Husky Talk- Conversations With Cully And Conlon

Maria Conlon with Stephen Cully

UConn basketball legend and 3 time National Champion Maria Conlon joins Former Steve Cully to talk women's sports, college basketball, WNBA, coaching and parenting. Reflecting on our careers, life after graduation, sharing how Maria built success along the way. We also discuss politics and social media. Maria has a warm heart and unique perspective offering unique insight. We dive into topics others are avoiding and provide real analysis. Maria works in wealth management and owns a restaurant. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/husky-talk-conversations-with-cully-and-conlon/id1745169339

  1. Aug 28

    Kanter Meets a Cloud

    Former UConn Women's Basketball Legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, part time model, part time Rockstar, LPGA Hopeful, Full time mom, Maria Conlon is here to have a talk with her good looking friend Cully. More chaos in the WNBA, some upset victories, and can Maria play a 5th season at UConn. We are working on getting her elgible after filing a lawsuit in Connecticut state court.The big news story from the WNBA is Enes Kanter being ejected from a game between Chicago Sky and Indiana after Sky guard Natasha Cloud was fired up after scoring, causing Indiana to take a time out. Clouds turn to storms as she begins shouting and walking towards Kanter. A stunning confrontation, Kanter took a few steps, as he was sitting on the other end of the court, Cloud did not appear happy as she exchanged pleasantries with Enes. Fans say Enes did nothing to start or escalate the situation. I believe that had already begun when he declared himself for the WNBA draft, then attended the game wearing a shirt that said Woman. Frank Cristiano we are calling you out, this is not WWE scripted to increase attention and ratings. I am insulted you believe Cloud, Kanter could pull this off better than the Undertaker, Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, or CM Punk. You can’t compare Cloud and Kanter to WWEs best.Maria said she wasn’t going to comment because regardless of what you say, a significant group will be angry. Maria said it’s disappointing because this is drawing attention away from an outstanding season closing fast. Dallas secured the final playoff spot but the order of teams can change, with a 2 week break for FIBA, it’s a long break before season’s end.Maria spoke highly again about Golden State Valkyries. We marveled at an expansion team possibly finishing 2nd in the league, we talked about being impressed if they made the playoffs all together. She said they have a great coach, are a complete team, and have shown they can play with Minnesota.We went over how only 3 games separate 8th ranked Dallas Wings and the 3rd best team Las Vegas Aces. Atlanta Dream had a great week moving up to the 4th spot, while Indiana Fever moved back to 5th. It’s a race to the finish and see what the final positions for the playoffs are. The big win over the weekend was New York Liberty dropping Indiana who was rolling. Minnesota Lynx beating Golden State and then last night losing to them. Maria thinks if Washington Mystics can move up from 7th, they could be a surprise, especially with the first round being only a a 3 game series.Finally, Maria and I pontificate who will be MVP. No question, Minnesota guard Olivia Miles is taking home Rookie Of The Year, Maria said she is absolutely in the MVP discussion. Not since Candace Parker has a player won both ROY and MVP in the same season. I called Aja Wilson the Terminator, she is a machine who only gets better. Maria agrees, she could be an alien because she doesn’t slow down. Finally, Maria thinks Caitlin Clark could easily be MVP and has been an underrated candidate this season. A three level scorer, but Maria points out how opponents best defender in on her each game. Clark has elevated her teammates, especially Kelsey Plum, Aaliyah Boston, while still dropping 30 points on a night like nothing. We also give Angel Reese her flowers for setting a single game WNBA rebounding record and single season one as well.

  2. Aug 13

    WNBA Throws Gas on the FIRE

    Former UConn Women’s Basketball legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, part-time model, part-time rockstar, full-time mother, Maria Conlon is here to talk to her best friend Cully. We discuss the WNBA burning. Between arguments about gender, racism, politics, officiating, tremendous performances are being ignored. Maria always has the best answers.From the first minute you can feel it — the energy, honesty, humor, Maria brings. This conversation reminds us why we started our show: real people, stories transcending sports, we love talking the WNBA.Maria brings a mix of heart, grit, and straight‑up authenticity, we dive into everything.Everyone has a voice, an opinion, and nobody is afraid to use it. Maria talks about the chaos, and how the situation could have been handled better to prevent madness. DiJonai Carrington from Chicago fouled Sofie Cunningham hard. Maria pointed out how close it was to dangerously hurting Cunningham. Coach Stephanie White was with Carrington last season and defended her at the press conference, raising eyebrows of Caitlin Clark, and teammates. The Lieutenant Governor of Indiana called for White to be fired. Maria talked about White handling things differently, but we get caught up in emotion. She could have said the facts were not present before her remarks.As a result, White came out blazing last night in her press conference, stressing she's 10 toes down with the women, told the media to "Go To Hell" which was cringe as Maria said.Carrington posted "WHITE PRIVLEDE" on X. She was referring to treatment white players receive, not Sofie. Cunningham is still facing backlash from her comments on trans athletes in the WNBA. Maria said a trans woman in France is dominating in Europe. wants to play in the WNBA.Maria said the politics, social issues are taking attention away from an outstanding WNBA season. Indiana is playing stellar, climbing the rankings. Minnesota clinched the playoffs, Golden State is rolling, Washington is so fun to watch, they have improved since the All-Star Break, moved up. While Dallas as dropped. We analyze the top 8 teams.

  3. Aug 12

    WNBA Keeping It Real

    UConn Women’s Basketball Legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, part-time model, part-time rockstar, Full-time Mother, Maria Conlon is here to talk to her handsome friend Cully. Maria’s talks All Star weekend and WNBA's second half of the season. Maria’s discusses Caitlin Clark & Paige Bueckers — Maria gives a high‑level comparison of two elite talents:Caitlin ClarkMaria talks Clark bending defenses from 30 feet out, her range forces defenses into a bind, and confidence unmatched. Her ability to control pacing, and Clark's impact goes beyond box scores. Caitlin has a loyal, rabid fanbase, along with many haters, making her a polarizing figure.Paige BueckersMaria shifts to Paige — poise, mid‑range mastery, footwork, ability to create separation, and a “quiet killer” mentality. Maria explains why Paige’s efficiency, decision‑making, and clutch gene put her in the MVP conversation. Averaging 20 points per game, shooting 38% from 3-point range, with 5.7 assists, puts Bueckers in rare company. 🔥 Team Breakdowns Dallas She talks about Dallas’ guard play, pace, and coaching, their roster construction gives them an explosive backcourt. Maria sees their young stars are evolving. Paige and Azzi have a chemistry; they are only improving.IndianaMaria dives into Indiana’s offensive firepower — how Clark elevates everyone, having Alyaih Boston, Cunningham, a strong supporting cast is making a difference. Indiana has the pieces to continue moving up the standings. Golden StateMaria loves Golden State’s culture, system, being 3rd in the standings is a huge surprise. She talks about how they do not have that one stand out star but play phenomenal team basketball. MinnesotaMaria gets passionate speaking on Minnesota’s toughness, discipline, offensive evolution, and why they’re the best team in the WNBA. Maria credits coach Cheryl Reeve, rookie Olivia Miles as a force who dominated. Napheesa Collier returned from injury that held her out the first part of the season. She is a top talent, and Maria can see the Lynx pulling away.

  4. Aug 7

    Stacey Nasser- Assistant Coach at West Conn

    Western Connecticut State University’s assistant coach, Newtown High School Assistant Athletic Director, part‑time volleyball star, part‑time model, Stacey Nasser — stepped in for Maria and was phenomenal.Her energy, honesty, and competitive fire was dynamic. All Star Weekend & the State of Women’s BasketballOne of the biggest segments of the show centered around the WNBA — not just the headlines, but the real conversations people should be having.Stacey brought a coach’s perspective, an athlete’s mentality, and a woman’s lived experience to the table as we broke down:⭐ WNBA All‑Star Weekend — What Worked, What Didn’t, and What Needs to ChangeWe dug into the excitement around the league’s growth, rising star power, and where All‑Star Weekend popped — but Stacey didn’t shy away from tough questions.She explained the league’s momentum and why this year’s All‑Star Weekend felt like a turning pointThe Caitlin Clark effect — Stacey said one player can shift an entire sport’s visibility and make an impact. We have seen Paige Buckers shine, Azzi Fudd become the first rookie to win the 3-point competition, and Olivia Miles, as a rookie, carry Minnesota while Napheesa Collier was out the first half of the season.Players still being attacked on social media, fans spewing hate was a major topic on WNBAs biggest weekend.Stacey didn’t sugarcoat anything. She hit on what young female athletes notice, how they respond, and they need the WNBA take threats seriously, so their women feel safe.Stacey went over the grind of college sports — pressure, expectations, culture.Coaching has changed, why communication matters more than ever. How being an assistant athletic director and having administrator experience helps Stacey as a coach, along with her enjoying time on the sidelines as well.Stacey was funny, honest, and provided brutal truth — exactly the kind of authenticity we want to hear!💬 Drop your thoughts — especially on WNBA All Star Weekend. Stacey brought the heat. Now it’s your turn!#Conversationswithcullyandconlon#wnba #stevecully#womensupportingwomen

  5. Jul 2

    Caitlin Clark- Officials- Liberty Win Commissioners Cup

    UConn legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, part time model, part-time rockstar, full time mother, Maria Conlon sits down with her best friend Cully, and the chemistry is unreal. It’s honest, it’s fiery, and Maria is a top analyst for all of Women's Basketball. This is straight-up WNBA gasoline — the kind of conversation that makes people stop scrolling, turn the volume up, and get loud in the comments.⚡ THE EPISODE HITS LIKE THIS:Sophie Cunningham’s finger point — the moment that blew up the league. It was art, pointing one finger caused a firestorm. When you are a star, not much is needed and Cunningham proved it!Caitlin Clark vs. everybody — why she’s lighting up the W and pissing off half of it. Fans, teammates feel she is not being protected, while others think she just whines.Maria can see both sides, Alyssa Thomas may have been too rough and was assessed with a Flagrant 2 foul after the game. But Maria also can see Caitlin acting over the top for foul calls, that is not the best look and makes her unlikable to players in the league.Real coach perspective from Maria Conlon — inside the game talk from a multiple time NCAA champion and successful college coach, who is an outstanding analyst for women's basketball. Power rankings breakdown — who’s rising, who’s slipping, who’s faking it. Maria called Washington being a team to beat before the season and now they are starting to roll, moving on up.NY Liberty winning the Commissioners Cup for the 2nd year in a row, Breanna Stewart dominating, leading the Liberty to win. 🎙️ THE VIBEIt’s raw.It’s two best friends and a basketball mind who’s seen it all — breaking down a league that’s hotter, louder, and more chaotic than ever.🚀 WHY THIS EPISODE GRABS PEOPLEIt's not just commentary — it’s real emotion, real basketball IQ, and real friendship. It’s the kind of conversation fans wish they could hear on ESPN but never will.

    Caitlin Clark- Officials- Liberty Win Commissioners Cup
  6. Jun 12

    Caitlin Clark- High Maintenance

    UConn Women’s Basketball legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, part time model, part time LPGA Golfer (and full-time mom/rockstar) Maria Conlon wants to chat with her best friend Cully.Maria dives deep into the firestorm she sparked last week with her candid comments on Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever Head Coach Stephanie White. Fans came out swinging in disagreement — but Maria stands firm: while she respects White’s resume, she questions the lack of championships and the visible tension with the franchise player. As a coach herself, Maria breaks down why, if forced to choose, she’d side with keeping the superstar talent over the coach in that high-stakes dynamic. Conlon doesn’t hold back on Clark either — calling her “a little high maintenance” (in a way that’s real, not derogatory), pointing out the emotional displays, arguments with staff, and the kid-gloves treatment needed. Maria explains why this isn’t a knock on Clark’s greatness, but a reality check for any team managing elite talent. Expect unfiltered hoops insight from someone who’s lived it at the highest levels! Plus, Maria breaks down the latest WNBA action and shift to the NY Knicks playoffs: the road wins in San Antonio that snapped a massive streak, the heartbreaking home loss at the Garden (with President Trump in attendance), and Maria’s bold predictions on where the series goes from here in this must-win pressure cooker. Funny, fiery, and full of real basketball wisdom — this episode is a must-watch for any sports fan tired of surface-level takes.Drop your thoughts below — Team Caitlin or Team Maria’s coaching perspective? 👀 Who’s right about the Knicks? Tag a friend who needs to hear this!#UConn #WNBA #CaitlinClark #NYKnicks #MariaConlon

  7. Jun 6

    WNBA Thrives

    UConn Women's Basketball Legend, Western Connecticut State University Head Coach, Part Time Model, Part Time LPGA Golfer, Loving Mother, Maria Conlon is here to have a talk with her favorite friend Cully.I started the show asking about the NBA finals, Knicks vs Spurs, with New York winning game one when we recorded. Maria was excited, the first game was a tough, physical battle, a throwback to the Knicks in the late 1990's. Jalen Brunson got hot in the 4th scoring 13 points and New York was victorious. Their 12th straight playoff win. Maria said San Antonio would be the better match up, and she hopes the Knicks bring home a championship.We look at the WNBA and how the Indiana Fever had a rough week. Lost several games, dropped in ESPNs power rankings from 2nd to 11th with a 4-4 record. I asked Maria if she thought there was significant contention between superstar Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White. Both downplayed an argument caught on TV. Maria agreed that tensions, emotions run high in the heat of battle. I agreed with her, during games, frustration overflows at times. Maria thinks Indiana will be fine, one week won't ruin a season, they will get on track.Dallas has played well and Maria can see them making a run. They moved up to being the 2nd ranked team in power rankings with a 6-3 record. Paige is dominating averaging 18.3 points with 5.3 assists per game. Maria thinks new head Coach Jose Fernandez has figured out how to use Azzi better and get her more shots. She averages 12 points a game and shooting a whopping 43.8% from 3-point range. Dallas has great young talent, continues improving.Minnesota was the top ranked team, Maria said if they are winning now, when Napheesa Collier returns from, they will be a force. A big reason for their success has been rookie Olivia Miles. Maria had her 1st overall in the draft, Minnesota got a gift with her.Expansion teams, Portland and Toronto are both playing well. Atlanta being a surprise contender with 6 wins. Las Vegas, with MVP Aja Wilson moving up the standings. Golden State, impressive, showing they are for real. WNBA is fun a league to watch!

About

UConn basketball legend and 3 time National Champion Maria Conlon joins Former Steve Cully to talk women's sports, college basketball, WNBA, coaching and parenting. Reflecting on our careers, life after graduation, sharing how Maria built success along the way. We also discuss politics and social media. Maria has a warm heart and unique perspective offering unique insight. We dive into topics others are avoiding and provide real analysis. Maria works in wealth management and owns a restaurant. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/husky-talk-conversations-with-cully-and-conlon/id1745169339