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Court-side moms

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Bright lights, centre court, multimillion dollar contracts and adoring fans. That’s what most of us imagine when we think of the world of professional athletes. But what is the story behind the images? What does the road to stardom look like? What does it take to get there? Who better to answer these questions and many more, than the moms who were there every step of the way.“Court-Side Moms” is the first of its kind to focus solely on the experiences of professional basketball player’s mothers, giving us a new perspective on the lives of some of our favorite athletes. We explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences of those moms who have watched their children join the elite world of pro sports. The joys, the challenges, the heart aches, the big and small moments that transformed their lives and those of their children. No one understands this better than Wendy Sparks, the mother of Toronto Raptors Center, Khem Birch and the host of Court-side Moms. Wendy will sit down with other basketball moms to hear their stories, creating the first platform for moms to kick back and chat about their kids, and to discuss the reality of raising high performance athletes.

Location:

Canada

Description:

Bright lights, centre court, multimillion dollar contracts and adoring fans. That’s what most of us imagine when we think of the world of professional athletes. But what is the story behind the images? What does the road to stardom look like? What does it take to get there? Who better to answer these questions and many more, than the moms who were there every step of the way.“Court-Side Moms” is the first of its kind to focus solely on the experiences of professional basketball player’s mothers, giving us a new perspective on the lives of some of our favorite athletes. We explore the thoughts, feelings and experiences of those moms who have watched their children join the elite world of pro sports. The joys, the challenges, the heart aches, the big and small moments that transformed their lives and those of their children. No one understands this better than Wendy Sparks, the mother of Toronto Raptors Center, Khem Birch and the host of Court-side Moms. Wendy will sit down with other basketball moms to hear their stories, creating the first platform for moms to kick back and chat about their kids, and to discuss the reality of raising high performance athletes.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Justin Champagnie's mom, Christina Champagnie

6/30/2022

Duration:00:38:24

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Janie Williams, Mother of Patrick Williams

6/8/2022
Wendy sits down with Janie Williams, mother of Patrick Williams to discuss his rise to a professional athlete! From North Carolina, to Florida State to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls.

Duration:01:04:20

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Changing the Culture of Sports

5/17/2022
Physical and Psychological abuse is real amongst athletes and it is time to stand up and be fearless and change the culture. In this episode Wendy shares examples of how athletes are being bullied and abused and talks about how this must change

Duration:00:11:26

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Sanciarhea Jones mother of Brionna and Stephanie Jones

5/11/2022
As a mother who loves basketball as much as her children do, Sanciarhea shares her joy of navigating her kids to becoming professional basketball players!

Duration:00:59:28

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Fans and Families of Professional Players

5/10/2022
Security at games needs to tighten up more for families of professional players. Wendy shares her thoughts about a recent incident and about making a change. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:05:59

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The Offseason

5/4/2022
What does an offseason look like for these athletes once they’re done? For some it’s a way to get away from the travel and craziness of the life of pro basketball. Also we give you some insight into Wendy’s life! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:06:22

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Reflecting on Game 6, The Season and Reading Twitter Responses

4/29/2022
In today's recap, Wendy reflects on the series with the Sixers and what it was like watching the Raptors and Khem in the playoffs. She also gets on Twitter and responds to some of you lovely people. Shoutout to Scottie for winning Rookie of the Year !!!

Duration:00:06:18

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Lance Stephenson's mom, Bernadette Stephenson

4/27/2022
From playing in the NBA to overseas and then the g-league , Bernadette walks us through her family’s journey of navigating Lance’s career and talks about his recent return to the Indiana Pacers. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:14:56

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Game 3: We Almost Had Them

4/21/2022
Wendy talks about her return to Toronto for game three in the Raptors-76ers series and addresses the part time fans. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:05:29

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Rhyne Howard's mom, Rhvonja "RJ" Avery

4/20/2022
The Atlanta Dream got the night started by selecting Rhyne Howard out of Kentucky with the No. 1 overall pick - just a little over a week ago at the 2022 WNBA Draft. RJ is still trying to take it all in, the emotions are running high and she talks us through the journey and what is next for Rhyne. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:02:38

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Game 1: Was it really fair?

4/18/2022
Wendy shares her reaction to Game 1 of the Raptors - 76ers playoff series. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:08:45

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The WNBA! How can you not love it?

4/14/2022
Wendy talks about the WNBA draft and her love for the league. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:08:17

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Twitter Q&A, Let's Discuss All Things Raps!

4/8/2022
Join Wendy on our new segment where we ask the questions fans and discuss all things around Court-side Moms, Raptors and a lot more! Today we discuss the Toronto Raptors season as we head into the playoffs. Let's go Raptors! #wethenorth Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:11:09

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Tyrese Maxey’s mom, Denyse Maxey

4/6/2022
A Mother of three amazing kids, a teacher, an NBA player, and a volleyball player. Denyse is passionate about the community work she’s involved with and still is very much a part of corporate America. From the time he left the hospital at birth, Tyrese has been surrounded by basketball. Dribbling a ball at 4 years old and watching his dad coach the first thing he ever wrote was X’s & O’s. The college selection process and why Kentucky? It started with Coach Calipari and his coaching style. Tyrese wanted to be coached by Cal and his heart was with Kentucky. We learn how close-knit they are as a family - the decision process in selecting team Maxey, preparing for the draft and his first year as a pro. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:26:19

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Paris Bass’ mom, Kelly Slaughter

3/23/2022
Welcome Kelly, mother of four, Police Sergeant with the Detroit Police, and former basketball player at Chicago State. Kelly's earliest memories of Paris playing basketball were when he was 4 years old watching her play. Paris, a standout at Seaholm High School garnered multiple scholarships but the Detroit Mercy recruited him early and ultimately he committed to the Mercy. After six years overseas Paris decided to come home and make a push for an NBA opportunity, signing with the South Bay Lakers and later making his NBA debut with the Phoenix Suns on January 2nd, 2022. Kelly talks about how special it is to see her son living out his dream playing basketball. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:42:01

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Saben Lee's mom, Natalie Williams

3/16/2022
Saben Lee…his first word was not mom, it was not dad, it was ball! Saben always wanted to be around the game, from a young age he’s always gravitated towards basketball and has such a passion for the game. How special it was for Saben to play at Vanderbilt the same university his mom attended to declaring for the NBA Draft. Even with all the noise and doubters Natalie supported his decision to declare and go all in for the draft. How he transitioned from college to the NBA and the differences that come with making basketball your career. Even today, Natalie is still his #1 fan - you will find her at the game rocking all the Pistons gear and cheering on her son! Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:53:47

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Nikki Alexander Reflecting On The Journey

3/9/2022
A very special episode with Nikki Alexander as we sit down in the same high school gym where Nickeil Alexander-Walker started his high school career. Sitting center court reflecting on his journey, did Nikki ever think that when he left for prep school in the US it would lead to an NBA career? Nikki shares how she supports Nickeil from afar and the recent trade that sent Nickeil to Utah. Special shoutout to the Toronto Raptors for being a part of this day through Open Gym and to Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School for allowing us to use the facilities to film. Thank you Gus Gymnopoulos. As we celebrate Women's History Month we are excited and honoured to be featured in this week's episode of Open Gym premiering on Friday, March 11th. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:00:43:35

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Trey Murphy III mom, Albeda Murphy

3/2/2022
Rookie small forward Trey Murphy's mom Albeda walks us through the journey Trey and the family have been on. Playing professional basketball and hearing your name called on Draft Night is special, how self-belief and family support got Trey to the NBA when he went underlooked his entire life. Now a rookie with the Pelicans the sky's the limit. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:16:57

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Jaren Jackson Jr. mom, Terri Carmichael Jackson

2/23/2022
A woman who wears many hats, Terri is the Executive Director for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. Her family lives basketball 24/7 from her husband who played in the NBA, to her son Jaren Jackson Jr. a young star for the Memphis Grizzlies. The only family in basketball that was in all three bubbles during the 2020 season. We get an inside family perspective on the WNBA, NBA, and G-League. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:22:01

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Mario Chalmers mom, Almarie Chalmers

2/3/2022
Almarie jokes that the earliest memories of Mario and basketball started in the womb, but in reality as early as him sitting on a potty chair. Almarie talks us through the incredible journey that basketball has taken Mario on. From two Championships in Miami to winning in Europe it is an incredible story of love and basketball. Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/courtsidemoms/

Duration:01:17:18