Shooting The Breeze
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169 episodes
In this short and sweet pod we have a fireside chat with a real players Coach in Cheryl Chambers, as we reflect on one of the most extraordinarly close WNBL seasons in recent memory. Winning her 3rd WNBL Championship as Head Coach, Cheryl Chambers and the Southside Flyers delivered on a hard fought Finals battle. We talk about some difference makers alongside her coaching approach, and a first look at the Seven Consulting Australian Opals extended squad just announced for the Paris 2024 Olympics in late July! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
We’re grateful to have James Janssen return to the pod, after joining us briefly for our 150th episode, we wanted to hear more from the Aussie Assistant Coach of the Davidson ‘Wildcats’ Women’s team from North Carolina. He takes us deep into their program, including the pipeline of exceptional Aussie female hooper's that are becoming hallmarks of the Wildcats. It’s a fascinating look into the significant progress of Davidsons women’s basketball program over the last decade, one which James has been integral to, but especially against the unprecedented rise of Women's College Hoops. In a difficult development since this podcast was taped earlier in February, Davidson has announced their withdrawal from the season to provide optimal care and support to their players and staff in what’s been a season of devastating loss from injuries… notwithstanding their impressive game results. Highlighting the incredible high and lows that athletes face, it’s clear that Davidson has prioritised the well-being of its student athletes and as James prophetically talks about in this episode - the importance for organisations and athletes to be intentional in self-care and the need sometimes to step back and evaluate. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
In this Dream Chasers episode, Kiwi Hoops expert Linden Moore is back featuring special guest Rachel Taulelei - the co-owner of the Aotearoa Wellington team Tokomanawa Queens. In a wide-ranging conversation with Rachel in her prominent role at the Queens and within the NZ business landscape, she gives us a front row seat to the incredible opportunity for women’s hoops in NZ that has come to life! In only their second season the Queens were recognised as Best Club of the Year, Best Game presentation and Best Social Media! We gain an insight into the culture of the Tokomanawa Queens, their spirit of reciprocity ‘aroha atu, aroha mai’ that sits at the centre of this community. As well as the vision around the development of younger players including the Foundation inspired by her daughter Lily’s US College journey… that like all things Tokomanawa - revolve around Whānau. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
STB was LIVE at the 2024 Cygnett WNBL Pre-Awards Orange Carpet, and like all live feeds we had a slight mic issue for the first minute - so hang in there… that’s what we love about the spontaneity of our live pods this series!! If you missed out or just want to re-listen to some of the amazing guests we spoke with, including our roaming mic moment with a surprisingly talkative Melbourne Boomers Coach Chris Lucas … tune in for a FUN Orange carpet ride! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
Loz Nicholson is back in black, and Flames fans are ecstatic to see her in her home team strip. A reigning WNBL Champ; Loz is having a stellar season that has literally kept the team in the hunt! A part of this seasons MVP conversation she returns to STB in a fun chat that's equal parts entertaining and enlightening. We wind back the clock to her first WNBL championship in 16/17 in Sydney and her decision to leave her hometown, to the present day and her surprise that she is still learning & improving nearing a decade later with an inspiring group of new teammates and coaches. We’re always grateful to Loz for sharing her vulnerability, her evolution as a player and her growing confidence back on home turf that’s boosted her performance along with her joy of the game! It’s a timely conversation leading into this weekend’s blockbuster event at Qudos Arena - the first WNBL standalone arena game for women’s hoops in NSW with an epic showdown between the Sydney Flames and the Southside Flyers in an important match up before playoffs! Get around it, folks!! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
Listen in as we talk with Linden Moore and Maia Williamson about the Tall Ferns Olympic Qualifier Tournament campaign. A first round loss against powerhouse China had a lot of positives given the age and experience of the team. Linden and Maia give us a good look at what New Zealand fans can take away from this game, while also giving us their opinions about upcoming games and what this campaign means for New Zealand basketball in the longer term. There was a lot more covered in this podcast so settle back, tune in and listen to our New Zealand experts give us their perspective.
In our next DreamChasers we get a hoops business perspective with President of The Las Vegas Aces Nikki Fargas. Nikki has an illustrious backstory of her own - player, coach and now executive of back to back WNBA Champs The Las Vegas Aces. We’re incredibly grateful that Nikki shared her time and immense knowledge of the women's game, and the direction the Las Vegas Aces are quite literally championing for the league. It’s a fascinating insight into the front office of the reigning Champs and a behind the scenes glimpse into the cohesion between business and basketball. We also talk about the transformation of Las Vegas into a Sports Entertainment destination and you sense that the Aces continue to ride a game changing wave. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
Prior to the game between the Sydney Flames and the UC Caps we sat down and talked about the game, the Opals and much more.
Sara Houston is a new addition to the Aussie Glider’s. Wearing the national jersey for the first time at the Asia Oceania Zone Championships taking place in Thailand right now, we spoke with Sara as she was preparing for the trip. We talked about her introduction to wheelchair basketball and the chance encounter with a successful Paralympian and former STB pod guest that seemed almost predestined. Sara is a great ambassador for women’s wheelchair. Also a talented singer with a recent stint on Australian Idol, right now she’s focused on making the most of this ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ to represent the illustrious Gliders in their rebuild on the road to Paris. We also talk about the financial challenges for athletes in para-sports, and the opportunity for smart businesses to get on board and boost a national team brimming with potential. Make sure to catch a game of wheelchair basketball. The AOZ Championships can be viewed via IWBF YouTube: https://bitly.ws/I9M6 Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
Pink Hoops is the inaugural WNBL’s Sydney Flames and NBL’s Sydney Kings breast cancer round. This initiative is inspired and driven by Sydney Flames Assistant Coach (former player) Tiana Mangakahia, who was recently diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. LIVE from Qudos Bank Arena, Flames player Shaneice Swain joins us as well as pre-recorded chats with Flames’ player and STB pod regular Vanessa Panousis and Kings’ player Jordi Hunter. The Pink Hoops initiative is to rasie awareness and fundraise for McGrath Foundation to have 250 Breast Care Nurses by 2025. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
In our next Dream Chasers instalment, joining us are two female powerhouses behind some of the biggest clubs in the WNBL - Bernie Dodd and Victoria Denholm. Bernie is an Executive Director, and an integral part of the Melbourne Boomers ownership group and Vic is the President and part owner of the Sydney Flames. Both join us in an insightful look into their roles and perspectives. We’re grateful to hear from two impressive leaders working hard behind the scenes. While representing clubs that are fierce rivals on court, they also work alongside each other as they grow investment within the sport. In their roles they elevate women’s basketball and create pathways for females from of all walks of life to participate. Their priority is to support their teams and tribes but what becomes clear and compelling is that their collective passion for the sport at all levels opens doors to so many possibilities to grow women’s hoops! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
In this episode Perth local Amy Atwell joins us, giving us a great insight into the Perth Lynx sharpshooter who is currently sitting top 3 of the WNBL’s leading three-point shooters this season… just behind former team mate WNBA’s Sami Whitcomb. Given a licence to shoot by Coach Petrik, Amy has fit in well within the Lynx’ fast and furious tempo, with a confidence that defies her age in only her second year in the WNBL. Her formative college years at the University of Hawaii has helped shape her fearless game and her ‘lead by example’ approach that not only inspires teammates but fans and the grassroots community alike. Amy recently capped a 28 to 0 undefeated NBL1 campaign with the Bendigo Braves, she shares more on that journey and dealing with the mounting pressure of an unprecedented Nationals run - all valuable experiences for what’s shaping to be a tight WNBL season. We’re grateful to speak with Amy on her whirlwind 18 months, a taste that has only fuelled her WNBA aspirations despite getting waived from the LA Sparks, she knows, in her words, 'getting back there is something that will just take care of itself if I keep improving my game and keep playing well'. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
We are live from the NCCC doing a pre-game show with UCCaps Weekly Michelle Hocking and legendary AIS Coach Phil Brown
In our Dream Chasers series, we chat with Cassidy McLean. Cass is running her own business ‘Sporting Chance Collective’ that aptly gives athletes a sporting chance to pursue their goals by providing some addtional commercial experience and much needed income to supplement their sporting career. Cass is a reigning NBL1 Champ for the Bendigo Braves in what was a perfect season. In stepping back from the WNBL she is boldly backing herself in business to provide her peers with an opportunity to pursue their sporting careers, in a minimum wage reality for women's sports that is adversely impacting many players both financially and mentally. It’s a fascinating point of view from of a talented hard working player, who not only enriches her grassroots and business community, but has parlayed her basketabll leadership and skills off-court to create opportunties that has literally made a difference for other women in sport. We’re grateful for the candid discussion and insight Cass shares, despite her own setbacks Cass is making an impact for others. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and LinkedIn
Series Six begins! Catch up with our fortnightly feature podcasts on womens hoops and women in hoops. We share stories that elevate the women's game, creating deeper connections and greater exposure. Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod and follow us on LinkedIn.
It’s our first pod for Series 6 and in this episode Townsville Fires’ reigning Champ Mikaela Ruef joins us. A low-key post player, Mikaela is a high quality contributor and a strong work ethic combined with a genuine love of the game she’s an invaluable team player! Best of all rounding out her remarkable year, Mikaela has finally become an Australian citizen. She’s a Stanford NCAA final four player that was schooled in elite team play, an experience that has, in her words, “helped me to become the player that I am”. We take a fun little trip down memory lane experimenting with some archival footage from her first professional year in Australia … as those who know her will appreciate, Mikaela has a rapid-fire humour so we’re grateful to be able to share a glimpse into that side of her and her balancing act of laughter and fun with her steely competitiveness. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
Welcome to Part Two of our All-Star Series 5 Edition. We play it back featuring our most downloaded podcasts from Series 5. To round out our All-Stars we sample the following pods (in order of listening): Ep116: Free Agency Free Fallin’ (Part One) with Sammy Mac Ep118: Lauren Jackson & Tess Madgen - She Hoops; and a first with a female director in a Bonus Ep111 Director Jocelyn Song on ‘Sòng Pèi Xīng’ the Sophia Song Story Stay tuned for Series 6!! Enjoy!! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
Welcome to Part 1 of our All-Stars Series 5 Edition. Series 6 is around the corner but in this hang time we really want to play it back for some of our most downloaded podcasts from Series 5. In this episode we sample the following pods: Episode 120: Al Kunek Forging Her Own Path; Episode 122: Saraid Taylor and the creative pivot; and Our first Live Pod for Series 5 with First Sub’s a women’s hoops community program, and co-founder’s Madel Giles & Kaz Emery. Stay tuned for Part 2. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
The Sydney Flames have now officially announced their plans and Tiana Mangakahia's continuing role as part of the coaching line up, so now we can share the excerpt with Chris Pongrass (Ep132 Clubland) where he talks about this along with the team’s heartfelt wish to include Tiana within the Flames fold since her early retirement. Note: Ep132 will be updated as an extended version. Also, in case you missed it, in Ep105 ‘Paint It Pink! Tiana alongside teammate and best friend Vanessa Panousis joined us to discuss the teams inaugural breast cancer awareness round. It’s a lively chat that gave us an insight into their enduring friendship that highlights... it really is more than basketball! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
It’s a big 150th milestone podcast. Taped from the KICKS brewery tap room in Marrickville, the format is based on STB listener input. Join us as we look back over 5 series of women's hoops podcasting and some of our greatest memories with our global women's hoops community. It’s been a magical journey speaking with top tier guests incl. this episodes special guest, Davidson ‘Wildcats’ Assistant Coach, James Janssen. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
In our 3rd and final Tauihi New Zealand 2023 instalment, Linden Moore and Maia Williamson joins us one last time this series to wrap what’s been a transformative second season of the Tauihi League, an amazing show of local talent and New Zealand's rise on the world stage. While the Tauihi season is done, the WNBL season is only weeks away giving us another opportunity to catch some of the talented Kiwi players in action in Australia. Big thanks to Linden and Maia, both making great contributions to the women’s league in NZ, and in this 3-part series! Don’t Sleep on New Zealand. Enjoy! TAUIHI NZ 3-PART SERIES: Ep125: Tauihi Series with Linden & Maia Ep129: The Road to Tauihi Finals with Linden & Maia Ep134: Don’t Sleep on New Zealand with Linden Moore & Maia Williamson Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
We welcome Kristi Harrower, a true legend of the game in this episode. From humble beginnings in regional Victoria to the heady days in Russia, Kristi shares a slice of not only her playing journey but also that of Australian women’s basketball and the shifting landscape. An inductee of the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame, she has a staggering medal count representing the Green & Gold and her ‘never say die' attitude typifies an exceptional generation of Opals we were privileged to watch. In October, Kristi alongside her teammates* will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Australia’s U19 Gold medal at Seoul - Australia’s first Gold medal on the world stage that ushered in a golden era for Aussie women’s hoops. Now an assistant coach at The Melbourne Boomers she will take the reigns at Keilor Thunder next year in the NBL1 South, and as an assistant coach on a recent tour to China we go behind the scenes with some of our emerging Opals talent and the worlds' number 2 team China. Congratulations to our U19’s GEM’s of 1993… what a legacy! Enjoy! *The Australian Women’s U19’s won Gold at Seoul in 1993 (in alphabetical order): Carla Boyd, Michelle Brogan, Michelle Chandler, Sally Crowe, Maryanne Di Francesco, Kristi Harrower, Joanne Hill, Laura Howlett, Nerida Jeffrey, Georgina Stevens, Samantha Tomlinson, Jennifer Whittle Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
We welcome back Chris Pongrass, CEO of the Sydney Flames & Sydney Kings in a truly fascinating behind the scenes look into clubland, including some very recent Flames announcements that we were keen to hear more about since our previous podcast on WNBL Free Agency. At the time of taping we hear some highly anticipated team news that’s just been announced… and as some Shooting The Breeze audience members have requested we get into more discussion around roster building and clubland, with some NBL stories to boot. We’re grateful to to Chris for his insights in an open discussion on the business of the club and building a team. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
We pick up where we left off in this Free Agency Part II episode with less than 2 months before the WNBL season tips off. Sammy McDonald, Assistant Coach at the Albury-Wodonga Bandits, joins us again as we revist Free Agency in our follow up from our Free Fallin’ pod in May that saw the biggest WNBL shake up in years. It’s a fly on the wall chat with hosts’ Paul & Jacinta alongside Sammy Mac on how WNBL24 rosters are shaping up. Stay tuned for a fun season ahead! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
In this episode we’re joined by Paul Gorris, 2 time WNBL Championship Head Coach of the UCCaps & currently assisting former WNBA Champ Tanisha Wright at the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA. It’s an illuminating conversation, not just of him as a Coach but also his approach in coaching females and developing meaningful relationships within teams and with a stellar cast of our elite female ballers. Securing back to back championships he is known for his experience in being part of a winning team & culture, in this episode he shares his thoughts on whats needed for and from his players to win, also giving us a great insight into the person and what makes him tick. We also get a fascinating behind the scenes look at life on the road with our womens national teams, and some highlights including the Opals’ Bronze at Asia Cup in Jordan and that awesome Silver medal at the 2018 FIBAWWC in Spain. We’re grateful for Gorrie’s time and especially allowing us a glimpse into his world right now in the very competitive WNBA. Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
Welcome to the second of our 3-part series on the Tauihi League with New Zealand expert Linden Moore and returning pod guest Maia Williamson, who is also an assistant Coach at The Mainland Pouakai. In this episode we get into the current standings ahead of Round 7, hurtling towards playoffs in what’s been an unpredictable season so far! It’s also great to hear about the rising local talent with some impressive performances from young up-and-coming talent alongside quality imports. Always a great laugh with this kiwi duo, make sure to listen out for Maia’s take on player cardboard cut-outs!! But one of the biggest takeout’s is the extensive community outreach and engagement that every club has brought to the regions across NZ, both Linden and Maia share the profound impact they have witnessed during the season. It’s the last two rounds on the road to Tauihi Finals! Enjoy! Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
Shooting The Breeze is past the half-way mark for Series 5 so we’re taking a short pause to catch our breath and rewind on some amazing action this series! With the NBL1 Nationals kicking off this weekend, Tristan Prentice from SA cross over dribble, with a cameo from his dog Zelda, joins us later in this episode to talk about the fairy tale victory by dark horse Norwood Flames in the Central Conference and what we can expect at Nationals. Before we get into that we take a look at the phenomenal women’s hoops action we’ve seen over the last few months and amazing guests from all over the globe, including the US, Malaysia, NZ and Africa in our passport pods. Best of all we got to shine a light on community initiatives and player driven enterprises. We’re counting down towards an epic milestone for STB, our 150th podcast. We want listener input for this special podcast, stay tuned for our upcoming survey. Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
We’ve got a special podcast this week, joining us is the head of the WNBL Christy Collier-Hill, giving us an early peek into the upcoming season and beyond. It’s been a phenomenal time for women’s sports. Aussie fans of women's hoops have been treated to a memorable year of world class talent and competition in our backyard, add to the mix the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup and you know women's sports are making a mark. With three months to go until the 44th WNBL season launches, Christy shares a look at the direction the WNBL is setting, while we look back at the remarkable season that was and despite the setbacks and challenges we can see real progress mapped out during this episode. Enjoy! The WNBL24 season begins on Wednesday 1 November. Fixture: https://wnbl.basketball/wnbl23-24-fixture/ Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
It’s the first of our 3-part Tauihi NZ Special Series with NZ expert Linden Moore and returning pod guest Maia Williamson hailing from New Zealand’s South Island. The second season of the Tauihi league kick started in the last fortnight and with Round 3 just starting we get a good look into the growing quality of players, particularly imports drafted into the Tauihi as well as returning Tall Ferns that are having a greater impact all over the world. In recent months NZ has emerged on the world stage with growing success, both at Asia Cup and U16 Asia Cup as well as 3x3, converting on the development of players through the new Tauihi league. Kiwi players travelling across the pond to the WNBL is growing, highlighting the immense talent that is evolving on the land of the long white cloud. We also hear more on the innovative Rapid League, a new format before games that allow bench players to get critical game time and match experience providing an exhilarating form of basketball for hoops fans. Probably most exciting is the exchange of Aussie and Kiwi players between the Tauihi and the WNBL raising the level of play and opportunities for women’s hoops. Enjoy! Outside New Zealand games can be seen live here: https://www.youtube.com/fiba/search https://www.youtube.com/fiba/search Don’t forget to like, share and leave a review so we can get more Hoops content to you! Join us on our socials - Twitter: @TheBreezePod and IG: @shootingthebreezepod
