Sons & Daughters

Ricky Carmichael joins Shannon Spake on Sons and Daughters for one of the most honest conversations of his career. Known as the GOAT of motocross and supercross, Carmichael opens up about the grind behind his dominance, the burnout that almost made him quit, and the moment he realized he had to change everything to reach his full potential. This episode dives into parenting, pressure, work ethic,...

Julia Cole didn’t plan this career… it found her. From writing poems and a 500-page novel as a kid in Texas to singing national anthems and eventually headlining her own tour, Julia’s journey into country music wasn’t traditional. It was built step by step through experience, heartbreak, and figuring it out in real time. In this episode of Sons and Daughters, Julia opens up about the moments that...

Megan Olivi’s career wasn’t planned; it unfolded. In this episode of  Sons and Daughters , Megan opens up about growing up in a tight-knit family, navigating uncertainty in college, and walking away from a future in politics to chase something completely different. From early mornings in New York newsrooms to finding her place in the world of MMA and sports broadcasting, her story is about trustin...

On this episode of Sons and Daughters, Shannon Spake sits down with Laura Rutledge to unpack the untold story behind her rise to ESPN. Before the NFL sidelines, before the spotlight, Laura was chasing a completely different dream: becoming a professional ballerina. After years of training, international travel, and sacrifice, she faced a reality she didn’t expect… she wasn’t going to make it. What...

On this episode of Sons and Daughters, Shannon Spake sits down with legendary football coach Jon Gruden to talk about the origin stories that shaped their lives and careers.   From growing up around football at Notre Dame to becoming one of the most recognizable coaches in the NFL, Gruden shares how discipline, routine, and obsession with the game built his path. He opens up about his daily habits...

Four-time Pro Bowler, Lombardi Award winner, and NFL Hall of Famer Chris Spielman sits down with Shannon Spake for one of the most raw and honest conversations you'll ever hear from an elite athlete. Chris goes beyond the highlight reels, talking about growing up with coach Sonny Spielman, learning discipline and love at the same time, and discovering that the obsession that made him great on the...

Coach Mike Krzyzewski, one of the greatest coaches in the history of sports, sits down with host Shannon for an unforgettable episode of Sons and Daughters. In this deeply personal conversation, Coach K goes beyond the banners and gold medals to talk about the moments, people, and life lessons that shaped who he really is.   From growing up in inner-city Chicago to a Polish family that pushed him...

On this episode of Sons & Daughters, host Shannon Spake sits down with one of her closest friends and longtime colleague, Marty Smith, for a deeply personal conversation about origin, loss, and identity. Marty opens up about growing up in Pearisburg, Virginia, the values instilled in him by his parents, and how losing his mother at just 22 years old reshaped his confidence, faith, and sense of sel...

Hosted by Shannon Spake, Sons & Daughters is a new weekly podcast built around something we all have in common: an origin story. Each episode goes beyond the headlines and highlight reels to explore the people, moments and relationships that shaped who our guests became – long before anyone knew their name. Full episodes drop every Wednesday starting on March 4, with some heavy hitters lined up ou...