Making Moves

Center for Sport and Social Justice

Produced by SportsE Media. Music by Marbie Miller. Hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW. Production Assistant and CSSJ Governing Board student representative Mady Acosta. Funding provided by CSU East Bay and The Center for Sport and Social Justice. Supported by Dr. Matthew Attencio and Dr. Missy Wright. Making Moves is a podcast created by The Center for Sport and Social Justice at California State University East Bay. Our intention is to provide an accessible resource that increases awareness in our communities regarding the following topics: the future of social justice and sport, mental health, gender equity.

  1. Beyond the Games: The Social and Human Rights Impact of Sport Mega-Events

    Jun 9

    Beyond the Games: The Social and Human Rights Impact of Sport Mega-Events

    In this important episode of the season, host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with Michael Kodama and Matthew Atencio to examine the true costs of mega sporting events such as the World Cup. Together, they explore some of the often-overlooked challenges associated with these events, including environmental impacts, accessibility for people with disabilities, and issues of equity and fair treatment. They discuss the rising cost of attendance—including comparisons to the equivalent cost of attending 104 Super Bowls—and the long-term consequences of public investment in Mega sporting events promise excitement, tourism, and investment—but who truly benefits, and who gets left behind? Host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with Michael Kodama of United Soccer Coaches and Matthew Atencio, Professor at California State University, East Bay and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice, to examine the real costs of events like the World Cup. They discuss rising ticket prices, environmental concerns, accessibility, public spending on stadiums, and the long-term effects these events can have on host communities. Using lessons from the 1976 Montreal Olympics and comparisons between the 1994 and 2026 World Cups, Michael and Matt explain why cities must move beyond surface-level outreach and give residents a meaningful role in shaping decisions. The episode also explores what a positive sports legacy could look like in the Bay Area, including affordable access for local youth, investment in underserved communities, and partnerships with organizations already advancing equity through sport. Our Host: Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, Clinician and Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, Mental Performance Coach at Oakland Roots SC, CEO & Founder of AthMindset® Guests: Michael Kodama, Coaches Community Relations Manager for United Soccer Coaches Matthew Atencio, Professor at California State University, East Bay and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice Tune in to hear how host cities, sports organizations, and community leaders can ensure major events leave behind more than stadiums. Available now on all platforms. Resources: LA84 Foundation Oakland Roots & Soul SC Soccer Without Borders America SCORES Bay Area Positive Coaching Alliance Footballistas for Life Project 510 The Yates Report - www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/10/sally-q-yates-investigation-findings Center for Sport and Social Justice - www.csueastbay.edu/cssj/ Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - www.athmindset.io/ SportsEpreneur - www.sportsepreneur.com/

    30 min
  2. Diversity in Youth Sport Coaching

    04/22/2025

    Diversity in Youth Sport Coaching

    Meet Mike Geddes and Michael Kodama - two visionary leaders transforming the coaching landscape, from grassroots programs to global initiatives, with a passion for elevating the way coaching is taught, shared, and experienced. The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents Part 2 of our coaching series, featuring host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMC, founder of AthMindset and mental performance coach for the Oakland Roots Soccer Club, along with co-host Andrea Corrigan, sociology senior, lifelong athlete, nonprofit leader and CSSJ student. This episode features two guests with expertise in coaching diversity and sport equity: Mike Geddes is the co-founder and chief purpose officer of the Oakland Roots Soccer Club and Oakland Soul Soccer Club, bringing a vision of soccer as a tool for community building and cultural inclusion. Michael Kodama serves as the Community Relations Manager for United Soccer Coaches (the largest soccer coaches association in the world) and works as a project manager for the Communities Initiative to grow play opportunities for historically underserved communities. In this episode, Andrea introduces our theme of examining the systems behind coaching and who gets opportunities to lead. Lisa interviews Mike and Michael about building inclusive, purpose-driven teams and discusses the following topics: @ 2:49 - What diversity in coaching means and why diverse perspectives strengthen teams @ 6:02 - Mike Geddes on Oakland Roots/Soul initiatives to uplift diversity: Community Coach Leadership Program and Switch the Pitch @ 13:58 - Michael Kodama on United Soccer Coaches' 10 affinity groups serving over 6,000 coaches @ 17:33 - The innovate to Grow program: supporting communities across the country @ 21:23 - Challenges in implementing diversity initiatives in coaching @ 24:08 - How the profit-driven youth soccer system creates barriers to access @ 28:05 - Ways young coaches can address structural inequities in sports @ 32:10 - Challenges with cultural competency in coaching education @ 36:07 - The importance of meeting coaches and communities where they are @ 39:33 - How young coaches can make an impact through mentorship and player empowerment @ 41:52 - Final thoughts on keeping the focus on youth enjoyment and development (Mike) @ 43:49 - Final thoughts on coaching as impacting lives and creating lasting memories (Michael) Resources: Oakland Roots & Soul Sports Club United Soccer Coaches - Communities Initiative Oakland Sport Equity Coalition - Only 14% of Oakland youth get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - https://www.athmindset.io/ SportsE Media - https://sportsepreneur.com/ The next episode will explore trans inclusion in sports, from locker rooms to legislation.

    47 min
  3. Current Landscape of Coaching in the USA

    04/22/2025

    Current Landscape of Coaching in the USA

    Meet Dr. Brian Gearity and Khali Blackman-Newton - trailblazers in coach education, shaking up how coaches are trained and empowered across the U.S. Get ready for an eye-opening conversation on the future of coaching! The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents its new season, featuring host Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMC, founder of AthMindset and mental performance coach for the Oakland Roots Soccer Club, along with co-host Andrea Corrigan, sociology senior, lifelong athlete, nonprofit leader and CSSJ student. This episode features two guests with expertise in coaching and sport equity: Dr. Brian Gearity (Dr. G) is the founder and director of the Master of Arts in Sports Coaching at the University of Denver, a sports psychology expert, and former strength coach for the Cleveland Indians and University of Tennessee. Khali Blackman Newton is the director of community engagement for Positive Coaching Alliance in Northern California and founder of the Sport Equity and Access Coalition, advocating for social justice in sport, especially in Black and Brown communities. In this episode, Andrea introduces our season theme of how sport shapes us individually, culturally, and systematically, and how it can be used as a tool for justice. Lisa interviews Brian and Khali and discusses the following topics: @ 2:35 - The state of coach education in the US (Dr. G calls it a "dumpster fire") @ 4:15 - Top priorities for revamping coaching education systems @ 6:42 - The importance of changing mental models about coaching @ 8:15 - Mental fortitude development in coaching and its impact on athletes @ 11:34 - Building a foundation for safe, healthy coaching environments @ 14:35 - How young coaches can advocate for better education and training @ 16:17 - The intrinsic rewards of coaching and community impact @ 18:09 - The need for organizational coach development and resources @ 19:06 - The socioeconomic barriers to coaching and equitable compensation @ 21:49 - How to create paid coaching pathways and more equitable systems @ 23:53 - Final thoughts on coaching education and getting involved Resources: Oakland Sport Equity Coalition - Only 14% of Oakland youth get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily Positive Coaching Alliance - www.positivecoach.org University of Denver - Sports Coaching MA Program Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - https://www.athmindset.io/ SportsE Media - https://sportsepreneur.com/ Part 2 of this coaching series will focus on systematic equity and diversifying coaching.

    29 min
  4. 20: Humanistic & Holistic Approach for Athletic Performance

    08/21/2024

    20: Humanistic & Holistic Approach for Athletic Performance

    The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents the Humanistic & Holistic Approach for Athletic Performance episode, featuring our student CSSJ representative as host, Mady Acosta, interviewing Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, the CEO and founder of Athmindset® and Dr. John O’Brien, PsyD, and former elite-level soccer player who played for the U.S. in two World Cups and the Olympics. Highlights from this episode, where Mady interviews Lisa and John about the humanistic and holistic approaches to athletic performance: @ 3:40- Learn about John O'Brien’s transition from athlete to clinical psychologist @ 6:35- Lisa shares about the need for mental health culture for physical and mental performance @ 7:00- Considerations for coaches, trainers, and athletes alike about mental performance coaching @ 9:20- John talks about his origin story and the “then versus now” of mental health in sports @ 11:25- The reality of being a high-performance athlete and mental tools to consider for success on and off the field @ 12:40- Learn how Lisa helps her athletes respond to the pressures and stressors @ 14:37- Understanding mental performance can apply on and off the field, "more than just a player" @ 16:00- The significance of Simone Biles thanking her therapist @ 17:10- John explains his work with world-building, sand play and sand tray @ 20:20 - Lisa teaches techniques of mindfulness, control and acceptance, "control the controllables" @ 22:00 Utilizing release cues and gestures for managing performance perfectionism @ 25:45- Tools and dialogue that John O'Brien uses with his patients @ 28:20- John’s advice for those transitioning out of high-performance athletics @ 30:40- Lisa talks about her recent AthMindset podcast episode with Yale athletes and how extracurricular activities benefit the players identity @ 33:00- John O'Brien encourages individuals, "If something is scary, there is probably some value in it" @ 34:20- Lisa wants athletes to know they are not alone; support is available! You can connect with our guests: Lisa Bonta Sumii: IG: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_bontasumii/ https://www.instagram.com/athmindset.io/ Lisa Bonta Sumii is the CEO & Founder of AthMindset®, a diverse team of sport psychology professionals promoting the mental health of youth, collegiate, Olympic-hopeful, and professional athletes. https://www.athmindset.io/ Lisa’s podcast, Athlete Mindset, can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. She hosts conversations with athletes, former athletes, and anyone in the sports ecosystem on their stories and takes on mental health in sports. https://sportsepreneur.com/podcast/athmindset/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/athlete-mindset/id1643948698 John O'Brien: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-45469916 Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves, streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - www.athmindset.io/ SportsEpreneur - https://sportsepreneur.com/

    37 min
  5. Making Moves Ep. 19: Women's Pro Soccer in Oakland

    04/25/2024

    Making Moves Ep. 19: Women's Pro Soccer in Oakland

    The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents Women's Pro Soccer in Oakland, featuring our new host, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW - the CEO and founder of AthMindset®. This episode features two guests with many years of experience in soccer, both locally and globally. Mike Geddes is the chief purpose officer and Co-Founder of Oakland Roots and Soul SC. Jessica Clinton is CSUEB's very own women's soccer assistant coach. She is also the first Head Coach for the Oakland Soul! Highlights from this episode - Lisa interviews Mike and Jessica about women's Pro Soccer in Oakland: @3:35 - What is social justice in women’s sport? @5:08 - Wanting to create a professional women’s soccer team before a men’s team (Oakland Soul/Roots) @8:04 - What it means to be the coach of the Oakland Soul, what drew Jessica to Oakland and the organization @10:23 - What does it mean for you to coach women as a woman? @13:14 - What are some economic barriers to starting the Oakland Soul? @18:45 - The difference between a pre-professional team and a fully professional team in women’s soccer @22:27 - Tangible ways that the community can support the Oakland Roots/Soul @25:12 - Ideal changes to be made to youth sports coaching and understanding how best to coach based on the needs of young athletes (academics, mental health, conflicting responsibilities) @33:21 - The potential for women’s sports and Oakland sports @37:05 - Problems with the pay-to-play model and emphasizing accessibility and inclusion Connect with our guests: Jessica: IG @jessicaclintonsoccer | https://www.instagram.com/jessicaclintonsoccer IG @oaklandsoulsc | https://www.instagram.com/oaklandsoulsc Email- jessica@rootssc.com LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-clinton-18347350 Mike: IG @mike_geddes | https://www.instagram.com/mike_geddes IG @oaklandsoulsc | https://www.instagram.com/oaklandsoulsc IG @oaklandrootssc | https://www.instagram.com/oaklandroots/ Email- mike@rootssc.com LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegeddes Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves, Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - https://www.athmindset.io/ SportsE Media - https://sportsepreneur.com/

    42 min
  6. Making Moves Ep. 18: Youth Sport Refereeing

    04/13/2024

    Making Moves Ep. 18: Youth Sport Refereeing

    The CSSJ Making Moves podcast presents its first episode this year, featuring our new host, Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, the CEO and founder of AthMindset. This episode also features two guests with many years of experience in refereeing for youth sports: Mike Woitalla and Carolyn Sideco! In this episode, Lisa interviews Mike and Caroyln and discusses the following topics: @ 3:08 - What brought you to youth sports refereeing to begin with? @ 4:55 - What keeps you in the business of refereeing/officiating? (Carolyn) @ 9:22 - What keeps you in the business of refereeing/officiating? (Mike) @ 12:04 - “Referee abuse” and unfair treatment of referees @ 16:22 - Using sport as a socialization tool from the perspective of an immigrant (Carolyn) @ 21:22 - Keeping focus, understanding referees are fallible, and taking a step back when tensions get high (Mike) @ 28:22 - Developing interpersonal connections between referees in years past and the lack of emphasis on it today @ 30:02 - Difficulties starting refereeing in California today @ 31:13 - The future of refereeing and integrating technology @ 32:15 - Creating more opportunities and accessibility for kids starting sports later @ 35:00 - Problems with and solutions for the current refereeing and soccer system (FIFA and IFAB) @ 40:27 - Modeling de-escalating and respective behavior for parents and players @ 44:08 - The need to improve training and mentoring in refereeing/officials @ 46:36 - The need for change starting from coaches Resources: Carolyn’s Instagram- @coachingkapwa @coachsideco Carolyn’s LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-sideco-caa-352b7b119?trk=people-guest_people_search-card For Carolyn’s upcoming events, go to https://linktr.ee/coachsideco For consultations, speaking engagements & ceremonial sports rituals, email Carolyn@coachingkapwa.com Read Mike's Latest Articles https://www.socceramerica.com/ Mike’s Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewoitalla Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - www.athmindset.io/ SportsEpreneur - https://sportsepreneur.com/

    50 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Produced by SportsE Media. Music by Marbie Miller. Hosted by Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW. Production Assistant and CSSJ Governing Board student representative Mady Acosta. Funding provided by CSU East Bay and The Center for Sport and Social Justice. Supported by Dr. Matthew Attencio and Dr. Missy Wright. Making Moves is a podcast created by The Center for Sport and Social Justice at California State University East Bay. Our intention is to provide an accessible resource that increases awareness in our communities regarding the following topics: the future of social justice and sport, mental health, gender equity.