The Future of Women's Sports: Trends, Data, and Opportunity

The Future of Women's Sports: Trends, Data, and Opportunity

What happens when the numbers finally start telling the story women athletes have known all along? In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with Keri Rubenstein, Assistant Professor of Sport Analytics at Syracuse University's Falk College of Sport, to explore the exciting growth of women's sports through the lens of economics, research, and data. Keri shares her journey from economics student to sports economist, discusses the evolution of sport analytics as a profession, and explains why the labor market for women athletes is one of the most fascinating stories in sports today. Together, Kim and Keri dive into the factors driving the rapid growth of women's sports, from increased media visibility and investment to the impact of role models, social media, and changing opportunities for female athletes. They also explore why researchers need to move beyond comparing women's sports to men's sports, the importance of investing in women's health and performance research, and what the future could look like if we continue to prioritize access, visibility, and opportunity. The growth of women's sports is not a passing trend—it's the result of decades of participation, passion, and perseverance finally being matched by visibility, investment, and opportunity. As researchers, leagues, media organizations, and fans continue to invest in women's sports, the possibilities for future generations of girls and women are greater than ever. CONNECT WITH 261 FEARLESS 261 Fearless is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through running and education. Through local clubs, coach education, and leadership development programs, 261 Fearless creates supportive communities where women gain the confidence to reach beyond the run. Learn more at 261fearless.org [https://www.261fearless.org/] FOLLOW IN FEARLESS CONVERSATION If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review In Fearless Conversation. Sharing the podcast helps us reach more women with stories of courage, leadership, resilience, and empowerment. Because running is just the beginning. LEARN MORE ABOUT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY FALK COLLEGE OF SPORT https://falk.syracuse.edu/ [https://falk.syracuse.edu/]

Inner Monologue: I Don't Want To. Tough. Keep Going.

What happens when the thing that has always felt like part of your identity suddenly feels hard? In this honest and relatable Inner Monologue episode, charity runner alumni and new 261 Fearless Coach, Ellen Frazier shares the story of one of her favorite races and the mantra that carried her through it: "Is it that I don't want to, or I can't do? I don't want to. Tough. Keep going." As she reflects on that race, Ellen also opens up about a more recent struggle, feeling disconnected from running, despite identifying as a runner for much of her life. As a proud member of the Fearless Fun Patrol, Ellen has spent countless miles encouraging and empowering women at events like the Boston Marathon and Every Woman's Marathon. Yet in this season, she finds herself facing a different challenge: finding the motivation and belief to encourage herself. With a beautiful blend of vulnerability, humor, and wisdom, Ellen explores what it feels like when self-empowerment takes a temporary leave of absence, and how the support of trusted run friends can help carry us forward when our own confidence feels out of reach. This episode is a reminder that even the people who inspire others sometimes need encouragement themselves, and that perseverance doesn't always look powerful. Sometimes it simply looks like taking the next step. Whether you're feeling strong in your running right now or questioning every step, Ellen's reflections offer a compassionate reminder that you're not alone and that sometimes the most fearless thing we can do is simply keep going. Learn more about 261 Fearless here: https://www.261fearless.org/ [https://www.261fearless.org/]

Safeguarding the Run: Being Fearless but Sensible

We've talked a lot of about safety in our last few episodes and today we are addressing a different layer to running safety... understanding your body, preparing for the unexpected, and making informed decisions that support your health and well-being. In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, host Kim Chaffee sits down with 261 Fearless education experts Dr. Juliet McGrattan and Marlies Hirschbeck to explore what it means to safeguard your run. Together, they discuss practical strategies for staying safe, building confidence, listening to your body, and creating sustainable running habits that support you on any run. Whether you're new to running, returning after a break, managing a health condition, or simply looking for ways to run smarter, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you feel empowered, prepared, and fearless on every run. Connect with 261 Fearless: * Website: https://www.261fearless.org [https://www.261fearless.org] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/261fearless [https://www.instagram.com/261fearless] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/261fearlesskvswitzer [https://www.facebook.com/261fearlesskvswitzer] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/261fearless [https://www.linkedin.com/company/261fearless] Learn More About 261 Fearless 261 Fearless is a global women's running network dedicated to empowering women through running and education. Through local clubs, coach education, and community programs around the world, 261 Fearless helps women discover their strength, confidence, and courage—one step at a time. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps us continue bringing fearless conversations to runners and change makers around the world.

Reclaiming the Run with Dena Lewis and Sydney Johnson

A safer future for women runners starts with honest conversations like this one. For many women, running brings confidence, healing, strength, and joy. But it can also come with fear—a reality that too many female runners know all too well. In this episode of In Fearless Conversation, I’m joined by Dena Lewis, ultra marathoner, entrepreneur, and founder of Running Mate, the first real-time, on-demand run-share app created to help make outdoor running safer. Dena shares her deeply personal story of surviving two assaults while running alone and how those experiences inspired her mission to help women reclaim their confidence, freedom, and sense of safety outdoors. CONNECT WITH DENA, SYDNEY, & RUNNING MATE * Running Mate Website [https://www.getrunningmate.com/] * Running Mate Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/getrunningmate/] * Dena Lewis on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dena-lewis-a9546a24/] * Sydney Johnson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-morlan/] FOLLOW 261 FEARLESS * 261 Fearless Website [https://www.261fearless.org] * 261 Fearless Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/261fearless] * 261 Fearless on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/261fearless]

Empowering the Run: Fearless Entrepreneurship with Ashley Raymond and Meagan Doyle

What does it mean to take charge of your safety without giving up the freedom to run? In this episode, I sit down with Ashley Raymond and Meagan Doyle, co-founders of Safely, to talk about female runner safety, confidence, preparedness, entrepreneurship, and the belief that no one is taking running away from us. Ashley and Meagan have built a movement focused on empowering women through education, awareness, and practical safety tools. Since launching Safely, they’ve taught more than one million people how to use pepper spray and have spoken at races and running events across the country. CONNECT WITH SAFELY Website: Safely [https://livesafely.co] Instagram: @livesafelyco [https://www.instagram.com/safelyselfdefense/] USE DISCOUNT CODE FEARLESS FOR 10% OFF YOUR ORDER PLUS 10% DONATED TO 261 FEARLESS