Let’s Talk About It

D1 Women’s Basketball Player, Ayianna Johnson and Sheila Hughes of Glow Up Counseling discuss the transfer portal, adjusting to college life, and building a foundation outside of college athletics. This episode is sponsored by Glow Up Counseling. Learn More About Glow Up Counseling Here: https://www.glowupcounseling.com

Sydney chats with Denzel Luna, a former college basketball player at Bridgeport and founder of Nexa Tax about everything athletes need to know about taxes. Denzel breaks down W2 vs 1099 income, deductions, and how to prepare your documents in time for tax season. This episode is a must watch for anyone participating in NIL whether you’re doing a large brand endorsement or receiving a free pair of...

Sydney chats with Cindy and Braulio Rivera of Xtreme Volleyball Club about her journey to college volleyball. As a young player with a lot of potential but little confidence, Sydney took lessons at Xtreme Volleyball Club where she was encouraged to make mistakes, ask questions, and have fun. What Sydney learned at Xtreme prepared her to end up on one of the best youth club teams in the U.S., in th...

Sydney chats with Ashley McBay, wide receiver at Texas Elite Football about what it’s like to be a professional football player as a woman. Ashley breaks down the finances, commitment, and sacrifices that go into becoming a professional athlete as a woman. Sydney and Ashley talk about safety in football, the way women players are perceived, and the growth of the game.

Sydney chats with Bryan Moussako about how he went from a team manager to starter on the NYU men’s basketball team. Bryan talks about the series of “failures” that led him to his ultimate success and competing for a National Championship.

Sydney chats with Geanice Morales about her journey as a college softball player. Geanice talks about dealing with performance anxiety, unsupportive coaches, and how embracing REAL positivity changed her outlook on and off the field.  

Sydney chats with Erynn Floyd about how she went from committed walk-on to full scholarship and starting Goalie at Louisville. Erynn talks about why she chose Louisville over other schools, how she handled starting as a Freshman, and what to do when someone tells you no.

Sydney chats with Hayley Manners about how being an international student-athlete impacted her college experience. Hayley breaks down the visa process and the rules that impacted her NIL earnings and tips for athletes going through the same thing.

Sydney chats with Francesca Faraci on how she juggles D1 soccer and law school at UIC. Francesca shares her journey from University of Florida soccer to pursuing a legal career and practical advice on internships, admissions, and support systems. 

Sydney chats with Nick Peck about how athletes can take advantage of the life changing opportunities college athletics provides. Nick talks about the challenges he experienced growing up in an abusive and alcoholic household and his advice for those in similar situations.

Sydney chats with Eddie Taylor (Director of NIl, U of Cincinnati) about how athletes who are skeptical about personal branding and content can still benefit from NIL. Eddie talks about how he has helped athletes get internships, land jobs, and even set up business without becoming full-time influencers.

Sydney chats with Rachel Maeng about how athletes can calculate their rates for social media posts, the history of the influencer industry fueling NIL, and a step-by-step guide to negotiating compensation. Rachel shares the education and tools athletes need to protect their value and set themselves up for long-term success. This episode is sponsored by RootNote.

Sydney chats with Emily Pierce (Campbell T&F) and Jeremy Burchard (CCO of RootNote) about social media analytics and strategy. Emily and Jeremy share their strategies for success on social media. Sydney opens up about feeling pressure to follow the algorithm over her heart.

Sydney chats with Alana Casner, SVP at Parity, about how personal branding is closing the gap in sports. Alana breaks down what drives athlete value, how brands actually measure it, and how student-athletes can take advantage of these insights to create their own opportunities. This episode is sponsored by RootNote.

Sydney chats with 2x Paralympian Bailey Moody about  journey as an athlete and what it actually means to compete with a disability. Bailey breaks down wheelchair basketball’s classification system, the policy gaps in collegiate sports, and how we can better support and understand adaptive sports.

Sydney chats with Kendall Ellis, 2x Olympian and 4x NCAA Champion about her  journey from college to professional track. Kendall discusses the importance of performance, navigating sponsorships, building a personal brand, and the significance of having a strong support system. They emphasize the business aspect of being an athlete and encourage others to take charge of their careers.

In this solo episode, Sydney shares five personal mindsets that have guided her journey as an athlete, student, and founder. Sydney shares honest reflections from sitting the bench, dropping pre-med, and finding the confidence to launch her own company. 

Sydney chats with decorated gymnast Sierra Brooks (Michigan) on her path to athletic retirement and life after gymnastics. Sierra reflects on her decision to take a fifth year and the mental shift needed to succeed in her corporate job.

Sydney chats with Journey Amundson (Saint Louis University T&F) about burnout. They share unorthodox advice for how they manage college athletics and say the thing every student-athlete is thinking.

Sydney chats with college sports business expert Kristi Dosh about Revenue Share & NIL Contracts between athletes and Universities. Kristi outlines the key red flags athletes should look for before signing, explains the role of collectives, and offers actionable advice on how athletes can maximize the long-term value of their deals. 

Sydney chats with D1 thrower Riley Simmons, who transferred between three Power 5 schools before finding her fit at a mid major. They work past the hype to deliver advice for athletes looking to find their best fit.

Sydney chats with Arthur Bryant, the nation’s leading Title IX attorney, about the legal battles shaping gender equity in college sports. Arthur breaks down how NIL, revenue sharing, and the House vs. NCAA case tie into Title IX — plus the ongoing fight for accountability in athletic departments and how lawsuits are holding schools responsible.

Sydney breaks down what Title IX really is—explaining the three pillars of compliance, who’s responsible for enforcing it, and how it actually shows up in sports. It’s a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and sports fans who want to understand the rules behind the game.

Sydney chats with 3 members of the Louisville Dance Team about the logistics of college dance, mental health, and navigating competition and entertainment. 

Sydney chats with Cat Flood from Pitt Volleyball about navigating social media on a famous team, tuning out the distractions, and embracing your role—whatever it looks like. Oh, and of course… her hair.