Iowa SRM Podcasts

Jaecee Hall and the Power of the Unbreakable Female Athlete

In this debut episode of Her Turn to Play, host Ella Raef talks with Jaecee Hall, founder and CEO of Unbreakable Female Athlete, about what it truly means to be confident, resilient, and unbreakable as a woman in sports. From overcoming setbacks to building a brand that empowers others, Jaecee shares her journey as an athlete and entrepreneur, leading the charge for female strength and visibility. It’s an authentic, uplifting conversation about leadership, self-belief, and the power of using your voice to create change. **** Her Turn to Play is a storytelling podcast that gives women in sports the space to speak openly about their journeys, the victories, challenges, and everything in between. Hosted by Sport and Recreation Management major Ella Raef, the show explores how female athletes, coaches, and leaders continue to push for fairness, visibility, and opportunity in a field that hasn’t always played fair. Each episode combines honest conversations, personal reflection, and insight into the realities of being women in sports. Listeners can expect empowering stories, heartfelt discussions, and practical takeaways about leadership, confidence, and resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, passionate fan, or you work in the industry, Her Turn to Play invites you to celebrate the voices shaping the future of women’s sports, one story at a time.

Iowa Coach Megan Menzel on the Business of Women’s Golf

In this episode, I sit down with Megan Menzel, head coach of the Iowa Women’s Golf team, to explore the business side of collegiate golf. Together, we discuss how programs like Iowa build their brands, develop visibility for women’s sports, and adapt to the opportunities and challenges of the NIL era. Coach Menzel shares insights on athlete development, resource management, and the future of women’s golf, offering valuable advice for anyone interested in how college sports are evolving beyond the game. Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how branding, leadership, and innovation drive success in non-revenue sports, and how women’s golf is carving out a stronger voice in the world of college athletics. **** The Business Playbook podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of college athletics to uncover the business decisions, branding strategies, and financial realities shaping today’s sports programs. This show dives into how coaches, athletes, and athletic departments navigate sponsorships, NIL opportunities, and program growth in an evolving sports landscape. Whether you’re a fan, student-athlete, or aspiring sports professional, The Business Playbook reveals the lessons and leadership behind the game, straight from the people involved in it.

Travel Baseball vs. Reality: What Actually Matters?

Tyler Guerin, a Division I baseball player at the University of Iowa, dives into the highs and lows of youth travel baseball. He shares firsthand experiences of the travel baseball circuit, what to look for in travel programs, the money grabs, and advice for young players and parents. Along the way, he explains what experiences help athletes grow and what challenges families should be aware of. This episode provides clear, practical guidance for players and parents navigating the travel ball system. **** Cleats Over Cash takes listeners behind the scenes of youth sports through candid interviews with Division I athletes who have lived the journey. Each episode highlights what truly drives development by focusing on coaching, mindset, resilience, and support while moving past the noise, pressure, and growing expenses of youth sports today. These athletes share honest stories, hard lessons, and the realities behind youth sports.

Why Not You? with Team Canada Rower Riley Richardson

In our first episode featuring guest Riley Richardson, she shares her inspiring journey growing up as a young female athlete. Talking about her current experience in university and competing as an international in Division I collegiate athletics, stepping out of her comfort zone switching sports, and representing her national team on the global stage, her story encourages listeners to challenge themselves by stepping out of their comfort zones and asking themselves: Why not me **** The Women in Sport Podcast dives deep into the experiences, motivation and mindset of powerful female athletes as they help break barriers and redefine the success and development of athletics. Hosted by Danika Richardson, this podcast gives listeners a first-hand look at what it truly means to be a powerful woman in sport. Discussing challenges, inspiring stories and providing advice, these women hope to inspire the future generation of athletes. The women in sport cast doesn't just talk about women in sports, we talk with the women shaping it. Each episode explores the importance of hard work, passion and perseverance, leading to athletic success both on and off the field. Tune in for inspirational, empowering and authentic stories from the women who prove that anything is possible.

The Power of National Parks with Dr. Sarah Hardin

In the pilot episode of Wanderlust, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Hardin, an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of Iowa, who brings a wealth of knowledge about recreation, outdoor engagement, and America’s national parks. Together, we discuss how spending time in nature and visiting national parks can shape our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Dr. Hardin shares her perspective on why recreation is so vital to human connection and community, and how these spaces continue to inspire reflection, adventure, and conservation. This episode invites listeners to think about the role nature plays in their own lives and how exploring the outdoors can bring balance, joy, and a sense of freedom. **** Wanderlust is a storytelling and interview podcast that takes listeners deep into the heart of America’s national parks. Each episode features conversations with park rangers, recreation professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts who share their firsthand experiences, insights, and love for the land. Together, we explore how these incredible places are managed, protected, and enjoyed – blending stories of adventure with lessons in conservation, recreation, and environmental stewardship. Whether you’re a weekend hiker, a nature lover, or someone planning your next big trip, Wanderlust offers inspiration, practical tips, and a deeper appreciation for the wild beauty that defines our national parks.