The Game Changers-logo

The Game Changers

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

In this award-winning podcast Sue Anstiss MBE talks to trailblazing women in sport. These are the individuals who are knocking down barriers and challenging the status quo for women and girls everywhere. Along with openly sharing their historic careers, what drives them and how they’ve dealt with the toughest challenges, each episode explores key issues for equality in sport and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful to Sport England who support The Game Changers with a National Lottery award. You can find out about all the guests at https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Fearless Women in Sport

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

In this award-winning podcast Sue Anstiss MBE talks to trailblazing women in sport. These are the individuals who are knocking down barriers and challenging the status quo for women and girls everywhere. Along with openly sharing their historic careers, what drives them and how they’ve dealt with the toughest challenges, each episode explores key issues for equality in sport and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful to Sport England who support The Game Changers with a National Lottery award. You can find out about all the guests at https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Fearless Women in Sport

Twitter:

@promotepr

Language:

English


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sarah Bern: Power, Joy & Redefining Strength in Women’s Sport

10/21/2025
“It’s so easy to chase perfection, but it doesn’t exist. The whole world is built on imperfection - and that’s what makes it beautiful.” World Cup winner and Bristol Bears tighthead Sarah Bern joins Sue to relive a history-making day at Twickenham and the whirlwind that followed. She talks candidly about the moment the final whistle blew - equal parts joy, relief and pride – and takes us into an England scrum, where control, courage and “chess with aggression” set the tone. Sarah reflects on a team culture that balances fun with fierce standards, rejecting old templates to let personalities shine and welcome new fans into the game. She traces her journey from back row to tighthead, and from a teenager wrestling with body image to a visible role model for strong, muscular women. Authentic on and off the pitch, Sarah shares how Ilona Maher’s arrival at Bristol Bears helped her find her own voice on social media - a powerful tool to build community, drive change and open vital commercial doors for women’s sport. We hear about the tunnel walk chills, Zoe Aldcroft’s cathartic tears and the surge of support that sells out stadiums, crashes merch drops and creates real demand for women’s sport. Fashion meets rugby as Sarah recounts her appearance in Vogue, a Barbie collaboration and launching Below The Shoulder with her teammates - reframing rugby as stylish, rebellious and modern. Looking ahead, Sarah calls for true equality across sport as we judge female athletes by what happens on the pitch, not by their appearance. Her legacy goal is simple and powerful - to help people feel comfortable in their own skin so they can attack life with purpose and joy. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:43:40

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Series 21 of The Game Changers

10/15/2025
In series 21 we’re shining a light on the trailblazing women who are transforming sport and society. You’ll hear from Baroness Sue Campbell, one of the most respected and influential figures in British sport, as she candidly shares her leadership journey and lessons learnt from time working in Olympic and Paralympic Sport, Women’s football and now as Chair of England Netball. We meet Melanie Barrett, the Paralympic swimmer who made history last year as the first blind woman to swim the English Channel, as she tells her remarkable story of courage and determination. Champion boxer, fashion model and UNICEF UK ambassador Ramla Ali opens up about her extraordinary journey from refugee to Olympian and global role model. Entrepreneur Mari Thomas-Welland shares how she founded Maaree sports bras, creating innovative kit that empowers women to move with confidence and we hear about what happened when global icon Serena Williams shared photos of her in the Maree sports bra. Rugby pioneer, and World Cup winner, Giselle Mather reveals the lessons she’s learned from a career that’s broken new ground as both player and professional coach in the men’s and women’s game. Olympic windsurfing sensation Emma Wilson talks about her meteoric rise to the top of world sailing, the heartbreak of Paris 2024 and the resilience it takes to compete at the highest level whilst retaining your sense of self. Award winning, human rights lawyer Kat Craig discusses her mission to protect athletes and hold sport to account on the issues that matter most. And World Cup winning rugby player Sarah Bern reflects on her experiences in elite rugby and her ambition to redefine what strength really means for women and girls. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport. The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website at fearlesswomen.co.uk. That’s also where you’ll find details of the Women’s Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for 14,000 women working in sport. Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast and the Women’s Sport Collective through a National Lottery Award. Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:04:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mari Thomas-Welland — Engineering Support, Inspiring Confidence

10/14/2025
Sports engineer turned founder, Mari Thomas-Welland is reinventing performance wear with Maaree, the sports-bra brand built on science, not guesswork. From early lab testing at Loughborough to a DIY prototype that sparked her patented Overband® concept, Mari explains how understanding breast movement as a figure-of-eight - not just up and down - led to a step change in comfort and control. Mari shares the impact of seeing Serena Williams wearing a Maaree bra, why bra fit is as vital as getting the right footwear and how online fittings launched in a Covid lockdown became a cornerstone of the brand’s community. We talk about the myths of bra sizing, the challenges of moving into retail and how Mari is growing a wider range of athletic clothing whilst staying laser-focused on support. Authentic, practical and purpose-driven, Mari shows us all how rigorous engineering and real empathy can help keep more girls and women active. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:39:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Lucy Adams: Building belonging in skateboarding

8/27/2025
Lucy Adams has spent her life on a skateboard – but it’s her impact off the ramps that’s transforming the sport forever. From being one of only a handful of women in UK skateboarding in the ’90s to leading the charge for equity and inclusion today, Lucy has carved out a path where others once shut the door. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lucy shares what it’s really like to break into a male-dominated sport, fight for recognition and push for a future where every girl feels welcome on a skateboard. In this episode, Lucy reveals: From small-town skate parks to global stages, Lucy Adams has paved the way for thousands of women and girls to ride free. This is the story of resilience, rebellion and reshaping a sport for good. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:51:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Diane Edwards: Fighting for fairness in sport

8/25/2025
Diane Edwards (Modhal) was one of Britain’s brightest middle-distance stars, a Commonwealth gold medallist and four-time Olympian whose remarkable career was thrown into turmoil when she was wrongly accused of doping in 1994. What followed was a devastating two-year battle to clear her name – a fight that cost her financially, emotionally, and professionally – but could not break her spirit. In this compelling and emotional conversation, Diane shares: This is a story of extraordinary talent, unthinkable injustice, and relentless determination to fight for truth and fairness in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:49:58

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sally Horrox: Transforming the business of women’s sport

8/20/2025
In this episode of The Game Changers, we explore what it takes to truly accelerate progress for women’s rugby – and women’s sport – worldwide. From creating professional pathways to building commercial success and driving global participation, this conversation is all about vision, determination and game-changing leadership in action. We talk about: An inspiring look at the future of women’s rugby – and how bold leadership can help shape it. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:44:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Eboni Usoro-Brown: The reality for women in elite sport

8/18/2025
Former England netball international, Eboni Usoro-Brown, has worn the red dress 117 times across an extraordinary 15-year career, including that unforgettable Commonwealth Games gold medal win in 2018. A trailblazer both on and off the court, Eboni has balanced elite sport with a career in law, becoming a powerful advocate for dual careers in sport and inspiring many through her return to professional netball after becoming a mother. In this episode of The Game Changers, Eboni shares her remarkable story of determination, leadership and breaking barriers, as she reflects on the highs and challenges of life at the very top of her sport. We talk about: A powerful and inspiring conversation about chasing your dreams, overcoming challenges and leaving a legacy that opens doors for others. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:44:56

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Rhona Lloyd: Redefining what it means to be strong

8/13/2025
Scottish international rugby star Rhona Lloyd shares her remarkable journey from a young girl defying stereotypes to becoming one of Scotland’s fastest and most dynamic players. With 57 caps and 25 tries for her country, Rhona’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and redefining what it means to be strong. In this powerful conversation, you’ll hear: Rhona’s honesty about setbacks, mental health, and resilience is both moving and empowering – a must-listen for anyone chasing big dreams or championing women’s sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:43:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sophie Power: The woman rewriting the rules of endurance sport

8/11/2025
When a photograph of Sophie Power breastfeeding her three-month-old baby mid-race went viral, it sparked a global conversation about motherhood, sport, and equality. But for Sophie, the moment was never about heroics - it was about the barriers women face just to reach a start line. In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Sophie – a world record-breaking ultra-runner and founder of SheRACES – shares how she’s challenging a sport designed for men, campaigning for pregnancy deferrals, fair cut-offs and real equity for women in endurance events worldwide. In this episode, Sophie reveals: thatFrom running 347 miles across Ireland to smashing a 48-hour treadmill world record, Sophie Power is redefining what’s possible and refusing to leave other women behind. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:58:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Carla Ward: Game-changing leadership in women’s football

8/6/2025
From jumpers for goalposts on a council estate to managing at the highest level of women’s football, Carla Ward’s journey is one of courage, resilience and breaking through barriers. Now leading the Republic of Ireland women’s national team with ambitions to reach the 2027 World Cup, Carla has navigated a fast rise from player to coach, defied expectations, and spoken openly about the reality of balancing a demanding football career with motherhood. In this powerful episode of The Game Changers, Carla shares the unfiltered truth about life in football, leadership, and the challenges female coaches face in the modern game. We talk about: An honest and eye-opening conversation about risk-taking, resilience and the fight for equality in women’s football. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:46:30

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sammi Kinghorn: Finding new paths forward

8/4/2025
Sammi Kinghorn’s journey from a life-changing farming accident to the top of the Paralympic podium is nothing short of extraordinary. A double world champion, Commonwealth medallist, Paralympic gold winner and now a popular BBC presenter, Sammi’s story is one of unbreakable resilience. In this powerful conversation, Sammi opens up about: Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:55:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Series 20 of The Game Changers

8/1/2025
Welcome to The Game Changers – the podcast that celebrates extraordinary women in sport. In Series 20, we’re shining a light on the courageous, pioneering and fiercely passionate women who are re-defining the future of sport. You’ll hear from Diane Modahl, the Commonwealth 800m champion who overcame a devastating injustice and fought a landmark legal battle to clear her name before becoming a powerful advocate for inclusion and opportunity in sport. Pioneering skateboarder, Lucy Adams, shares how she carved her path in a male-dominated sport – breaking boundaries, staying true to herself and inspiring young people, from all backgrounds, to step onto a board. Respected both as a former player and now as a top-flight coach, Carla Ward reveals what it really takes to lead in the high-pressure world of women’s football, while ultrarunner and campaigner Sophie Power opens up about motherhood and rewriting the rules for women in endurance sport. We talk to Scottish rugby star Rhona Lloydabout body image and using her platform to challenge attitudes in society, and England netball icon Eboni Usoro-Brown about the challenges of motherhood in elite sport and her evolving mission to drive change on and off the court. We hear from Sally Horrox, now shaping the global women’s game at World Rugby, as she shares insights from a groundbreaking career that’s spanned the commercial rise of netball and women’s football – including the creation of two Super Leagues. And Sammi Kinghorn, Paralympic gold medallist and world-record holder on her extraordinary story of grit, growth and overcoming the unimaginable. Join us as we uncover the stories behind the headlines and explore what it means to drive real change in sport. New episodes in this series will be released throughout August on Mondays and Wednesdays each week, so please follow or subscribe now and you’ll be the first to hear from these extraordinary trailblazers. The Game Changers is free to listen to on all podcast platforms or from our website @fearless.women.co.uk. The website is also where you’ll find details of the Women’s Sport Collective, our free, inclusive community for all women working in sport. Thank you to Sport England, who support The Game Changers podcast (and the Women’s Sport Collective) through with a National Lottery Award. The Game Changers – Series 20. Inspiring conversations with fearless women in sport. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:04:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Mel Marshall: From Broken Dreams to Building Legends

4/22/2025
"Great athletes aren’t just terrified of losing – they’re traumatised by it. That’s what drives them." In this powerful and inspiring episode, Sue Anstiss is joined by one of the most influential figures in British sport, Mel Marshall. A former Olympian turned world-renowned coach, Mel is best known for guiding Adam Peaty to Olympic gold and multiple world records – but her story is so much more than medals and podiums. From her early days as a fiercely competitive swimmer to her current role leading an elite performance hub in Australia, Mel shares the highs, the heartbreaks and the lessons learned along the way. She speaks openly about the pressure of elite sport, the emotional cost of coaching and the values that have shaped her remarkable career. Mel reflects on the extraordinary partnership with Adam Peaty, the importance of empathy in high performance and why we must do more to support and spotlight female coaches. She also reveals what’s next in her journey – and why she believes her best days are still to come. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention and the people who quietly shape greatness from the sidelines. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:43:00

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jess Thirlby: Coaching, Courage and Creating Change

4/15/2025
"I hate mediocrity. As soon as it feels like we’re sitting in the status quo, I feel like I’m failing." In this brilliant episode of The Game Changers, Sue Anstiss is joined by Jess Thirlby, Head Coach of the Vitality Roses and one of the most respected leaders in world netball. From growing up in a deeply sporting family in the South West to representing England at the Commonwealth Games and ultimately leading the national side, Jess shares an extraordinary journey through sport. Jess’s warmth and candour are apparent as she reflects on: Jess speaks powerfully about the evolution of netball, her hopes for Super League 2.0, and why the sport must remain unapologetically female-first while building a more inclusive and sustainable future. A compelling conversation that highlights what it takes to lead with integrity in the spotlight, inspire the next generation and stay grounded — even when chasing that elusive World Cup Gold. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:55:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Lucy Wray: Building Culture, Driving Change and Backing Women’s Sport

4/8/2025
Lucy Wray: Building Culture, Driving Change and Backing Women’s Sport "Sport is this incredible rollercoaster of winning, losing, learning and bonding — I don’t think anything else creates that kind of magic." This week on The Game Changers, Sue Anstiss is joined by Lucy Wray – an inspiring and influential leader in sport whose journey spans elite performance, business innovation and transformative change. A former Wales lacrosse captain with over 70 international caps, Lucy’s early experiences as an athlete have shaped her deep understanding of team culture and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. As Group CEO of Saracens from 2020 to 2024, Lucy led the club through one of its most turbulent periods – navigating relegation, the salary cap scandal and a global pandemic, all while pregnant. Her reflections on resilience, leadership and staying true to your values in the face of crisis are both powerful and profoundly honest. Now as an investor, co-owner of London Mavericks Netball and board member of the Netball Super League, Lucy shares her bold vision for the growth of professional women’s sport. With a rare mix of commercial acumen and heartfelt purpose, Lucy speaks about building sustainable business models, creating inclusive, player-first cultures and investing in women’s sport not just as a commercial opportunity – but as a force for social change. Whether she’s talking about building businesses, empowering athletes or creating unforgettable matchday experiences, Lucy’s story is one of courage, creativity and an unshakeable belief in the power of sport to do good. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of sport, the rise of women’s sport and what it truly means to lead with purpose. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:46:46

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Khalida Popal: Football, Freedom and Fearless Activism

4/1/2025
“When the world forgets Afghanistan, we keep speaking. We are the voices of the women who can no longer be heard.” What would you risk for the right to play sport? For Khalida Popal, the answer is everything. This powerful episode of The Game Changers tells the extraordinary story of a woman who defied the Taliban, challenged a corrupt sporting system and used football to fight for the lives and freedoms of women and girls across the world. Khalida Popal was just a child when her family fled Taliban rule in Afghanistan. In the harsh reality of a refugee camp, she discovered football – a game that gave her joy, freedom, and purpose. Returning to Afghanistan as a teenager, she dared to play in public, formed the country’s first women’s national team and proudly captained her side in the face of threats, abuse and constant danger. But her leadership didn’t stop on the pitch. Khalida spoke out about the abuse of female players by senior figures in Afghan football and uncovered horrific corruption at the highest levels. It was these actions that meant she was eventually forced to flee for her life. Now living in Denmark, Khalida continues her relentless activism through the Girl Power Organisation, while leading a global campaign to get FIFA to recognise Afghan women footballers in exile – players stripped of their national identity simply because they are women. In this gripping and deeply moving conversation, Khalida shares how she helped evacuate over 600 women and girls from Afghanistan when the Taliban returned to power in 2021, what it means to lose your identity as a refugee, and why she refuses to stay silent – even when her own life is at risk. Raw, emotional and deeply inspiring, this is not just a story about sport. It’s about power, oppression, survival and hope. Khalida Popal is a true game changer. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:01:01:19

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jenny Meadows: Medals, Mindset and Meaning

3/25/2025
"I’ve become the person I needed when I was younger – and that’s the greatest gift I can offer the athletes I coach today." Jenny Meadows is a former world-class middle-distance runner and now one of Britain’s most respected athletics coaches. Recently honoured – alongside her husband – as BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year, Jenny is a European and World medallist whose success was forged through resilience, grit and a quiet determination to prove she belonged, even when she often felt like an outsider. In this deeply honest and moving conversation, Jenny shares how sport transformed her from a shy young girl who let her brother speak for her, to someone who found her voice, her power and her purpose through athletics. Affectionately known as the “pocket rocket”, Jenny speaks candidly about the mindset challenges she faced, and how it took her decades to believe she deserved her place at the top of the sport. She discusses the devastating impact of doping in athletics, the heartbreak of missing out on podiums and finals, and how, ultimately, it was a broken heart that led her to retire. Today, Jenny co-leads the M11 Track Club in Manchester with her husband and long-time coach, Trevor Painter, guiding a group of elite athletes including Olympic gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson. She reflects on the joy of coaching, the role of empathy and the emotional intelligence needed to support high-performing athletes as whole people - not just performers. A passionate advocate for greater gender diversity in coaching, Jenny also shares her hopes for the future and her commitment to creating more visibility, opportunity and community for women in the coaching space. This is a powerful conversation about identity, belief, and finding meaning beyond medals. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:51:39

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Sarah Massey: Mastering Mega Sports Events

3/11/2025
What does it take to lead some of the biggest sporting events in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Massey, Managing Director of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, to uncover the strategy, ambition and passion behind running global sports championships. With over 30 years of experience, Sarah has played pivotal roles in organising major sporting events, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships, as well as working at the very top of global sports including athletics, rugby, tennis and hockey. Before taking this key role at World Rugby, Sarah was CEO of the World Athletics Championship Oregon22, having also worked at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF). From her early days at Loughborough University to managing international sporting events, Sarah shares her journey through the world of sports leadership. She talks candidly about the challenges of organising major global events, the importance of building an inclusive and high-performing team, and the key to balancing multiple stakeholders in an ever-evolving sports landscape. Sarah also reflects on the impact of gender equality in sport. We explore how the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to break records in attendance and visibility as Sarah offers a behind-the-scenes look at what fans can expect from the tournament, how cities and communities are embracing the event, and what legacy she hopes it will leave for women’s rugby worldwide. If you’re passionate about sports management, leadership or the advancement of women's sports, this episode offers valuable perspectives from one of the industry's leading figures. Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:44:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Tracey Crouch: Breaking Barriers in Sport and Politics

3/4/2025
"Women’s sport has come so far, but there’s still a long way to go in terms of investment and opportunity." In this fascinating episode of The Game Changers, host Sue Anstiss sits down with Dame Tracey Crouch, an influential figure in both sports and politics. Tracey shares her personal journey from growing up as a passionate sports enthusiast to serving as the UK's Minister for Sport. Her political career was defined by her commitment to grassroots sport, governance reform and championing women’s participation in sport. Tracey also opens up about her decision to step away from politics, her ongoing work in the private sector, and how her personal battle with breast cancer re-shaped her outlook on life and leadership. Throughout the conversation, Tracey provides unique insights into the intersection of sports and policy, the challenges facing women’s sport and the steps needed to create systemic change in the industry. Links & Resources: Twitter/XLinkedInHanover CommunicationsThe Game Changers PodcastStay Connected: Subscribe to The Game Changers for more inspiring conversations with women breaking barriers in sport. Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. #TheGameChangers #TraceyCrouch #WomenInSport #Football #Leadership #Podcast Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:43:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Series 19 of The Game Changers

2/25/2025
Hello and welcome back to The Game Changers, the podcast where you'll hear from trailblazing women in sport who are challenging the status quo for women and girls everywhere. What can we learn from their stories as we explore equality in sport and beyond. This is the 19th series of The Game Changers and what an incredible range of guests we have. Talented, inspiring women who are changing the game in sport. With new episodes launching every Tuesday from March 4, the guests for this series include: Dame Tracey Crouch – The former sports Minister, who drove huge change in British sport and served as an MP for 14 years before standing down in 2024 and becoming Managing Director of Hanover Sport Mel Marshall – a former Olympic swimmer turned highly respected coach, best known for coaching Adam Peaty to multiple world records and Olympic golds. Sarah Massey – Managing Director of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, who shares her extensive experience in delivering major international sporting events. Professor Kirsty Elliott-Sale – a leader in female sports science and exercise physiology who heads the Centre of Excellence for Women in Sport at Manchester Metropolitan University. Jess Thirlby - head coach of the England Netball team – Jess is a former international player with extensive experience in the sport, known for her strategic acumen and dedication to the netball community. Khalida Popal - former captain of the Afghanistan women's national football team and a pioneering activist who has dedicated her life to empowering women through sport, advocating for gender equality, and using football as a tool for social change. Lucy Wray – the former CEO of Saracens Rugby Club, who is now helping to shape the future of women's sport and is co-owner of London Mavericks Netball Team. And Jenny Meadows - a world-class middle-distance runner, World Championship bronze medallist and Olympian, who is now an award-winning coach, recently honoured as the BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year. The Game Changers is available for free wherever you find your podcasts or you can listen directly from our website at fearlesswomen.co.uk. Please do start following the podcast now so you don’t miss out on these brilliant new conversations. We also have a fantastic back catalogue of over free 200 episodes – including interviews with elite athletes, broadcasters, coaches, entrepreneurs, scientists, journalists and CEOs – all women who are changing the game in sport. The whole of Sue Anstiss’ book ‘Game On: The Unstoppable Rise of Women’s Sport’ is also available on the podcast. You’ll find a free audio book in series 13. As well as listening to The Game Changers on the Fearless Women website, it’s also where you can find out more about the Women's Sport Collective, a free inclusive community for all women working in sport. We now have over 10,000 members across the world, so please do come and join us. Do come and say hello on social media where you’ll find the host of The Game Changers @sueanstiss Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award. Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers Hosted by Sue Anstiss Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media A Fearless Women production

Duration:00:05:33