The LI-Kick Podcast: "Sorry Mom It's not a Phase"

S4 E8 Women in Sports, Meaghan Cleary

Meaghan’s LI-Kick journey started with cornhole and kept leveling up. What began as a more social entry point turned into more competitive sports like kickball and dodgeball. She discovered a real talent for dodgeball, committed to it, and now travels across the country competing in tournaments. Meaghan talks about how one league opened the door to something bigger.

S4 E7 Women in Sports, Mel Berenson

Mel is juggling a lot and somehow still making time for the pickleball court. As a new mom with a full-time job, a deep love for pickleball, and a role at LI-Kick, she’s living proof that passion doesn’t disappear after motherhood. In this episode, Mel talks about balancing family life with personal identity, why pickleball became her thing, and what inspired her to run a women-only league that creates space, confidence, and community on and off the court.

S4 E6 Women in Sports, Abby Goldman

Abby talks about what it’s like playing a demanding, fast-paced sport in a coed setting, where the game doesn’t slow down and expectations are real. She shares her perspective on women competing alongside men, the physical and social dynamics that come with it, and why soccer remains one of the toughest, and most rewarding, environments in adult sports.

S4 E5, Women in Sports, Ziona Powell

Ziona doesn’t measure her experience by standings or stats; she measures it by how much fun she’s having and the people she’s surrounded by. She keeps playing because she loves the energy, the community, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than the game itself. In this episode, Ziona talks about choosing joy over pressure, why participation beats perfection, and how embracing the experience is sometimes the real win.

S4 E4 Women in Sports, Deanna Bertini

Deanna saw that not everyone comes to LI-Kick to compete, some people are just looking to meet others, get out of the house, and have fun without caring how good they are at a sport. From bar games and trivia to bar crawls and singles-focused events, Deanna has helped expand what LI-Kick can be for people who want connection first and competition second. This episode is about meeting people where they are, lowering the barrier to entry, and building community in ways that go beyond the game.