a perfectionist. And I'm not saying I'm obsessive compulsive about it, but there are times where it can be debilitating.
(10:06):
Sometimes, and that's when I lean on mentors, peers in the industry, hey, like I'm feeling, you know, really out of place or like I don't belong and everyone has a story of being able to be like, well, if you feel that way, then don't show it and work through it because you can't, that will really like bring you down.
Yeah, I think it can heighten of like the constant pressure you put on yourself. And I think one thing I've always encouraged Megan lately is like, ask the people that are not in what you're doing.
(10:34):
Ask people that have no idea whether you're hypercritical on yourself or not what they see because that's the regular person. Most people in the industry will pick you apart the way you'll pick yourself apart.
Yeah, somebody who just thinks you're the cool shit on this planet, right? Like, dude, you killed that. Call a program a suit.
Call your best friend. You doesn't know what thing about sports. And like, what do you think? Yeah. And I was dope. And you're like, all right, cool.
(10:57):
And that is to be said too for, I mean, I've had a, you know, in this journey every time you're frustrated, or you feel like you're, you know, hitting your head on a ceiling, um,
friends who know nothing about the ascension or the trajectory, where you want to go. They'll be like, do you realize what you're saying? Like, you were, you were just out of Lakers game last night.
(11:20):
Like, yourself 10 years ago would be like dying. Yeah. And so like the gut check perspective, such a great call.
It's like that saying that's like the life you're complaining about is the life you were praying for. Yeah.
And you're like 10 years ago, I was like, I want to do this. And you're like, God, have to do this again. And you have to like reframe the way that you think.
(11:42):
But I do think in sports and in my experience, you get so numb to how cool it is. Yep. Cause like I do this shit every day. Great. Another arena, another hot dog, another game, another whatever.
And then you take someone who isn't in that life. And it is the coolest. Yeah. I was looking all the time. I'm like, Kate, you're literally fun to Japan. You find it right.
What are you doing? You're like, Oh, you work on the next time. Thank you. You know, like no, and it is the the optimism and like the eyes wide open is something I always try to bring into every experience.
(12:17):
But I do find myself was on a rain drop. I know.
And the lighting is not my to spell out of the sky. But yeah, staying fresh and enthusiastic is what carries you forward to. So that is such a good point to because it's like sometimes I mean spring trainings.
One of my favorite weeks of our coverage throughout the year. And then sometimes I can be like, you know, you find yourself getting stressed out and like, I'm like, well, gotcha, girlfriend. Yeah.
(12:45):
Yeah. You love it here. Yeah. Let's be grateful and excited. I can wear a flip flop live high-bast life. And people pay to come do this. Yeah. I'm here getting paid to watch this exactly. No, no, I am very true. And really key reminder to wake up every day and be, you know, eyes wide open.
Clear eyes full heart. I'm finding out. Yeah. No, it's hard not to put pressure on yourself to and like when you kind of take a step back and you're like, well, whatever accomplished in this time. Like 10 years or however long it's been for you.
(13:19):
Are there like other women that you kind of looked up to or you kind of look to in this industry to kind of help support you or mentors or anything. Yeah.
It's important. Absolutely. And I mean, you've had Ali clifted on before. She has been someone at my network who has welcomed other women to the table and created space. Right. So it could be really easy when you see someone vying for, you know, any reps they can get to, you know, be territorial and it's because it's large.
(13:52):
Whether Ali or it's other women, you work, you work for every moment you can get. And so it could be really easy to be like, I'm not going to create that space way.
But she has been excellent. She's a big sister. I, you know, I get to fill in for her from time to time as the host of the Lakers, which is like it's such a privilege. But I'm, well, I'm sitting in that seat. I'm grateful for her. Right.
(14:18):
Because, and then there's a woman across the industry, Alex Curry has been a phenomenal one who, you know, when I have those moments of imposter syndrome. Call her, you know, girl strap up. Yeah.
You've had India on the show too. And she's, she's just a great, you know, resource life determination drive. And so I really learned that the beauty of female friendships, even if they're on social media, some of my best friends who I can relate to live across the country.
(14:51):
And I've maybe met them once or not at all, but we can have a phone call or, you know, DM or high-tech. Yeah, but I get it. Yeah. Thank you. I needed that exactly. And so it has been really, I think, wonderful to see that community emerge, especially, you know, it's like you could look and be like, how she get that job or why she there, you know, instead it's like pop off clean.
(15:14):
And that's why this, this is such a cool concept because you're sharing the stories and the voices that, you know, can really bring us together. What it's always interesting to you because you head on something that I think is for me really profound, which is when you get to a place where you realize, I need to be doing and being for someone what I didn't have.
Yes. Because there was a time there were not female agents. There were not that many sideline women in a place of leadership. They were being dictated to, right.
(15:42):
Now you're like, I didn't have that. And I look at these young girls are like, you have the classes I didn't have. You're in the programs I didn't have. There are these groups that you can go that did not exist. It was like, you're the, you know, the one orange cow in the room. And it's like, hi, good to see you. Okay. How do you, how do you lean back? And why is that so important for you to do?
(16:03):
Yeah. Yeah. And like one of my local stations throughout my journey, I walked into a team that was all guys, all men. And to their credit, they had been, you know, covering all those teams for years and years. And you look around other market or TV stations in the market. Mostly men.
(16:24):
I think there's one other female reporter and there was, I think, doubt of my capacity as a California girl arriving in this market that really didn't know much about the history and the breadth of, you know, why these teams and, you know, operate the way they do or the history behind it. All right.
(16:47):
So like in that moment, it's like, okay, are you going to sit there and be frustrated that these guys doubt you or are you going to prove them wrong? Right. And I think there is a little bit of both for me in that learning experience. And it's like, okay, I won't let it keep me down. But I did let it frustrate me or, you know, and it's funny by the end of my time at that place.
(17:08):
Like we all became really, we were all really good friends, right. And there's some of my close confidants in the industry today. But it's those moments of like, why, why don't they believe in me? It's like, well, show them what they need to believe. Right.
So that's important. And then like also celebrating the woman you are around is even more tremendous. It's so funny. You're talking about like women who have had roles that, you know, not a lot of women have held previously.
(17:35):
I was literally in a Pilates class and next to me is Erin Andrews. And I had never met her a person. And I, you know, you're so in the zone when you're on the reform ribbing. Oh my God, what's going. I'm freaking out. What are you talking about in the zone? I'd have been like, yep, not paying attention.
Yeah. I didn't realize it was her entire her voice. I was like, am I dreaming? Yeah. And so I made the point after class was done. I just said, I just want to say thank you. And you know, I'm a local reporter here, obviously not nationally yet.
(18:03):
But yeah, thank you. Like you have paved the way for so many. And it is so cool to see like females and women ascending to spots and occupying spaces being the first. And hopefully that that being the first woman to do this keeps, you know,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, we don't have to say be the first and yeah, you know, and I love that you're like you, you think her because I think it's such a humbling experience because it's so easy to be like, okay, I want to be. And that's what the whole press show is like someone looks at you and they say, I want to be her.
(18:35):
Well, who is her? Yeah, right. She comes up. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know who you are as a professional, but who are you?
A person? What do you love? What were your struggles? What were your challenges? Because at the end of the day everybody's path is different. And they're going to go into a job or a world differently. But if they can draw from something that you have not only motivated them, but you have inspired them. Yeah.
(19:00):
That's what's going to stick with that. Not just do it. It's like, actually, let me tick some kind of box inside of you that's like, I want to be like that. I do tell some of my friends to who you know are eager for the next step or whatever.
And granted, I'm always hungry for the next step. But it's like, not everyone's path is the same. Right. But the way you're going to get where you want to go is being authentic. And being yourself because nobody else has that, right?
(19:25):
Yeah. And that's and that's what people will recognize and celebrate. I love that. I feel like for you to like the fact that you're covering like take a step back, like covering like the big like L.A. sports. Like what advice would you give?
Like the younger who wants to be doing that one day?
Oh, there's some I would say first of all find what excites you but also be open, right? Like I love basketball. But I was asked to do sidelines for MLS. And I grew up playing soccer. And I was like, I haven't ever really talked soccer before.
(19:58):
And I had the best couple of seasons being a sideline reporter for the L.A. Galaxy. And also like when my boss calls me, he was like, Hey, are you are you free? Can you jump in to like the storm coverage we have right now?
Instead saying no, I'm like, OK, this is an opportunity to be live on television in Los Angeles, right? Like let's do it. You know, and so being a yes girl is huge.
(20:23):
And I would say that if you are choosing to put yourself in an arena, whatever lead, whatever sport, study it, know it. And that's where my confidence comes from is the prep work. And you know, I've always felt like academically oriented, right?
So when I have a new challenge, it's like, Oh, how can we dig in? How can we read? How can we listen to podcasts? Watch the shows. What are their mannerisms? Why are they talking about things like this so that you know how to represent yourself well in a space, even if you are, you know, faking it a little bit to have the internal confidence that comes with knowledge.
(21:00):
I think it's huge. So while you're waiting in the wings waiting for a job read study, watch, you know, and then and then when someone does give you opportunities that even might not be in your lane or like you think you want to do say yes because you never know.
Yeah, I'm a big proponent of you often find what you don't like before you find what you do like right like you're like, it was fun. Not me. That's the thing.
(21:22):
But if you don't say what dating, yeah, it's kind of like speed dating. You're like, okay, yeah, you were. Exactly. So you were a production assistant for a little bit. How do you feel like your experience as a production assistant might have impacted or does it impact how you treat people, you know, support people on your staff now.
I love I love that. So that was my glorified title as an intern for box sports. And I was literally reorganizing like supply closets, you know, or helping navigate like how do we get equipment from.
(21:59):
It was Staples Center at the time to the office in downtown LA and I'm like, I shouldn't be driving a company car. I'm in college. I'm a terrible driver. What are the traffic.
Yeah, street, which also in Boise, I would be. Couple times I drove the wrong way. Oh yeah, the one way street. I know they are hard. It sounds like that was a couple of me. Why is this car coming out of the ice? All right.
(22:23):
But no, I think what you're getting at is really important. Throughout my career, I've had to shoot my own live shots. I've had to shoot my own interviews. I've had to, you know, find a way to get where I wanted to go when it came to being like, oh, you want to you want to be at the thunder game.
Like you're going to have to shoot your own live shot tonight. Obviously, I was it's beautiful to have ascended past that point in here in LA, but it has given me a greater gratitude for when I work with photographers, when I work with producers to be thankful to offer to help carry things to give input.
(23:02):
Hey, you know what would be really cool if we got this shot or hey, you know, and having had to do all levels of putting a story together, it has taught me to carry myself with like a certain level of respect for everyone.
You know, a to Z on the list of people who put a show on live TV and you never know also what people are going through right. So just a lesson in humanity. I think that like sometimes in the pressure and meeting deadlines and, you know, doing what we do, it's fast paced work.
(23:34):
And it can be easy to be edgy and short, but reminding that like, hey, simple, thank you or offer to help out goes along. Yeah, by the way, everybody that I've like spoken to like at NFL network saying your praises like you've got to me, Nikki Kay, she's the best.
So like, just a side note, tell them my checks in the mail.
I was like, I want to have Nikki Kay on the show like reach out to case like we got to get her on because people are always singing your praises. So yeah, I'm changing my heart right now.
(24:04):
Yeah, it's reading outside.
But you cover red carpet like charity events. Like can we hear about that because we're talking about how you she's a based a little girl. I'm sneakers.
Yeah, like you're dressing up with red carpet your host and I'm a heels girl too. And I'm having me and like wedges at the age of 13. You know, we're short family.
(24:25):
So elevate like that. Yeah, I think the defendant's happy. Exactly. You're very rare that I'm wearing loafers today. But, um, yeah, bend and next.
Every time next time I need the exactly. I think red carpets are so fun because it's an escape from like, you know, serious storytelling and granted every like everyone just wants to have fun.
(24:49):
It's all right looking hot, right? Yeah.
And so it was my first like little moment because UCLA doesn't have a journalism program. So everything I did there was like, okay, we're coming to, you know, football practice with my best friend was an actress and she told my mini cam.
And I'd like interview my guy friends on the football team walking up and like, how was practice today? Right? So I put together this real and I submitted for like a red carpet host contest when I was a senior in school.
(25:18):
And all my friends voted for me and I got to do it and it was so fun. But I learned that like there's an art to how you ask questions to everyone and like you want to get the best answers. And then you want to get repetitive answers.
So it's like, hey, what are we wearing today? Or like, why are you here celebrating this cause? So it's just a really lighthearted situation. It can get a little chaotic with wrangling. Yeah.
(25:40):
And like, oh my god, over here, like I'm talking, you know, but I have, I've had so much fun on on carpets. I want to go like everyone's always like, you know, entertainment industry. It's I love it. Right? Yeah. So when there is it like a cool intersection between sports and Hollywood, which there is a lot in LA.
I'm always like first hand up at my station. I did the Ted Lasso season two premiere. Oh my gosh. Can we come tag along? Yeah. Backpack time. I don't want to be comfortable with us. Yeah, a little mini mic.
(26:11):
Mini mics. Yeah, I'm be like, yep, the girl power one where you got it. I know all for it. Yeah. No, it's always interesting because I think sometimes, you know, for athletes for them to actually have to be the human side. Yeah. On a carpet is the human side.
Yeah. On a court, they're comfortable. They're confident. They do this shit every day. They know what to do. They know what you're going to ask. Yeah. And I think I'm going to write carpet. It's like gloves off. You can ask anything. And that is the best time because it's like, well, I'm a person. And oh, you're a little uncomfortable in that suit. Aren't you? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
(26:38):
You said a little tight tonight. It is. Yeah. Can't breathe in that. It's going to be a no me either girl. Sure. It won't be sitting down later. It's a pants on earlier. And I'm like, these are standing pants. I'm sitting there. We're going to change these. Love them. Beautiful. But these are standards.
True story. I know. I'm button at the table sometimes. You know, here. It's no. But then like, dude, don't have to do that. No, it's so annoying. You can just wear like jeans and a button on shirt and different shoes. And it's like the audacity. I know. Right.
(27:07):
I know right?
It's the thing they call it.
Whatever.
It's fine.
That's why I'm like, you're just fine.
Yes.
Okay, sure.
Moving on.
It's doing my team's, so I'm like, "Okay, you're always like to the nines."
Yeah.
That's me.
I like.
Authentically me.
I love it.
Maybe.
Yeah.
No, there's a guy on my staff who loves white t-shirts, and so I'm trying to remind him that,
yes.
College is great, but then we'll show up in a professional setting.
(27:28):
As you grow, shows you're your wardrobe.
And one day when it clicks, it's really going to click with him.
I'm like, "Wait, right.
I hope."
I hope.
Just start getting him to like, Lulu polos.
Oh.
You know that --
That's hybrid.
It's the hybrid.
It's a way to transition to functional, elevated work leisure.
I don't know what we're saying now.
(27:49):
Be you and be comfortable, but just like keep leveling up.
Just keep coming along.
Exactly.
Just come along.
But I think it's so important.
So how do you, because you're super fashionable, how do you walk us through, because everyone
wants to know they always find it interesting.
The few dress yourself.
Do you have a stylist?
Like, what goes on?
Because I know the boys have a stylist.
Yes, I do dress myself.
I would love to hit the point where I walk into a network studio and there's a stylist
(28:16):
too.
You don't have to take the clothes home, because like, dressing for TV is -- it can be fun.
And especially now that everyone's trendy, like, you know, but you also have to be like,
"Okay, is this too short?
Is this too revealing?"
Right.
So true.
And is this form fitting?
Is it flattering?
It's so hard because I'll get like some blazer set sometimes and then you watch it on air
(28:36):
and I'm like, "I look like the bag lady.
Like what?"
And so I have learned.
And I early on, you know, when you're not making great money and trying to piece together
whatever you can or living off of like, you know, also, target dress is great.
You know, like, it just comes from anywhere.
Just doing -- yeah, exactly.
(28:57):
It can come from anywhere.
You find your like, basics that you feel comfortable and good in.
And then there have been times where I've gotten viewer emails, not so much in LA because
like, it's more progressive here, but in Twin Falls, Idaho or in --
What did they say?
Tell everyone about the email.
Oh, no.
Oh, there were a couple of them.
Oh, my gosh.
People would be like, "Literally, I'm in studio and I'm wearing like a dress with probably
(29:20):
the size sleeves or the size strap."
So it's not spaghetti shop.
A woman message me saying, "If you could please wear sleeves on your arms, it would make
us that home feel more relatable, you know, able to relate to you."
Also, it's cold outside.
So I'm like -- I'm going to be like, "Well, this is just -- it goes down to my knees and, you
know, what did you do in that moment?
(29:42):
Like, give vulnerable for a second and unpack that."
So this is something I'm really proud of myself.
And early on, viewer emails would debilitate me.
I'd go home, I'd cry.
I'd like, feel guilty.
I got -- and now it's like, okay, like, come on.
And I was just actually talking about this with our meteorologist at the station yesterday.
(30:03):
Because think about the weather woman who are in front of green screens head to toe.
Everything is showing.
You know, how you look -- if you're not feeling great one day, everything is on display.
You're turning your -- you know, and you're on Monday through Friday multiple times.
You've got to mix up those outfits.
Like, for me, I can be like, "Okay, I know I've got sidelines Tuesday.
I know I'm in studio Wednesday and studios chest up."
(30:27):
So let's mix up a fundraiser that maybe you wore three months ago and nobody's going to
remember.
But like, weather woman -- meteorologist.
And she's like, you know, it's hard having the creativity with outfits too.
So I like to dress, you know, and a lot of fashion rental services.
(30:47):
I've been popped up, thriving, and like, plug for fashion pass.
Because --
Ooh, she would --
Yeah, this is fashion pass right now.
Yeah, but they have work stuff.
They have, you know, dresses that you can maybe wear out, but also be like, "Oh, I could do
something with that on air."
Yeah.
You know, it's -- that's how I've been surviving.
(31:10):
You also don't want to lean -- I mean, the fast fashion is hard too.
Zara has great staples.
But like, when you have special moments, you know, those are suit moments for me.
But yeah.
So those ones --
So that was one of the good --
So that's a long way to get to --
So that's a long way to get to --
That's a long way to get to --
Yes.
I love a good power.
I'm totally with you.
Yes.
So that was like a bunch of like a wide answer to the closed question, but it's something
(31:34):
I'm actively -- you know, what are we doing every day?
I was like, "Oh, my gosh."
And not letting people like whoever the woman who emailed you kind of like change your
perspective or get upset about it kind of be like, "All right, that's your problem."
And kind of --
Right.
Exactly.
So you treat yourself -- It sounds like an issue you need to work through on your own.
My old boss -- he was great.
He would -- I walked off set one day and he was like, "What are you wearing?"
(31:58):
It wasn't like scandalous.
It was just like your pinks don't match.
Like, they're different materials.
It just doesn't look great.
And that's the type I was like, "Okay, I will not be parry."
Exactly.
Thank you, Bob.
We know that.
Yes.
It was constructive.
And he was actually a trendy guy.
But like, there are some people --
(32:18):
I think it's so hard to for young girls because it is -- Fashion is all over the world.
Over the place.
Yes.
And sometimes dressing for a stage and age is more important than dressing for the occasion
because it lives forever.
Yep.
And so I can always -- like, for these young girls when I see them or go speak at schools,
(32:39):
it's like, "Okay, like, I could be hiring any single person today."
I could look at you and be like, "Yeah, you're hired."
Do not come in here in your pajamas looking at hot masks.
How do you represent yourself?
Yeah.
Disheveled, not put together because if you don't respect yourself enough to show up in
a professional setting, how can I hire someone and trust them to do it?
(33:01):
And you never know who you're going to meet.
But fast fashion is so hard because it's like, "I am not wearing what Beyonce is wearing."
Nope.
No chance.
Zero.
I mean, I could, but it might -- some people might be sending me some emails, okay?
And you're going to be like, "No, okay.
That's a big guy now."
No.
My team's like, "Someone go get her and turn all that off."
Yeah.
So, how do you help -- what would you say to a young girl that's like, "Hey, I want to get
(33:24):
into this being authentic to themselves."
Yeah.
But also, understanding the representation that they are of a network.
That is such a good question because I -- my thing is, play it safe.
You can be as fashion forward as you want to, but like, remember that I've literally had
(33:46):
feedback on my reels before, or I had a great hit and someone mentor, someone considering
me for a job will be like, "I was distracted by your earrings the whole time."
And it's -- so I have learned that when you get these opportunities to represent yourself,
a network, a team on camera, like, the last thing you want is your, you know, something
(34:12):
you can control to derail that, right?
And so I'm like, "Sometimes I have the fun flashy earrings."
I'm like, "Oh my God, these would be so fun."
And then I think to myself, "Do you want those to be the thing that --?"
Yeah.
"Fantasy, right?"
"No, you want your words and the way you carry yourself to be."
So yeah, it's fun to be fashionable.
I always use other women, you know, and that's another great thing about social media too,
(34:36):
seeing what other women are wearing.
You know, there's a time and a place for shoulders or one shoulder outfits or --
Yeah.
And if you've had to learn, you don't dress the same in studio that you do at NBA games
or, you know, and --
Right.
So there's an art to it.
But there is more creativity now, which is cool.
You're not wearing blazers and pants to everything you do.
(34:58):
Yeah.
Who have you fangirled over?
Oh my gosh, like, other women?
Or -- Oh, both.
Let's do --
Let's do --
Let's do --
Let's do --
I'll be fangirl over another woman and then on a red carpet, who did you fangirl over?
Oh, goodness.
Okay.
And what did you do?
Because I would be like, "Uh, yeah."
I think career-wise, early on, my first NBA game was Kobe Bryant's last road game, and
(35:20):
I asked him a question.
And it was like in a crowded press conference room, and I blacked out.
Like, I was like --
It's a career-caring theme, right?
I was like, "I just talk and then I don't know what I said."
Right?
And I was like -- and that clip now, for me, is like one of the most special moments in
my career, right?
And it's --
I'm not even on camera, but I'm asking a question to the guy I grew up.
(35:41):
Like, "Yeah, I'd say out of sports."
Let's see.
I'm going to have to think a little bit more, but I did interview Jason Cedakis at that time.
That's awesome.
And like, I was more blown away by the wit he had in his response without missing a beat.
And I was like, "This is why comedians are some of the most talented people we get to
(36:08):
be around."
And I feel like I've met a couple of other people, but who are more exciting answers.
And then -- and then women specifically, like -- everyone were early on meeting Doris
Burke.
She is, you know, just an icon in a trailblazer in her own right.
And then I'll have to think of, like, really funny -- "Oh, do you want to meet?"
(36:30):
"Who do I want to meet?"
"Oh, this is a good question."
"Who do you want to meet?"
"We're going to see if we can make this happen on the couch."
"Oh, my God."
Or the red carpet we're going to --
"We're going to red carpet."
"I'm just a bit of a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
(36:50):
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
(37:15):
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"Yeah, and in LA, there was one that took over Santa Monica and I was literally out on
(37:36):
a beach walk and my boss was like, "Can you just go see what's going on in Santa Monica?"
"So I'm wearing like head to toe right at the outcloth."
"No, like black work out clothes or like a, I don't know, jacket on."
And before I know it, what turned into like me just checking out a scene for my station
like was eight hours of live coverage of stuff I don't know how to talk about right?
(37:59):
"Yeah, and so it was so challenging, but it taught me like, "Oh, if you can hold your own
in this setting and learn where, you know, the humanity is and something like this, you
can talk about anything."
"Well, that's powerful to a woman too because I was actually in Minnesota, my head
guy who played for the Timberwolves and when that happened.
(38:22):
I mean, they shut streets down.
I remember being in like the hotel just watching."
"Yep, that has to be a little bit intimidating for being honest for a woman to be in that
setting.
Was it just you?
Did you have a crew like that?"
"I had it.
It was me and a photographer and, you know, I had my producer team in my year the whole
time and you also have a people at the station watching everything that your camera's feeding
(38:44):
back.
I remember there was like, I was doing my first live hit and they're firing off someone
in the shutdown street with the police in the right here was firing off fireworks, but
it sounded like gunshots.
And so I'm on the camera like jumping and I've never covered anything comparable, right?
So that was really intimidating and then from like the first hit that night to like the
(39:08):
one by 11 p.m.
You know, I'm like a seasoned vet in the streets like picking up on the shells that they fire
and I'm like, this is what we've been dealing with.
You get tear gas out there and so I really do in those situations thrive from the adrenaline
rush too.
It's hard to like use that word in that context, but the thrill of being on live TV covering
(39:28):
something that everybody is watching is it's like one in a million.
Yeah.
So fascinating.
Yeah.
You're just like a full circle.
Like it's like I'm covering the Lakers one day and I'm covering that.
And it's like there's no preparation in it. I think, you know, for you, your focus, what
do you graduate with your degree in communication studies?
Communication studies.
Do you feel like there's a specific skill that you wish you would have probably attached
(39:52):
more towards or like leaned into a little bit more that you had to develop as you went
that if you had focused on it, it might have been a different path.
Right.
It's so funny.
Like I totally finitled my way into my first job saying like, oh yeah, you know, I know
how to stack shows and shoot on a camera.
I knew none of that.
I didn't know like editing, which now to me is like a second language of nonlinear editing.
(40:16):
I think for anyone looking to break in, know how to edit, whether it's social media stuff,
whether it's, you know, your packages you're putting together, know how to write.
Writing is huge, especially for broadcast was you're putting these, you know, you're trying
to tell a story and you're trying to connect like these sound bites together in a meaningful
(40:38):
way.
And I think over the past five years at Spectrum, that's been something I've really like
sharpened.
But I would say, you know, to have those skills at the beginning would be obviously really,
really helpful to anyone looking to break into.
That's fantastic.
What, um, what advice would you give a younger you?
(41:00):
Stay present, right?
It's always going to help you that.
Yeah.
So many things and I always try and encourage Megan to have one of my biggest knocks in my
career was not involving the people I love and what I do because you can't explain it.
Yeah.
Like telling them why you can't be at something.
Yeah.
They're like, yeah, okay, and I'm like, yeah, I really wish I could, but I have this going
(41:20):
on.
But allowing them to come along and see what you're doing, understand what your career
is or your job is, then they then celebrate you.
So it's fearful to let them like, I'm bringing my best friend along, I bring my friend
along, my kid.
Yeah, my dad, whatever.
But then it's like, they're so proud of you.
Right.
Yeah.
Lean into it.
Let them cheer you on.
(41:41):
Don't be afraid to bring them along.
It doesn't look bad.
And when I was in, like, I reflect on the journey I've had and, you know, at the time I'd be
like, get me out of Oklahoma City.
I want to come home.
I miss my family.
Yeah.
I want to have things giving with my family.
I want to go to my friends birthdays.
Like, everyone's in their 20s, like living it up in LA.
(42:03):
And now that I'm here, which is something I always wanted and guess what, I'm here and I
still want more.
And you, you never, like, I reflect on those days in Twin Falls, I owe and in Oklahoma City.
And I'm like, I so much fun.
And the people and the friendships you make and meet out there, like, they're one in a
(42:27):
million.
And guess what?
A lot of people don't get that.
They stay put.
They don't put them.
And so I wish in those moments that instead of being frustrated or looking for what's next,
I really just like, yeah.
And I don't regret anything.
So I do think that I actually do a really good job of capitalizing every, you know, seizing
(42:47):
the day wherever you go.
But I think now that I look on it, it's like, just trust that it's all going to work out
and enjoy where you're at because it's, it's a time and it's an adventure, right?
What was the biggest challenge for you?
Like what's something you've had to overcome, whether that's based on gender, differentiator,
like, is there a moment in time where you're like, that was really hard for me, but I got
(43:10):
through it.
Yeah.
And I think like the imposter syndrome thing is something that can be debilitating to the
point where you don't believe you're worthy of where you are.
And then that, once you lose that essence, right, of like the belief in yourself, it, what
(43:31):
are you doing, right?
And especially when you're on air and you're projecting and you're trying to relate to people
and be a storyteller, like if you're not, if you lose that authenticity and that confidence,
then it's, it's worthless, like, right?
So I think overcoming that from a, from someone who is self critical, who, you know, at all
(43:52):
walks of life, like, you know, in high school, picking yourself apart or beating yourself
up, it's like learning to let go of that and accept and celebrate yourself is, is something
that I'm actively working on.
So I think we all are.
Yeah, right?
That's the beauty of it.
Yeah.
And when you can say I am, it'll give space for other people to realize they're struggling
or they need help or you, they need to lean into you.
(44:15):
Exactly.
Right?
Says, if you don't raise your hand and say, I need somebody to lean in.
Yeah.
90% of the time no one's going to lean in.
So you have all your shit together.
You're looking, you're living your best life.
Oh my God, doing such a cool shit.
But we're all just people.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And we forget that the outward stuff, this post, the social media is such a highlight, real.
Yeah.
And it's like, oh, you look like you've been killing it.
No, I'm actually like, unwell.
(44:35):
I think I'm going to use that.
No, I'm unwell.
I'm going to use the best friend call right now, you know, or something or like a pump
up.
But yeah, so I love it.
I love it.
Oh my gosh.
Okay, well, we're going to wrap up our episode.
We do this.
I know.
I feel like you could be.
We love you.
I know.
She's going to be back.
She's like, when are you guys coming out?
Yeah, I'm coming out.
(44:56):
I'm just coming.
I'm going to be the only one.
I'm going to be the only one that's going to be in the back.
We can try.
Good time.
We love it.
Anytime.
Welcome.
Love all our guys.
Love it.
Well, thank you so much for coming out.
They're so fun.
We'll have to have you back.
We're having girls cocktail night with Tina, in our sweatsuits, in their little combined.
We're all big different colors.
Yeah, we can be.
We've got jelly beans.
Yeah.
(45:17):
I know.
I love it.
Maybe juicy.
Yeah, it's with the--
Yeah.
Paris is going to spend on it.
Love it.
Well, thank you so much for sharing your story.
Yeah.
Amazing.
Incredible.
Thank you.
Okay.
Nikki Keg.
Y'all amazing.
Paul, what an episode.
I love her.
I just think it was so cool.
Like, I've heard about her journey for a while.
(45:41):
She started in Twin Falls, Idaho.
My parents are in Boise, now.
Like, it's just really cool that she was starting in such a small little town, went to Oklahoma
City, and now she's covering the LA Lakers, the Dodgers, like literally the league's biggest sports teams.
And that's so amazing that just shows how much she's-- how passionate she is about her career.
And, you know, where she started to where she is now.
(46:02):
Her energy was just awe the charts.
Love it.
Like, literally her energy, I just wish I could bottle it and take it with me.
Yeah.
Next time I need like a big champion, I'm about to be like, okay.
Okay.
Gonna need you to give me some of that today.
But I love that she just is such a proponent of just living life to its fullest, taking every opportunity that's given to you.
(46:24):
And really not getting stuck in your own way and pushing the boundaries of what you think you're capable of
and what you're willing to learn to be capable of.
And for her covering whether that's sports or red carpet or news or the weather.
Yeah.
Like, it is just her hemisphere of things that she can cover and speak to just makes her so relatable for every single person and for me too.
(46:46):
To be able to say, hey, she, this is outside my scope.
But let me lean in and learn and understand how to do that was was really great insight.
Yeah.
And I think too, like I mentioned it to her earlier, but like, everybody at NFL Norfolk.
She didn't even work at NFL Norfolk.
But like, they sing her praises just because she has that reputation of always being so kind to other people.
I think from her point of view, she knows she was editing.
(47:09):
She was doing stand-up by herself.
She was cutting.
I mean, she did it all.
She knows what it's like and she wants everybody to be treated with kindness.
And I think for her to continue to celebrate and elevate other women and people in this industry is just so important.
No, it's, it's a beautiful thing.
It's a, we continue to have just such amazing women on this show, such inspiring stories.
(47:31):
But even better people.
And I think that's, you know, we can, I'm so grateful that we continue to be able to put this in homes.
And wherever you get your listening experience from.
We appreciate you guys.
Make sure you like, subscribe, comment, follow along, share.
And we appreciate every single one of you that supports us here at her table.
Until next time, we'll see you soon.
(47:53):
[Bell]
Hi, my name is Nikki Kaye and I'm a sports host and reporter for Spectrum Networks in LA, and this is her table.
(00:06):
Now you see her.
You are magnificent!
Welcome to her table, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the badass women who are redefining the game.
Join host Kate Foley and Megan Martinez as Payon Locke, the Secrets of Success in the brightest female pioneers in the industry.
(00:27):
Welcome back to her table, we have another amazing episode for you today. I am so excited to have Nikki Kaye on the show.
Nikki is currently a sports reporter at Spectrum Networks. She covers a wide range of sports team in Los Angeles, including the Lakers, the Dodgers, Chargers Rams and Galaxy.
You know I love a girl that can wear some heels and some sneakers. She hosts just about everything.
(00:51):
She even hosts events like the California Sports Hall of Fame and the sports spectacular show-casing celebrity athletes.
You could say that Nikki might just do it all.
I've heard nothing but amazing things about Nikki Kaye. So I'm so excited to have her on the show.
I can't wait for our listeners to learn more about Nikki's story and how she has found success in the sports world.
Let's get to it, Nikki, pull up a chair at her table.
(01:14):
I feel like the odd men out here ladies are both in red.
She tried some of them. You didn't get the memo. I didn't. Left her out of the group. I feel like I should be tired.
I said, "What color is this?"
Okay, I'm gonna go with like a burnt...
Oh my god! Did she tell you to say that? Did she tell you to say that?
It could be the glow of these fabulous pink lights. You have an ear check. That way.
(01:38):
That's funny. All right. She's like, "Are you blind?"
I'm like, "That's red. That's red. You're blind." There's some people who go through life being colorblind and they don't know.
Are you guys trying to tell me I'm colorblind?
There's shades to that. They say there's like shades. It's one of the hand-tellers. Yeah, it's a pantone.
Yeah. It can go the orange family or it can go the red family, whichever one you wear to the toilet.
(02:00):
It's key. I'm with it. I'm with it.
Yeah. That's amazing.
I didn't get the memo. So next time we're together, please give me color coordination.
Yes, absolutely. I love it.
We'll include her next time. I'm not wearing burnt orange. I'll wear something out.
This is like a Texas. You ever see Texas? Yeah. I go like a orange star. Are you fine? No, actually it's like Aguise.
(02:21):
I'm like, "Is that the rain?"
Yes. Stop the front door. I literally was drenched walking through the parking lot.
Oh my gosh. We look like white lights going to get out. Did you just say stop the front door?
Yeah. Stop the front door. How do you stop the front door?
I was going to say shut up, but then I'm sure it would be better about what I say because people get offended.
(02:42):
I don't know. Whenever. Then just don't listen.
Exactly. It's going to skip.
Exactly.
It's with that forward, sir. Yeah.
Exactly. Bye. I was talking to you anyway. Have a good day. Why are you listening to our show you were now?
No, I'm so excited. We have you on. Love it. You're a true California girl.
Absolutely. I am an imported West Coast. I'm from North Carolina originally.
(03:03):
I know, but I like the West Coast. I'm been skinned now. I like to visit the cold not stay in the cold.
So I'm all for it. And I am slowly.
Everyone's like, "When are you going to come back?" I'm like, "When are you going to come visit?"
It's funny how people just move west and can't move back.
Right.
But everyone from California is moving to Arizona. So can you please stop that and keep them here?
(03:24):
Arizona is a magical place. I love those desert trails and runs out there.
And something about the twilight sky. It's really pretty. Yeah.
It's really pretty. But it's interesting because in my neighborhood we have grass and oak trees and white pick fences.
Because I don't understand the people that have rock front yards. They like their yard.
(03:45):
Like no, she's right there.
I'm like, "What is this guy doing?" And he's like, "Raking is rock."
And I'm like, "What is going on? What are we on right now?"
I can't. Okay. So true California girls, you're here covering California sports.
Yes. I grew up in Zanna Barbara.
Okay.
I did a place. I didn't really realize the bubble it was until you leave the bubble.
(04:06):
Right.
I went to UCLA. And then my career has taken me to, you know, when you're starting out in TV, your journey, you're told,
"Oh, go to a local TV market in the middle of nowhere. Get your reps in."
And obviously this was like right around the time that digital stuff was really exploding and that people were forging paths in a digital space too.
(04:28):
So I didn't take that path. Instead I went to Twitten Falls Idaho.
I made 20,000 a year for my first job.
Okay.
So we started there. We worked our way, you know, wrapped around the country.
So we started there. It was a little stop in Oklahoma City and being back in Los Angeles working for a network that is the home network of the team's I grew up rooting for.
(04:50):
It's a dream come true. It's really, and I think we all have to remind ourselves sometimes.
I'm sorry, I'm just laughing. I'm just laughing.
I know what is going on in the world.
We are literally in the Pacific Northwest right now. It's torrential.
I'm here to know. It's like in our cane happening right now.
And we're as we're raving about the weather. Why we know we have four bottles of Tina's vodka.
(05:11):
Yeah, we can just crash in here until it clears down.
Bunch of down.
Baby.
I think it's amazing because I'm what ties home.
Boise Idaho.
My parents live in Boise. So when I saw that you were in Twitten Falls, like, no way.
I mean, that's a couple hours away.
We would go cover the Boise State Games. Those are like, that was the big assignment.
Oh my gosh. I get to go to the blue turf.
(05:34):
And cover Boise State football. And then also it was like when my parents would come visit me,
they'd find a Boise and they'd be like, my big weekend away from Twitten Falls.
I know.
You know, either there or something, but I'll be so.
Yeah.
Idaho was such a beautiful, you know, easily accessible state.
And people were really kind there.
Yeah, they were. I'm just curious. So now I mean, you've had quite the journey, which is amazing.
(05:58):
I love they were in Idaho or East Coast.
So what kind of what you're covering all the sports right now, but you're also doing a bunch of like stuff on the side.
We were looking at your Instagram. We're doing coming Barbie. You're doing like surfing.
Like, can you kind of tap into all that?
Yeah. Yeah. So if there's one thing I have learned in this role with spectrum,
because they hired me as just a general reporter. They call them multimedia journalists, right?
(06:21):
You have to be versatile in terms of what what stories you're able to tell.
Obviously a very hyper local community based focus, but then you like can put the lens of whatever story you're telling.
Attach it to like bigger events going on. And so normally I do that for sports.
Like how does a Lakers Nuggets game have a local impact or like where's the local tie there? So it's really fun.
(06:44):
But also in this role, I've been called to do so many different things and like adventure hosting hosting a Barbie special was honestly.
I like the best of your life. I would be living my best life. Yeah.
You know what's so funny is that I was telling my parents this is like out of all the things and accomplishments I've done, you know, from UCLA to like the big names I've interviewed.
(07:06):
I have never felt more famous than sitting shotgun in a pink Corvette driving around LA dress like Barbie.
The pandemonium of people wanting to take pictures of and with the car is like, I'm glad to know that this is this is what it takes.
Yeah, you know, but I have finally made it. Yeah, I just like calling in life and I don't want to get out. Yeah.
(07:29):
And exactly, but every day spectrum is different and it's an adventure and I used to be really no sports is my brand like my only talk sports.
But now I realize it's such a gift and a privilege to be able to, oh, hey, we need you an extreme weather coverage. Oh, hey, there's riots going on. Can you jump into that?
And the way you see the world and you know, it affects who you are. So really grateful. It's not every day that I'm talking news or politics, but it keeps you sharp.
(07:59):
Right. Well, and it's also just broadens your ability to kind of connect right because I think one of the big things in sports we always see and especially on the agent side is their humans.
Yep. So when they see you have the ability to cover a story outside of the scope that is just on the quarter on the field, it kind of puts that barrier down of like, okay, they've also been out of their setting and allows them to connect with you.
(08:20):
Like, okay, this might be new for me, not for you. And you have the ability to kind of reach out to them as people and kind of tight near scale of the people talking not the athlete 1000% the reliability is there and I'll tell you like doing two minute, you know, many packages on people who overcome adversity in all walks of life has made me such a better storyteller as a sideline reporter, right?
(08:44):
Or it's like, how do you identify meaningful storylines throughout the course of a game? How do you condense those? How do you find what people who maybe have never picked up a basketball or kicked a soccer ball in their life want to relate to right?
Right. Well, it's always weird to because I feel like you're kind of thrust into it. And did you ever go through in your career as you started in sports and now you've had all these different opportunities.
(09:06):
Did you ever go through a moment of imposter syndrome? Oh, I still, I mean, I think it's still very apparent. It's real. I like to work on walking the walk. You know, I do, you know, talking the talk, you have to fake that confidence at all levels.
But no matter what studio you're put into what seat your sadden, you know, whatever arena you walk into, you have to carry yourself. But there are times where I'll be live in the morning and like even, you know, this far into this journey.
(09:40):
I'll come my mom after all and I'll be upset and she'll be like, get over yourself. Nobody noticed the stumble. Nobody noticed that you might have said something, you know, that didn't really make sense.
Sometimes I'm like, what sentence just came out of my mouth? But you, you know, there is a beauty to being a perfectionist. And I'm not saying I'm obsessive compulsive about it, but there are times where it can be debilitating.
(10:06):
Sometimes, and that's when I lean on mentors, peers in the industry, hey, like I'm feeling, you know, really out of place or like I don't belong and everyone has a story of being able to be like, well, if you feel that way, then don't show it and work through it because you can't, that will really like bring you down.
Yeah, I think it can heighten of like the constant pressure you put on yourself. And I think one thing I've always encouraged Megan lately is like, ask the people that are not in what you're doing.
(10:34):
Ask people that have no idea whether you're hypercritical on yourself or not what they see because that's the regular person. Most people in the industry will pick you apart the way you'll pick yourself apart.
Yeah, somebody who just thinks you're the cool shit on this planet, right? Like, dude, you killed that. Call a program a suit.
Call your best friend. You doesn't know what thing about sports. And like, what do you think? Yeah. And I was dope. And you're like, all right, cool.
(10:57):
And that is to be said too for, I mean, I've had a, you know, in this journey every time you're frustrated, or you feel like you're, you know, hitting your head on a ceiling, um,
friends who know nothing about the ascension or the trajectory, where you want to go. They'll be like, do you realize what you're saying? Like, you were, you were just out of Lakers game last night.
(11:20):
Like, yourself 10 years ago would be like dying. Yeah. And so like the gut check perspective, such a great call.
It's like that saying that's like the life you're complaining about is the life you were praying for. Yeah.
And you're like 10 years ago, I was like, I want to do this. And you're like, God, have to do this again. And you have to like reframe the way that you think.
(11:42):
But I do think in sports and in my experience, you get so numb to how cool it is. Yep. Cause like I do this shit every day. Great. Another arena, another hot dog, another game, another whatever.
And then you take someone who isn't in that life. And it is the coolest. Yeah. I was looking all the time. I'm like, Kate, you're literally fun to Japan. You find it right.
What are you doing? You're like, Oh, you work on the next time. Thank you. You know, like no, and it is the the optimism and like the eyes wide open is something I always try to bring into every experience.
(12:17):
But I do find myself was on a rain drop. I know.
And the lighting is not my to spell out of the sky. But yeah, staying fresh and enthusiastic is what carries you forward to. So that is such a good point to because it's like sometimes I mean spring trainings.
One of my favorite weeks of our coverage throughout the year. And then sometimes I can be like, you know, you find yourself getting stressed out and like, I'm like, well, gotcha, girlfriend. Yeah.
(12:45):
Yeah. You love it here. Yeah. Let's be grateful and excited. I can wear a flip flop live high-bast life. And people pay to come do this. Yeah. I'm here getting paid to watch this exactly. No, no, I am very true. And really key reminder to wake up every day and be, you know, eyes wide open.
Clear eyes full heart. I'm finding out. Yeah. No, it's hard not to put pressure on yourself to and like when you kind of take a step back and you're like, well, whatever accomplished in this time. Like 10 years or however long it's been for you.
(13:19):
Are there like other women that you kind of looked up to or you kind of look to in this industry to kind of help support you or mentors or anything. Yeah.
It's important. Absolutely. And I mean, you've had Ali clifted on before. She has been someone at my network who has welcomed other women to the table and created space. Right. So it could be really easy when you see someone vying for, you know, any reps they can get to, you know, be territorial and it's because it's large.
(13:52):
Whether Ali or it's other women, you work, you work for every moment you can get. And so it could be really easy to be like, I'm not going to create that space way.
But she has been excellent. She's a big sister. I, you know, I get to fill in for her from time to time as the host of the Lakers, which is like it's such a privilege. But I'm, well, I'm sitting in that seat. I'm grateful for her. Right.
(14:18):
Because, and then there's a woman across the industry, Alex Curry has been a phenomenal one who, you know, when I have those moments of imposter syndrome. Call her, you know, girl strap up. Yeah.
You've had India on the show too. And she's, she's just a great, you know, resource life determination drive. And so I really learned that the beauty of female friendships, even if they're on social media, some of my best friends who I can relate to live across the country.
(14:51):
And I've maybe met them once or not at all, but we can have a phone call or, you know, DM or high-tech. Yeah, but I get it. Yeah. Thank you. I needed that exactly. And so it has been really, I think, wonderful to see that community emerge, especially, you know, it's like you could look and be like, how she get that job or why she there, you know, instead it's like pop off clean.
(15:14):
And that's why this, this is such a cool concept because you're sharing the stories and the voices that, you know, can really bring us together. What it's always interesting to you because you head on something that I think is for me really profound, which is when you get to a place where you realize, I need to be doing and being for someone what I didn't have.
Yes. Because there was a time there were not female agents. There were not that many sideline women in a place of leadership. They were being dictated to, right.
(15:42):
Now you're like, I didn't have that. And I look at these young girls are like, you have the classes I didn't have. You're in the programs I didn't have. There are these groups that you can go that did not exist. It was like, you're the, you know, the one orange cow in the room. And it's like, hi, good to see you. Okay. How do you, how do you lean back? And why is that so important for you to do?
(16:03):
Yeah. Yeah. And like one of my local stations throughout my journey, I walked into a team that was all guys, all men. And to their credit, they had been, you know, covering all those teams for years and years. And you look around other market or TV stations in the market. Mostly men.
(16:24):
I think there's one other female reporter and there was, I think, doubt of my capacity as a California girl arriving in this market that really didn't know much about the history and the breadth of, you know, why these teams and, you know, operate the way they do or the history behind it. All right.
(16:47):
So like in that moment, it's like, okay, are you going to sit there and be frustrated that these guys doubt you or are you going to prove them wrong? Right. And I think there is a little bit of both for me in that learning experience. And it's like, okay, I won't let it keep me down. But I did let it frustrate me or, you know, and it's funny by the end of my time at that place.
(17:08):
Like we all became really, we were all really good friends, right. And there's some of my close confidants in the industry today. But it's those moments of like, why, why don't they believe in me? It's like, well, show them what they need to believe. Right.
So that's important. And then like also celebrating the woman you are around is even more tremendous. It's so funny. You're talking about like women who have had roles that, you know, not a lot of women have held previously.
(17:35):
I was literally in a Pilates class and next to me is Erin Andrews. And I had never met her a person. And I, you know, you're so in the zone when you're on the reform ribbing. Oh my God, what's going. I'm freaking out. What are you talking about in the zone? I'd have been like, yep, not paying attention.
Yeah. I didn't realize it was her entire her voice. I was like, am I dreaming? Yeah. And so I made the point after class was done. I just said, I just want to say thank you. And you know, I'm a local reporter here, obviously not nationally yet.
(18:03):
But yeah, thank you. Like you have paved the way for so many. And it is so cool to see like females and women ascending to spots and occupying spaces being the first. And hopefully that that being the first woman to do this keeps, you know,
yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, we don't have to say be the first and yeah, you know, and I love that you're like you, you think her because I think it's such a humbling experience because it's so easy to be like, okay, I want to be. And that's what the whole press show is like someone looks at you and they say, I want to be her.
(18:35):
Well, who is her? Yeah, right. She comes up. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I know who you are as a professional, but who are you?
A person? What do you love? What were your struggles? What were your challenges? Because at the end of the day everybody's path is different. And they're going to go into a job or a world differently. But if they can draw from something that you have not only motivated them, but you have inspired them. Yeah.
(19:00):
That's what's going to stick with that. Not just do it. It's like, actually, let me tick some kind of box inside of you that's like, I want to be like that. I do tell some of my friends to who you know are eager for the next step or whatever.
And granted, I'm always hungry for the next step. But it's like, not everyone's path is the same. Right. But the way you're going to get where you want to go is being authentic. And being yourself because nobody else has that, right?
(19:25):
Yeah. And that's and that's what people will recognize and celebrate. I love that. I feel like for you to like the fact that you're covering like take a step back, like covering like the big like L.A. sports. Like what advice would you give?
Like the younger who wants to be doing that one day?
Oh, there's some I would say first of all find what excites you but also be open, right? Like I love basketball. But I was asked to do sidelines for MLS. And I grew up playing soccer. And I was like, I haven't ever really talked soccer before.
(19:58):
And I had the best couple of seasons being a sideline reporter for the L.A. Galaxy. And also like when my boss calls me, he was like, Hey, are you are you free? Can you jump in to like the storm coverage we have right now?
Instead saying no, I'm like, OK, this is an opportunity to be live on television in Los Angeles, right? Like let's do it. You know, and so being a yes girl is huge.
(20:23):
And I would say that if you are choosing to put yourself in an arena, whatever lead, whatever sport, study it, know it. And that's where my confidence comes from is the prep work. And you know, I've always felt like academically oriented, right?
So when I have a new challenge, it's like, Oh, how can we dig in? How can we read? How can we listen to podcasts? Watch the shows. What are their mannerisms? Why are they talking about things like this so that you know how to represent yourself well in a space, even if you are, you know, faking it a little bit to have the internal confidence that comes with knowledge.
(21:00):
I think it's huge. So while you're waiting in the wings waiting for a job read study, watch, you know, and then and then when someone does give you opportunities that even might not be in your lane or like you think you want to do say yes because you never know.
Yeah, I'm a big proponent of you often find what you don't like before you find what you do like right like you're like, it was fun. Not me. That's the thing.
(21:22):
But if you don't say what dating, yeah, it's kind of like speed dating. You're like, okay, yeah, you were. Exactly. So you were a production assistant for a little bit. How do you feel like your experience as a production assistant might have impacted or does it impact how you treat people, you know, support people on your staff now.
I love I love that. So that was my glorified title as an intern for box sports. And I was literally reorganizing like supply closets, you know, or helping navigate like how do we get equipment from.
(21:59):
It was Staples Center at the time to the office in downtown LA and I'm like, I shouldn't be driving a company car. I'm in college. I'm a terrible driver. What are the traffic.
Yeah, street, which also in Boise, I would be. Couple times I drove the wrong way. Oh yeah, the one way street. I know they are hard. It sounds like that was a couple of me. Why is this car coming out of the ice? All right.
(22:23):
But no, I think what you're getting at is really important. Throughout my career, I've had to shoot my own live shots. I've had to shoot my own interviews. I've had to, you know, find a way to get where I wanted to go when it came to being like, oh, you want to you want to be at the thunder game.
Like you're going to have to shoot your own live shot tonight. Obviously, I was it's beautiful to have ascended past that point in here in LA, but it has given me a greater gratitude for when I work with photographers, when I work with producers to be thankful to offer to help carry things to give input.
(23:02):
Hey, you know what would be really cool if we got this shot or hey, you know, and having had to do all levels of putting a story together, it has taught me to carry myself with like a certain level of respect for everyone.
You know, a to Z on the list of people who put a show on live TV and you never know also what people are going through right. So just a lesson in humanity. I think that like sometimes in the pressure and meeting deadlines and, you know, doing what we do, it's fast paced work.
(23:34):
And it can be easy to be edgy and short, but reminding that like, hey, simple, thank you or offer to help out goes along. Yeah, by the way, everybody that I've like spoken to like at NFL network saying your praises like you've got to me, Nikki Kay, she's the best.
So like, just a side note, tell them my checks in the mail.
I was like, I want to have Nikki Kay on the show like reach out to case like we got to get her on because people are always singing your praises. So yeah, I'm changing my heart right now.
(24:04):
Yeah, it's reading outside.
But you cover red carpet like charity events. Like can we hear about that because we're talking about how you she's a based a little girl. I'm sneakers.
Yeah, like you're dressing up with red carpet your host and I'm a heels girl too. And I'm having me and like wedges at the age of 13. You know, we're short family.
(24:25):
So elevate like that. Yeah, I think the defendant's happy. Exactly. You're very rare that I'm wearing loafers today. But, um, yeah, bend and next.
Every time next time I need the exactly. I think red carpets are so fun because it's an escape from like, you know, serious storytelling and granted every like everyone just wants to have fun.
(24:49):
It's all right looking hot, right? Yeah.
And so it was my first like little moment because UCLA doesn't have a journalism program. So everything I did there was like, okay, we're coming to, you know, football practice with my best friend was an actress and she told my mini cam.
And I'd like interview my guy friends on the football team walking up and like, how was practice today? Right? So I put together this real and I submitted for like a red carpet host contest when I was a senior in school.
(25:18):
And all my friends voted for me and I got to do it and it was so fun. But I learned that like there's an art to how you ask questions to everyone and like you want to get the best answers. And then you want to get repetitive answers.
So it's like, hey, what are we wearing today? Or like, why are you here celebrating this cause? So it's just a really lighthearted situation. It can get a little chaotic with wrangling. Yeah.
(25:40):
And like, oh my god, over here, like I'm talking, you know, but I have, I've had so much fun on on carpets. I want to go like everyone's always like, you know, entertainment industry. It's I love it. Right? Yeah. So when there is it like a cool intersection between sports and Hollywood, which there is a lot in LA.
I'm always like first hand up at my station. I did the Ted Lasso season two premiere. Oh my gosh. Can we come tag along? Yeah. Backpack time. I don't want to be comfortable with us. Yeah, a little mini mic.
(26:11):
Mini mics. Yeah, I'm be like, yep, the girl power one where you got it. I know all for it. Yeah. No, it's always interesting because I think sometimes, you know, for athletes for them to actually have to be the human side. Yeah. On a carpet is the human side.
Yeah. On a court, they're comfortable. They're confident. They do this shit every day. They know what to do. They know what you're going to ask. Yeah. And I think I'm going to write carpet. It's like gloves off. You can ask anything. And that is the best time because it's like, well, I'm a person. And oh, you're a little uncomfortable in that suit. Aren't you? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
(26:38):
You said a little tight tonight. It is. Yeah. Can't breathe in that. It's going to be a no me either girl. Sure. It won't be sitting down later. It's a pants on earlier. And I'm like, these are standing pants. I'm sitting there. We're going to change these. Love them. Beautiful. But these are standards.
True story. I know. I'm button at the table sometimes. You know, here. It's no. But then like, dude, don't have to do that. No, it's so annoying. You can just wear like jeans and a button on shirt and different shoes. And it's like the audacity. I know. Right.
(27:07):
I know right?
It's the thing they call it.
Whatever.
It's fine.
That's why I'm like, you're just fine.
Yes.
Okay, sure.
Moving on.
It's doing my team's, so I'm like, "Okay, you're always like to the nines."
Yeah.
That's me.
I like.
Authentically me.
I love it.
Maybe.
Yeah.
No, there's a guy on my staff who loves white t-shirts, and so I'm trying to remind him that,
yes.
College is great, but then we'll show up in a professional setting.
(27:28):
As you grow, shows you're your wardrobe.
And one day when it clicks, it's really going to click with him.
I'm like, "Wait, right.
I hope."
I hope.
Just start getting him to like, Lulu polos.
Oh.
You know that --
That's hybrid.
It's the hybrid.
It's a way to transition to functional, elevated work leisure.
I don't know what we're saying now.
(27:49):
Be you and be comfortable, but just like keep leveling up.
Just keep coming along.
Exactly.
Just come along.
But I think it's so important.
So how do you, because you're super fashionable, how do you walk us through, because everyone
wants to know they always find it interesting.
The few dress yourself.
Do you have a stylist?
Like, what goes on?
Because I know the boys have a stylist.
Yes, I do dress myself.
I would love to hit the point where I walk into a network studio and there's a stylist
(28:16):
too.
You don't have to take the clothes home, because like, dressing for TV is -- it can be fun.
And especially now that everyone's trendy, like, you know, but you also have to be like,
"Okay, is this too short?
Is this too revealing?"
Right.
So true.
And is this form fitting?
Is it flattering?
It's so hard because I'll get like some blazer set sometimes and then you watch it on air
(28:36):
and I'm like, "I look like the bag lady.
Like what?"
And so I have learned.
And I early on, you know, when you're not making great money and trying to piece together
whatever you can or living off of like, you know, also, target dress is great.
You know, like, it just comes from anywhere.
Just doing -- yeah, exactly.
(28:57):
It can come from anywhere.
You find your like, basics that you feel comfortable and good in.
And then there have been times where I've gotten viewer emails, not so much in LA because
like, it's more progressive here, but in Twin Falls, Idaho or in --
What did they say?
Tell everyone about the email.
Oh, no.
Oh, there were a couple of them.
Oh, my gosh.
People would be like, "Literally, I'm in studio and I'm wearing like a dress with probably
(29:20):
the size sleeves or the size strap."
So it's not spaghetti shop.
A woman message me saying, "If you could please wear sleeves on your arms, it would make
us that home feel more relatable, you know, able to relate to you."
Also, it's cold outside.
So I'm like -- I'm going to be like, "Well, this is just -- it goes down to my knees and, you
know, what did you do in that moment?
(29:42):
Like, give vulnerable for a second and unpack that."
So this is something I'm really proud of myself.
And early on, viewer emails would debilitate me.
I'd go home, I'd cry.
I'd like, feel guilty.
I got -- and now it's like, okay, like, come on.
And I was just actually talking about this with our meteorologist at the station yesterday.
(30:03):
Because think about the weather woman who are in front of green screens head to toe.
Everything is showing.
You know, how you look -- if you're not feeling great one day, everything is on display.
You're turning your -- you know, and you're on Monday through Friday multiple times.
You've got to mix up those outfits.
Like, for me, I can be like, "Okay, I know I've got sidelines Tuesday.
I know I'm in studio Wednesday and studios chest up."
(30:27):
So let's mix up a fundraiser that maybe you wore three months ago and nobody's going to
remember.
But like, weather woman -- meteorologist.
And she's like, you know, it's hard having the creativity with outfits too.
So I like to dress, you know, and a lot of fashion rental services.
(30:47):
I've been popped up, thriving, and like, plug for fashion pass.
Because --
Ooh, she would --
Yeah, this is fashion pass right now.
Yeah, but they have work stuff.
They have, you know, dresses that you can maybe wear out, but also be like, "Oh, I could do
something with that on air."
Yeah.
You know, it's -- that's how I've been surviving.
(31:10):
You also don't want to lean -- I mean, the fast fashion is hard too.
Zara has great staples.
But like, when you have special moments, you know, those are suit moments for me.
But yeah.
So those ones --
So that was one of the good --
So that's a long way to get to --
So that's a long way to get to --
That's a long way to get to --
Yes.
I love a good power.
I'm totally with you.
Yes.
So that was like a bunch of like a wide answer to the closed question, but it's something
(31:34):
I'm actively -- you know, what are we doing every day?
I was like, "Oh, my gosh."
And not letting people like whoever the woman who emailed you kind of like change your
perspective or get upset about it kind of be like, "All right, that's your problem."
And kind of --
Right.
Exactly.
So you treat yourself -- It sounds like an issue you need to work through on your own.
My old boss -- he was great.
He would -- I walked off set one day and he was like, "What are you wearing?"
(31:58):
It wasn't like scandalous.
It was just like your pinks don't match.
Like, they're different materials.
It just doesn't look great.
And that's the type I was like, "Okay, I will not be parry."
Exactly.
Thank you, Bob.
We know that.
Yes.
It was constructive.
And he was actually a trendy guy.
But like, there are some people --
(32:18):
I think it's so hard to for young girls because it is -- Fashion is all over the world.
Over the place.
Yes.
And sometimes dressing for a stage and age is more important than dressing for the occasion
because it lives forever.
Yep.
And so I can always -- like, for these young girls when I see them or go speak at schools,
(32:39):
it's like, "Okay, like, I could be hiring any single person today."
I could look at you and be like, "Yeah, you're hired."
Do not come in here in your pajamas looking at hot masks.
How do you represent yourself?
Yeah.
Disheveled, not put together because if you don't respect yourself enough to show up in
a professional setting, how can I hire someone and trust them to do it?
(33:01):
And you never know who you're going to meet.
But fast fashion is so hard because it's like, "I am not wearing what Beyonce is wearing."
Nope.
No chance.
Zero.
I mean, I could, but it might -- some people might be sending me some emails, okay?
And you're going to be like, "No, okay.
That's a big guy now."
No.
My team's like, "Someone go get her and turn all that off."
Yeah.
So, how do you help -- what would you say to a young girl that's like, "Hey, I want to get
(33:24):
into this being authentic to themselves."
Yeah.
But also, understanding the representation that they are of a network.
That is such a good question because I -- my thing is, play it safe.
You can be as fashion forward as you want to, but like, remember that I've literally had
(33:46):
feedback on my reels before, or I had a great hit and someone mentor, someone considering
me for a job will be like, "I was distracted by your earrings the whole time."
And it's -- so I have learned that when you get these opportunities to represent yourself,
a network, a team on camera, like, the last thing you want is your, you know, something
(34:12):
you can control to derail that, right?
And so I'm like, "Sometimes I have the fun flashy earrings."
I'm like, "Oh my God, these would be so fun."
And then I think to myself, "Do you want those to be the thing that --?"
Yeah.
"Fantasy, right?"
"No, you want your words and the way you carry yourself to be."
So yeah, it's fun to be fashionable.
I always use other women, you know, and that's another great thing about social media too,
(34:36):
seeing what other women are wearing.
You know, there's a time and a place for shoulders or one shoulder outfits or --
Yeah.
And if you've had to learn, you don't dress the same in studio that you do at NBA games
or, you know, and --
Right.
So there's an art to it.
But there is more creativity now, which is cool.
You're not wearing blazers and pants to everything you do.
(34:58):
Yeah.
Who have you fangirled over?
Oh my gosh, like, other women?
Or -- Oh, both.
Let's do --
Let's do --
Let's do --
Let's do --
I'll be fangirl over another woman and then on a red carpet, who did you fangirl over?
Oh, goodness.
Okay.
And what did you do?
Because I would be like, "Uh, yeah."
I think career-wise, early on, my first NBA game was Kobe Bryant's last road game, and
(35:20):
I asked him a question.
And it was like in a crowded press conference room, and I blacked out.
Like, I was like --
It's a career-caring theme, right?
I was like, "I just talk and then I don't know what I said."
Right?
And I was like -- and that clip now, for me, is like one of the most special moments in
my career, right?
And it's --
I'm not even on camera, but I'm asking a question to the guy I grew up.
(35:41):
Like, "Yeah, I'd say out of sports."
Let's see.
I'm going to have to think a little bit more, but I did interview Jason Cedakis at that time.
That's awesome.
And like, I was more blown away by the wit he had in his response without missing a beat.
And I was like, "This is why comedians are some of the most talented people we get to
(36:08):
be around."
And I feel like I've met a couple of other people, but who are more exciting answers.
And then -- and then women specifically, like -- everyone were early on meeting Doris
Burke.
She is, you know, just an icon in a trailblazer in her own right.
And then I'll have to think of, like, really funny -- "Oh, do you want to meet?"
(36:30):
"Who do I want to meet?"
"Oh, this is a good question."
"Who do you want to meet?"
"We're going to see if we can make this happen on the couch."
"Oh, my God."
Or the red carpet we're going to --
"We're going to red carpet."
"I'm just a bit of a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
(36:50):
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
(37:15):
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"I'm just a fan of Doris."
"Yeah, and in LA, there was one that took over Santa Monica and I was literally out on
(37:36):
a beach walk and my boss was like, "Can you just go see what's going on in Santa Monica?"
"So I'm wearing like head to toe right at the outcloth."
"No, like black work out clothes or like a, I don't know, jacket on."
And before I know it, what turned into like me just checking out a scene for my station
like was eight hours of live coverage of stuff I don't know how to talk about right?
(37:59):
"Yeah, and so it was so challenging, but it taught me like, "Oh, if you can hold your own
in this setting and learn where, you know, the humanity is and something like this, you
can talk about anything."
"Well, that's powerful to a woman too because I was actually in Minnesota, my head
guy who played for the Timberwolves and when that happened.
(38:22):
I mean, they shut streets down.
I remember being in like the hotel just watching."
"Yep, that has to be a little bit intimidating for being honest for a woman to be in that
setting.
Was it just you?
Did you have a crew like that?"
"I had it.
It was me and a photographer and, you know, I had my producer team in my year the whole
time and you also have a people at the station watching everything that your camera's feeding
(38:44):
back.
I remember there was like, I was doing my first live hit and they're firing off someone
in the shutdown street with the police in the right here was firing off fireworks, but
it sounded like gunshots.
And so I'm on the camera like jumping and I've never covered anything comparable, right?
So that was really intimidating and then from like the first hit that night to like the
(39:08):
one by 11 p.m.
You know, I'm like a seasoned vet in the streets like picking up on the shells that they fire
and I'm like, this is what we've been dealing with.
You get tear gas out there and so I really do in those situations thrive from the adrenaline
rush too.
It's hard to like use that word in that context, but the thrill of being on live TV covering
(39:28):
something that everybody is watching is it's like one in a million.
Yeah.
So fascinating.
Yeah.
You're just like a full circle.
Like it's like I'm covering the Lakers one day and I'm covering that.
And it's like there's no preparation in it. I think, you know, for you, your focus, what
do you graduate with your degree in communication studies?
Communication studies.
Do you feel like there's a specific skill that you wish you would have probably attached
(39:52):
more towards or like leaned into a little bit more that you had to develop as you went
that if you had focused on it, it might have been a different path.
Right.
It's so funny.
Like I totally finitled my way into my first job saying like, oh yeah, you know, I know
how to stack shows and shoot on a camera.
I knew none of that.
I didn't know like editing, which now to me is like a second language of nonlinear editing.
(40:16):
I think for anyone looking to break in, know how to edit, whether it's social media stuff,
whether it's, you know, your packages you're putting together, know how to write.
Writing is huge, especially for broadcast was you're putting these, you know, you're trying
to tell a story and you're trying to connect like these sound bites together in a meaningful
(40:38):
way.
And I think over the past five years at Spectrum, that's been something I've really like
sharpened.
But I would say, you know, to have those skills at the beginning would be obviously really,
really helpful to anyone looking to break into.
That's fantastic.
What, um, what advice would you give a younger you?
(41:00):
Stay present, right?
It's always going to help you that.
Yeah.
So many things and I always try and encourage Megan to have one of my biggest knocks in my
career was not involving the people I love and what I do because you can't explain it.
Yeah.
Like telling them why you can't be at something.
Yeah.
They're like, yeah, okay, and I'm like, yeah, I really wish I could, but I have this going
(41:20):
on.
But allowing them to come along and see what you're doing, understand what your career
is or your job is, then they then celebrate you.
So it's fearful to let them like, I'm bringing my best friend along, I bring my friend
along, my kid.
Yeah, my dad, whatever.
But then it's like, they're so proud of you.
Right.
Yeah.
Lean into it.
Let them cheer you on.
(41:41):
Don't be afraid to bring them along.
It doesn't look bad.
And when I was in, like, I reflect on the journey I've had and, you know, at the time I'd be
like, get me out of Oklahoma City.
I want to come home.
I miss my family.
Yeah.
I want to have things giving with my family.
I want to go to my friends birthdays.
Like, everyone's in their 20s, like living it up in LA.
(42:03):
And now that I'm here, which is something I always wanted and guess what, I'm here and I
still want more.
And you, you never, like, I reflect on those days in Twin Falls, I owe and in Oklahoma City.
And I'm like, I so much fun.
And the people and the friendships you make and meet out there, like, they're one in a
(42:27):
million.
And guess what?
A lot of people don't get that.
They stay put.
They don't put them.
And so I wish in those moments that instead of being frustrated or looking for what's next,
I really just like, yeah.
And I don't regret anything.
So I do think that I actually do a really good job of capitalizing every, you know, seizing
(42:47):
the day wherever you go.
But I think now that I look on it, it's like, just trust that it's all going to work out
and enjoy where you're at because it's, it's a time and it's an adventure, right?
What was the biggest challenge for you?
Like what's something you've had to overcome, whether that's based on gender, differentiator,
like, is there a moment in time where you're like, that was really hard for me, but I got
(43:10):
through it.
Yeah.
And I think like the imposter syndrome thing is something that can be debilitating to the
point where you don't believe you're worthy of where you are.
And then that, once you lose that essence, right, of like the belief in yourself, it, what
(43:31):
are you doing, right?
And especially when you're on air and you're projecting and you're trying to relate to people
and be a storyteller, like if you're not, if you lose that authenticity and that confidence,
then it's, it's worthless, like, right?
So I think overcoming that from a, from someone who is self critical, who, you know, at all
(43:52):
walks of life, like, you know, in high school, picking yourself apart or beating yourself
up, it's like learning to let go of that and accept and celebrate yourself is, is something
that I'm actively working on.
So I think we all are.
Yeah, right?
That's the beauty of it.
Yeah.
And when you can say I am, it'll give space for other people to realize they're struggling
or they need help or you, they need to lean into you.
(44:15):
Exactly.
Right?
Says, if you don't raise your hand and say, I need somebody to lean in.
Yeah.
90% of the time no one's going to lean in.
So you have all your shit together.
You're looking, you're living your best life.
Oh my God, doing such a cool shit.
But we're all just people.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And we forget that the outward stuff, this post, the social media is such a highlight, real.
Yeah.
And it's like, oh, you look like you've been killing it.
No, I'm actually like, unwell.
(44:35):
I think I'm going to use that.
No, I'm unwell.
I'm going to use the best friend call right now, you know, or something or like a pump
up.
But yeah, so I love it.
I love it.
Oh my gosh.
Okay, well, we're going to wrap up our episode.
We do this.
I know.
I feel like you could be.
We love you.
I know.
She's going to be back.
She's like, when are you guys coming out?
Yeah, I'm coming out.
(44:56):
I'm just coming.
I'm going to be the only one.
I'm going to be the only one that's going to be in the back.
We can try.
Good time.
We love it.
Anytime.
Welcome.
Love all our guys.
Love it.
Well, thank you so much for coming out.
They're so fun.
We'll have to have you back.
We're having girls cocktail night with Tina, in our sweatsuits, in their little combined.
We're all big different colors.
Yeah, we can be.
We've got jelly beans.
Yeah.
(45:17):
I know.
I love it.
Maybe juicy.
Yeah, it's with the--
Yeah.
Paris is going to spend on it.
Love it.
Well, thank you so much for sharing your story.
Yeah.
Amazing.
Incredible.
Thank you.
Okay.
Nikki Keg.
Y'all amazing.
Paul, what an episode.
I love her.
I just think it was so cool.
Like, I've heard about her journey for a while.
(45:41):
She started in Twin Falls, Idaho.
My parents are in Boise, now.
Like, it's just really cool that she was starting in such a small little town, went to Oklahoma
City, and now she's covering the LA Lakers, the Dodgers, like literally the league's biggest sports teams.
And that's so amazing that just shows how much she's-- how passionate she is about her career.
And, you know, where she started to where she is now.
(46:02):
Her energy was just awe the charts.
Love it.
Like, literally her energy, I just wish I could bottle it and take it with me.
Yeah.
Next time I need like a big champion, I'm about to be like, okay.
Okay.
Gonna need you to give me some of that today.
But I love that she just is such a proponent of just living life to its fullest, taking every opportunity that's given to you.
(46:24):
And really not getting stuck in your own way and pushing the boundaries of what you think you're capable of
and what you're willing to learn to be capable of.
And for her covering whether that's sports or red carpet or news or the weather.
Yeah.
Like, it is just her hemisphere of things that she can cover and speak to just makes her so relatable for every single person and for me too.
(46:46):
To be able to say, hey, she, this is outside my scope.
But let me lean in and learn and understand how to do that was was really great insight.
Yeah.
And I think too, like I mentioned it to her earlier, but like, everybody at NFL Norfolk.
She didn't even work at NFL Norfolk.
But like, they sing her praises just because she has that reputation of always being so kind to other people.
I think from her point of view, she knows she was editing.
(47:09):
She was doing stand-up by herself.
She was cutting.
I mean, she did it all.
She knows what it's like and she wants everybody to be treated with kindness.
And I think for her to continue to celebrate and elevate other women and people in this industry is just so important.
No, it's, it's a beautiful thing.
It's a, we continue to have just such amazing women on this show, such inspiring stories.
(47:31):
But even better people.
And I think that's, you know, we can, I'm so grateful that we continue to be able to put this in homes.
And wherever you get your listening experience from.
We appreciate you guys.
Make sure you like, subscribe, comment, follow along, share.
And we appreciate every single one of you that supports us here at her table.
Until next time, we'll see you soon.
(47:53):
[Bell]
Popular Podcasts
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
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.