Babes 'n' Sports Podcast

Redefining the Playbook with Duke AD Nina King

Welcome back to Babes 'n' Sports, with your hosts, longtime sports babes and mamas Jamie Hersch and Tory Zawacki Roy. In this episode, hosts Tory and Jamie sit down with a true powerhouse in college athletics: Nina King, Duke University’s Vice President and Director of Athletics. The conversation kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at Duke’s groundbreaking media deal with Amazon Prime, set to debut during Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas when the men's basketball team takes on UConn.  Nina opens up about the unique challenges and profound rewards of being a mom to her two teenage sons. Reframing her position as a historic female leader into an opportunity rather than a pressure cooker, Nina highlights the power of empathy, the value of meeting one-on-one with her student-athletes, and why she always keeps a "mom hug" on standby. Best of all, Nina leaves empowering advice for sports mamas: abandon the myth of perfection, embrace the messy reality of parenting, and always reserve the right to get smarter as you go. Just another week with your mom friends… but make it sports. Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast

Keeping the Blinders On; and Our Tribute to Jessi Pierce

Welcome back to Babes 'n' Sports, with your hosts, longtime sports babes and mamas Jamie Hersch and Tory Zawacki Roy. In this week’s episode, Jamie and Tory catch up on the chaos of life lately—from travel nightmares and spring break realities to the small moments that help us slow down and reconnect as families. The conversation then turns to a topic that resonates across every industry: how to “keep the blinders on” in a world driven by comparison. Jamie and Tory open up about the pressures of social media, the constant pull to measure yourself against others, and the practice it takes to stay focused on your own path. From mindset shifts to personal mantras, they share honest, relatable strategies for navigating ambition, motherhood, and career without losing yourself in the noise. The episode closes with a heartfelt tribute to beloved hockey journalist Jessi Pierce, reflecting on her impact, her authenticity, and the legacy she leaves behind. Jamie shares personal memories, while both hosts honor Jessi’s passion for the game, her dedication to uplifting women in sports, and the deep love she had for her family. To support Jessi's family, please visit their GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mike-hinrichs-after-losing-jessi-pierce-children [https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mike-hinrichs-after-losing-jessi-pierce-children] Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast

The Power of Storytelling in Sports with Jen Lada

Welcome back to Babes 'n' Sports, with your hosts, longtime sports babes and mamas Jamie Hersch and Tory Zawacki Roy. This week, College GameDay's Jen Lada joins the pod to reflect on her journey from covering local sports in Wisconsin as a single mom to navigating the weekly college football grind with three kids at home.  Jamie shares highlights from her family’s recent trip to Zion National Park and why stepping away from the daily routine can help the whole family reset. Tory and Jen also dive into the challenge — and reward — of long-form storytelling in sports, and how motherhood shapes the way they tell the most meaningful, heart-tugging stories. Just another week with your mom friends… but make it sports. Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast

We Need to Talk... with Special Guest Jenny Dell

Welcome back to Babes 'n' Sports, with your hosts, longtime sports babes and mamas Jamie Hersch and Tory Zawacki Roy. This week, Emmy nominated reporter and host Jenny Dell joins the pod, opening up about the emotional rollercoaster of her fertility journey, highlighting the importance of community support and transparency.  She also reflects on her unexpected career path from a production assistant to an on-air talent, emphasizing the value of understanding the production side of broadcasting. Just another week with your mom friends… but make it sports. Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast

Season 2 Premiere: NFL Playoffs with Sherree Burruss

Welcome back to Babes 'n' Sports, with your hosts, longtime sports babes and mamas Jamie Hersch and Tory Zawacki Roy. This week, Jamie and Tory start the second season of the pod leaning into what they know best - babes and sports. Special guest Sherree Burruss of the NFL Network breaking down for us all things NFL playoffs - and managing her crazy schedule with two kids under five.  Just another week with your mom friends… but make it sports. Follow the conversation on instagram @babesnsportspodcast