Women's Motorsports Network Podcast - Fuel Her Future Podcast

Melinda Russell
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. The first episode was in 2018 and new episodes are added each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to Melinda at melinda@wmnnation.com. Fuel Her Future with Melinda Russell  is a solo podcast that began in June of 2026, Fueling Your Future with Inspiration, Encouragement, Courage, Confidence, and Community. https://www.facebook.com/womensmotorsportsnetworkandpodcast www.womensmotorsportsnetwork.comBased in Kalamazoo, MI

  1. Aug 20

    New Podcast Episode Features "Amanda", Actress in PONY Movie

    Women’s motorsports, representation, and the making of a race film come together in this conversation with Rebecca, who plays Amanda in the upcoming movie about two sisters in dirt racing. If you’ve ever wondered how an actor goes from knowing very little about racing to feeling at home at the track, this episode gives you that inside look. Rebecca shares what it was like filming at Bridgeport Speedway, learning the rhythm of dirt racing, and stepping into a role that puts women front and center as competitive, capable, and undeniable. The discussion also explores why family, resilience, and female representation matter so much in motorsports. From the energy of the pits to the emotional weight of crash scenes, this episode highlights the authenticity behind the film and the bigger message it carries for young girls, racing families, and anyone chasing a dream in a male-dominated space. Key Topics[00:00:51] - Melinda introduces the episode and teases the new women-in-motorsports movie[00:01:19] - Rebecca introduces herself as a South Jersey content creator, Twitch streamer, and new dirt racing fan[00:01:54] - How Rebecca got cast and first heard about the film[00:03:32] - Learning dirt racing from the ground up and researching the track environment[00:04:35] - Driving the car, sim racing, and the difference between gaming and real racing[00:05:43] - Filming at Bridgeport Speedway and what surprised Rebecca most about the pits[00:07:33] - Why female representation in motorsports matters in film[00:08:31] - Emotional scenes, crash realism, and the human side of racing[00:10:07] - Connecting the role to being an older sister and a female gamer in a male-dominated world[00:11:16] - The biggest takeaway: family, dedication, and champion racers[00:12:38] - Rebecca and Pony’s off-screen relationship and building a sister-like bond[00:18:23] - Meeting stunt driver Alana Carter at PRI[00:19:57] - The intensity of the racing scenes and the power of authentic footage[00:24:42] - How the role changed Rebecca’s mindset and future plans in motorsports[00:26:34] - What Rebecca hopes people remember about the film decades from now[00:29:13] - Advice for young women who want to race: homework, safety, and fearlessness[00:30:32] - Family legacy in racing and why the story resonates beyond just two sisters Relevant LinksWomen in Motorsports North America: https://www.womeninmotorsportsna.com/ PRI Trade Show: https://www.performanceracing.com/pri-show Bridgeport Speedway: https://bridgeportspeedway.com/ Rebecca’s Twitch platform: https://www.twitch.tv/ This conversation is a reminder that motorsports is built on family, teamwork, and stories worth preserving. Rebecca’s journey from gamer to on-screen racer shows how quickly passion can turn into purpose when someone is given the chance to step into the world and feel its energy firsthand. It’s also a celebration of women who belong in every part of racing—from the cockpit to the pits to the big screen. If you believe representation opens doors, this episode will leave you inspired to watch closely, speak up, and keep pushing forward.

  2. Aug 7

    Anissa Bezanson: How Loud Is Racing? The Truth About Hearing Damage

    Hearing protection in motorsports can make the difference between enjoying race day for a lifetime and living with preventable hearing loss. In this conversation, Melinda Russell talks with audiologist Anissa Bezanson about what really happens to your ears around race cars, why so many fans and families don’t realize the risk, and how simple changes can protect every age group at the track. Anissa brings a unique perspective as both a hearing professional and a race mom. She explains how repeated exposure to loud engines affects the delicate hair cells inside the ear, why hearing loss often starts in the high pitches, and why “I’m used to the noise” is not the same as being protected. The discussion also covers practical solutions for tracks, race families, and spectators: earplugs, kid-friendly earmuffs, electronic hearing protection, rentals, signage, and making hearing safety as normal as sunscreen or seat belts. If you’ve ever thought hearing protection was optional, this episode gives you a strong reason to rethink that. Key Topics[00:02:53] - Meet Anissa Bezanson and her background as an audiologist[00:03:38] - Occupational hearing conservation and what audiologists do[00:04:23] - How motorsports entered her life through her son’s racing[00:05:10] - Why loud race environments create real hearing risk[00:08:37] - What happens inside the ear when noise exposure becomes damaging[00:09:46] - Visualizing hair cell damage and hearing loss progression[00:10:17] - Why high-pitch hearing loss is easy to miss at first[00:13:15] - Choosing the right hearing protection for racers and fans[00:14:13] - Push-to-fit earplugs, fit issues, and convenience at the track[00:16:09] - Product options for covering babies through adults[00:18:12] - Making hearing protection available at ticketing and around the venue[00:22:39] - Noise dose studies and why total exposure matters[00:23:27] - Race-day dosimeter results and what they reveal[00:25:25] - Starting hearing protection habits early with kids[00:30:28] - Electronic earmuffs and how they help spectators and staff[00:37:20] - Auditory Defense, educational resources, and wholesale options[00:39:37] - Custom hearing protection, branding, and track partnerships Relevant LinksAuditory Defense: https://auditorydefense.com Email Anissa Bezanson: anisa@auditorydefense.com Freedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.com Pit Crew Creations (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/pitcrewcreations Pit Crew Creations (Etsy): https://pitcrewcreationsshop.etsy.com SendOutCards: https://sendoutcards.com/5324zero Anissa’s message is simple: protecting hearing doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or inconvenient. With the right products and a little education, race fans, drivers, kids, and track staff can enjoy the sound of racing without paying for it later. The best time to normalize hearing protection is now, especially for the next generation. Start early, make it easy, and make it part of the race-day routine.

    Anissa Bezanson: How Loud Is Racing? The Truth About Hearing Damage

  3. Aug 4

    From Spectator to Racer: How Tiffany Towns Built Confidence One Lap at a Time

    Tiffany Towns shares what it’s like to build a racing life later in adulthood, compete in a male-dominated class, and grow into her own identity on the track. From first-time nerves to first-place finishes, this conversation highlights how dirt track racing can sharpen confidence, communication, and resilience. She also opens up about the realities behind the fun: learning the sport from the passenger-side perspective first, handling setbacks like rollovers and mechanical failures, and finding balance as one half of a husband-and-wife racing team. Tiffany’s story is a reminder that motorsports is about more than speed — it’s about persistence, support, and showing up again after every hard hit. Melinda and Tiffany also talk about family, community, small-town racing culture in Oregon, and why more women and girls should feel encouraged to get behind the wheel. Key Topics[00:02:28] - Meet Tiffany Towns and hear a little about her life outside racing[00:03:56] - How she first got introduced to motorsports through her husband and local tracks[00:05:51] - Early racing experiences, powder puff wins, and rolling a car for the first time[00:07:55] - Starting her own race program, choosing car number 24, and building confidence[00:09:54] - Creating her own identity while racing alongside a highly accomplished husband[00:13:43] - What she loves most about racing: the highs, lows, and unpredictability[00:15:15] - Different classes, dirt racing, and how Tiffany and her husband support each other[00:18:22] - How racing has improved communication and patience in their relationship[00:21:39] - Learning thicker skin in a male-dominated sport[00:24:30] - Cottage Grove’s Bohemia Mining Days parade and small-town racing community[00:29:06] - A tough heartbreak, bouncing back, and Tiffany’s advice for young girls in motorsports[00:32:55] - Where to follow Tiffany on social media Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comPit Crew Creations on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pit Crew Creations on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/SendOutCards: https://sendoutcards.com/5324zeroWomen's Motorsports Network: https://womensmotorsportsnetwork.com Tiffany’s story shows that it’s never too late to start, learn, and compete with heart. Her journey is proof that confidence grows one lap at a time — and that success in racing can look like progress, perseverance, and having fun along the way. If you’re a woman in motorsports, a racing fan, or someone chasing a dream later in life, this episode will leave you inspired to keep going, keep learning, and keep showing up.

    From Spectator to Racer: How Tiffany Towns Built Confidence One Lap at a Time

  4. Jul 29

    Why Right to Race Matters: Tierra Hubbard Explains the Fight to Protect America's Race Tracks

    Women’s motorsports and the fight for the right to race take center stage in this conversation with Tierra Hubbard, Director of Government Affairs for Racing at SEMA and PRI. She breaks down what advocacy looks like in real life, why legislation matters for racetracks, and how policy decisions can protect an entire motorsports ecosystem. Melinda Russell and Tierra also unpack a major misconception about right-to-race laws: these bills do not override local government authority. Instead, they help protect long-standing tracks from nuisance lawsuits when development moves in around them. The conversation goes beyond racing to show how these issues affect jobs, tourism, local businesses, and the future of grassroots motorsports. Tierra shares what her work looks like across 50 states, how lawmakers are educated, and why motorsports supporters need to stay engaged. She also offers practical ways listeners can help if they want to support racetracks in their own communities. Key Topics[00:02:29] - Introduction to Tierra Hubbard and her role in government affairs for racing[00:06:53] - How right-to-race advocacy works across state legislatures[00:11:27] - Michigan’s right-to-race bill and current legislative status[00:13:41] - Clearing up misconceptions about local zoning, home rule, and racetrack protections[00:17:09] - The impact of nuisance lawsuits on long-standing racetracks[00:23:45] - Nearly 300 lawmakers contacted across 41 states[00:24:20] - States that have already passed right-to-race legislation[00:26:41] - How listeners can get involved and support motorsports advocacy[00:30:45] - Why motorsports is bigger than the race itself: jobs, tourism, and family legacy[00:33:29] - The $70 billion economic impact of performance racing in the U.S. Relevant LinksSEMA Advocacy: https://www.sema.org/advocacyPRI: https://www.performanceracing.com/SEMA: https://www.sema.org/Freedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.com/Pit Crew Creations: https://pitcrewcreationsshop.etsy.com/SendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/ Tierra encourages anyone interested in helping to visit the SEMA advocacy page, contact their lawmakers, or reach out directly for guidance on where to start. Whether it’s writing a letter, attending a hearing, or simply spreading awareness, every action helps strengthen the future of motorsports. If you care about short tracks, drag strips, and the communities built around them, this conversation is a reminder that advocacy matters just as much as horsepower.

    Why Right to Race Matters: Tierra Hubbard Explains the Fight to Protect America's Race Tracks

  5. Jul 28

    Olivia Grimes on Family, Racing, and Never Giving Up

    Olivia Grimes shares how a family racing tradition turned into a growing dirt-track career, from quarter midgets to winged outlaw karts and sprint cars. At just 15, she’s already learning the speed, skill, and resilience it takes to keep improving while traveling across multiple states to race. This conversation highlights the realities of girls in motorsports: long travel days, working on the car as a family, finding support, handling bad race days, and staying motivated when progress takes time. Olivia also opens up about the joy of the racing community, the pressure and excitement of competition, and her dream of eventually moving into bigger sprint cars and a top team. Listeners will hear what it’s like to balance racing, homeschooling, family life, and competition while building confidence one lap at a time. Key Topics[00:02:13] - Intro to guest Olivia Grimes and her racing background[00:04:13] - How Olivia got started in racing through her dad’s motorsports journey[00:05:20] - Biggest learning curve: pavement vs. dirt racing[00:06:10] - What Olivia loves about winged sprint cars[00:06:31] - Car details: number 2G, colors, and outlaw kart setup[00:07:16] - Home track, long-distance travel, and racing in Illinois from Alabama[00:10:23] - First strong result in the outlaw car and growing confidence[00:11:39] - Family involvement in car maintenance and race-day prep[00:12:36] - Why the racing community means so much to her[00:13:16] - Social media and following Grimes Motorsports[00:16:36] - Sponsorship challenges and fundraising as a family team[00:18:27] - How racing has brought Olivia’s family closer together[00:19:54] - Why motorsports keeps her focused and motivated[00:21:36] - Handling bad race days and bouncing back mentally[00:22:55] - Favorite track, first heat-race win, and future goals[00:26:10] - Big-picture dreams: moving up to larger sprint cars[00:27:01] - Olivia’s inspiration from Kaylee Bryson[00:28:34] - Racing season timeline and upcoming events Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comSendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/5324zeroPit Crew Creations: https://piccrewcreationsshop.etsy.comPit Crew Creations on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ Olivia’s story is a great reminder that motorsports is built on persistence, teamwork, and belief. Whether the day ends in a win or a lesson, she approaches it with the mindset that every race is a chance to grow. Her journey also shows how racing can become a family mission, bringing parents, siblings, and grandparents into the same garage, the same trailer, and the same dream. With more laps, more learning, and more support, Olivia is clearly building toward something bigger.

    Olivia Grimes on Family, Racing, and Never Giving Up

  6. Jul 25

    Maddi Gordon: Racing as a family tradition and a shared passion

    Women’s motorsports is built on family, grit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence — and this conversation with Maddi Gordon brings all of that to life. From junior dragsters to Top Fuel aspirations, Maddi shares how a racing family, strong mentors, and a deep love for the sport shaped her path. This episode goes beyond the wins. Maddi opens up about the pressure of competition, learning to handle tough days, and why finding the positives in every run has become one of her most valuable tools on and off the track. Her perspective on growth, resilience, and teamwork offers plenty for young racers, parents, and fans alike. You’ll also hear how her role has evolved as a professional driver, what it means to be part of a racing team in a bigger way, and why family legacy still matters just as much as speed. Maddi’s story is a reminder that success in drag racing comes from preparation, self-awareness, and the people who believe in you. Key Topics[00:00:48] - Lift and jack safety in the shop and at the track, plus Freedom Race Lifts[00:02:06] - Save the Girls touchscreen purse sponsor message[00:02:35] - Meet guest Maddi Gordon: third-generation racer from Paso Robles, California[00:04:53] - Childhood memories, racing as a family, and no Barbie-doll phase[00:06:24] - Starting out in junior dragsters and racing through multiple classes[00:09:54] - Learning clutch, shifting, and engine knowledge through junior comp cars[00:10:48] - Moving into Super Comp, Top Dragster, and alcohol funny car[00:12:05] - Handling tough days, setbacks, and staying motivated[00:13:42] - Finding positives, diagnosing runs, and building toward excellence[00:16:16] - Transitioning into Maddi’s first year as a professional race car driver[00:19:47] - Season highlights, first semifinal run, and first Top Fuel win in Norwalk[00:22:26] - Family schedule, support system, and how often they can attend races[00:24:33] - Racing as a family tradition and a shared passion[00:26:29] - Representation, family values, and learning to carry the Gordon name with pride[00:27:16] - School life, missing class for racing, and staying disciplined[00:29:46] - How racing has shaped Maddi’s identity and confidence[00:35:12] - Where to follow Maddi Gordon Racing and Ron Capps Motorsports[00:36:28] - Advice for the next generation: dream big, work hard, and build support[00:38:44] - Looking ahead to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest Nationals Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://www.freedomracelifts.com/ Save the Girls: https://savethegirls.com/ SendOutCards: https://www.sendoutcards.com/ Ron Capps Motorsports: https://roncappsmotorsports.com/ Maddi Gordon Racing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Ron Capps Motorsports on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Women's Motorsports Network: https://womensmotorsportsnetwork.com/ NHRA: https://www.nhra.com/ Maddi’s story is a powerful example of what happens when passion meets preparation and family support. Her journey shows that racing is about more than results — it’s about growth, discipline, and the confidence to keep moving forward. As her career continues to rise, her message stays grounded: learn the car, respect the process, and never stop chasing the next opportunity. If you love drag racing, women in motorsports, and stories built on heart, this is one to remember.

    Maddi Gordon: Racing as a family tradition and a shared passion

  7. Jul 24

    What Youth Racing Is Teaching Athena Rose Webster About Life

    Athena Rose Webster shares what it’s like to fall in love with racing at just four years old and keep building skill, confidence, and speed as a young kart driver. From her first NASCAR experience to competing at tracks across Missouri and Kansas, this conversation shows how early exposure, family support, and persistence can turn curiosity into a real motorsports journey. She talks about the different karts she drives, what it’s like being one of the few girls in her class, and how she stays focused when races get chaotic. Along the way, Athena opens up about learning racing lines, handling disappointment, working with her mom and dad in the pits, and why she believes there’s always another race. Her story is also a reminder that racing isn’t just about competition—it’s about friendships, family time, sponsors, and being an example for other young girls who might be thinking about giving it a try. Key Topics[00:01:53] - Discovering racing at age four after attending a NASCAR race[00:03:25] - Getting family involved and moving from practice to first race[00:03:36] - The different karts Athena drives: track car, wing car, flat kart, junior sprint[00:05:38] - Traveling to different tracks and making new friends[00:06:15] - Being one of the few girls in the class and why racing matters[00:07:25] - Support system: family, brother Apollo, and sponsors[00:09:17] - Learning racing lines and other early challenges[00:10:41] - Race-day mindset and passing strategy[00:12:42] - Tulsa Shootout experience and a third-place C-main finish[00:14:07] - Kart colors, number 15, and family racing setup[00:17:25] - Pit jobs, tire cleaning, oil changes, and helping mom[00:18:57] - Staying calm after a bad race: “You always have another chance”[00:20:35] - How social media helps grow racing and inspire other kids[00:22:38] - Trophies, wins, and moving up from kid kart to cadet kart[00:27:34] - Future goals: stepping up to bigger cars over time Relevant LinksAthena Rose Racing on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kansas City Karting Association (KCKA): https://www.kckarting.com/Tulsa Shootout: https://www.tulsashootout.com/Flo Racing: https://www.floracing.com/High Limit Racing: https://www.highlimitracing.com/ Athena’s journey is proof that young drivers can learn fast, grow with every race, and build a future in motorsports one step at a time. Her attitude, her work ethic, and her love for racing make this a great listen for families, young racers, and anyone who wants to see more girls in karting and sprint cars. If you’re near one of her tracks, follow along, show up, and cheer her on—because athletes like Athena are helping make racing more welcoming for the next generation.

    What Youth Racing Is Teaching Athena Rose Webster About Life

  8. Jul 22

    Girls Belong in Racing: Zoey Smith Is Proving It Every Weekend

    Racing is built in the shop just as much as it is on the track, and this conversation with 15-year-old legend car driver Zoey Smith shows exactly why that matters. From her first kart at age eight to competing in the Summer Shootout, Zoey shares what it takes to grow in motorsports, stay confident through tough seasons, and keep learning every time she rolls onto the track. She talks about the lessons that racing has taught her—patience, confidence, mental focus, and how to communicate what the car is doing—while also opening up about family support, race-day routines, and the work most fans never see. If you love young driver stories, dirt-to-asphalt transitions, and the next generation of women in racing, this one is for you. This episode also highlights safer garage and track equipment, plus the sponsors and support systems that help racers keep moving forward. Zoey’s perspective is a great reminder that motorsports isn’t just about speed; it’s about perseverance, community, and learning how to keep going when results don’t come right away. Key Topics[00:02:35] - Introduction to Zoey Smith and her background in racing[00:04:04] - How Zoey got started: family influence and her first kart[00:05:00] - What Zoey remembers about her first race[00:06:15] - Learning to give feedback on car handling and setup[00:07:00] - The encouragement and support she’s received from her dad[00:08:16] - First-race nerves, excitement, and advice for beginners[00:09:58] - A memorable run at Knoxville and English Creek in 2022[00:12:11] - Transitioning from dirt to asphalt and racing legend cars[00:13:37] - Tough seasons, losing streaks, and bouncing back stronger[00:15:07] - Confidence, patience, and life lessons racing has taught her[00:16:06] - The work fans don’t see: long shop nights and preparation[00:17:47] - Mental preparation and keeping race day simple[00:19:44] - Encouraging more girls to try racing[00:20:47] - The challenge of moving into legend cars[00:22:37] - Long-term goals and staying involved in motorsports[00:23:41] - Zoey’s impact on younger girls at the track[00:24:17] - Favorite track: Charlotte Motor Speedway area events[00:26:09] - Favorite racing memory and the community around Charlotte[00:27:18] - Why the racetrack atmosphere keeps her coming back[00:27:50] - Race-day superstitions and traditions[00:29:06] - Favorite track food and racing rivalries[00:30:16] - Music before racing and preferred playlist vibe[00:30:52] - Favorite place to start in the field[00:31:52] - Car number 44 and the family connection behind it[00:32:44] - Wins, sponsors, and where to find Zoey online[00:35:17] - Dream events: Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout[00:36:12] - Summer Shootout on FloRacing and closing remarks Relevant LinksFreedom Race Lifts: https://freedomracelifts.comSave the Girls: https://savethegirls.comFloRacing: https://www.floracing.comPic Crew Creations: https://www.etsy.com/shop/piccrewcreationsshopWomen’s Motorsports Network on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zoey Smith Racing on Facebook: search “Zoey Smith Racing”Zoey Smith Racing on Instagram: search “Zoey Smith Racing” Zoey’s story is a strong reminder that progress in racing comes from persistence, support, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether she’s chasing speed in legend cars or dreaming about the Chili Bowl and Tulsa Shootout, her future in motorsports is already being shaped by the work she puts in today. For young racers and families listening, the biggest takeaway is simple: don’t quit after the first rough outing. Keep building, keep asking questions, and keep showing up. That’s how confidence grows, how skills sharpen, and how a passion for racing turns into something lasting.

    Girls Belong in Racing: Zoey Smith Is Proving It Every Weekend
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About

Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. The first episode was in 2018 and new episodes are added each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to Melinda at melinda@wmnnation.com. Fuel Her Future with Melinda Russell  is a solo podcast that began in June of 2026, Fueling Your Future with Inspiration, Encouragement, Courage, Confidence, and Community. https://www.facebook.com/womensmotorsportsnetworkandpodcast www.womensmotorsportsnetwork.comBased in Kalamazoo, MI

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