Melanin MVP

Angela Hollowell

The ultimate destination for women of color athlete news stories. Hosted by Angela Hollowell. Part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network.

  1. Annijke Wade — Adaptive Mountain Biker on How to Build Confidence on the Trail

    APR 8

    Annijke Wade — Adaptive Mountain Biker on How to Build Confidence on the Trail

    Annijke Wade shares what it means to get outdoors through adaptive mountain biking—from the mindset shifts that make “getting back out there” possible, to the practical realities of learning trail skills, finding community, and navigating accessibility in cycling spaces. In this episode, we coverWhat adaptive mountain biking is (and the many ways “adaptive” can look)Rebuilding confidence after a life change—and why progress isn’t linearGetting started: choosing trails, pacing, and setting realistic expectationsThe mental game: fear, risk, and learning to trust your body againThe role of community (and how to find the right people to ride with)Accessibility on trails: what helps, what’s missing, and how riders can advocateWhy representation in outdoor sports matters—and how it impacts participation Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/subscribe Find outdoor organizations near you: https://melaninmvp.com/get-outside Find watch parties near you: https://melaninmvp.com/watch-parties Take our cross-training quiz: https://melaninmvp.com/cross-training-quiz This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    27 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    The Economics of Women's Basketball: Togethxr, Unrivaled & the WNBA

    As the WNBA CBA negotiations deadline has been extended, again, I share my thoughts on the players' collective bargaining power. From media rights to media brands, women professional athletes are arguably in their most powerful moment yet. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    12 min
  3. Finding Light in Every Step: April Pullins' Journey Through Running and Entrepreneurship

    10/15/2025

    Finding Light in Every Step: April Pullins' Journey Through Running and Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Melanin MVP, I sit down with April Pullins, an Atlanta-based runner and founder of Be Light Compression Socks. Known affectionately as the 'Crazy Sock Lady', April shares her inspiring story of overcoming personal challenges during COVID-19, discovering running as a therapeutic outlet, and transforming her passion for tie-dye socks into a thriving business. We dive deep into her mental and emotional journey, the impact of running on her life, and her commitment to helping women through the Selah Movement Club. April's story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of staying active. Tune in to hear about her vibrant personality, entrepreneurial tips, and her mission to spread positivity and light. 00:00 Introduction to April Polands: The Crazy Sock Lady 02:44 From Fun to Business: The Birth of Be Light Compression Socks 04:20 The Therapeutic Power of Running 06:06 Group Walks and the Selah Movement Club 07:40 Overcoming Anxiety and Learning to Rest 13:04 Challenges and Successes in Business 15:35 April's Running Journey and Community Support 22:27 Giving Back and Mentoring Others 24:12 Upcoming Events and Conclusion Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    25 min
  4. Ultramarathoner and USA Triathlon Coach Gives Advice to Endurance Athletes

    10/13/2025

    Ultramarathoner and USA Triathlon Coach Gives Advice to Endurance Athletes

    In this episode of Melanin MVP, I'm joined by Doc Holiday Golden, a dynamic triathlete and ultra-marathoner. Referred by past guest Mary Fleming, Doc shares her inspiring journey into endurance sports. We dive into how she met Mary, her beginnings in marathon running, the transition from running to triathlons, and the importance of community support. Doc also discusses her coaching role, nutrition strategies, and the mental barriers she's faced during races. Tune in as we explore her story of growth, determination, and the power of pushing boundaries. 00:00 Meeting Mary Fleming 01:54 Doc's Athletic Beginnings 02:49 First Steps into Distance Running 05:25 Community and Motivation 08:04 Journey into Triathlons 11:02 First Triathlon Experiences 17:29 Balancing Marathons and Triathlons 21:30 Rest and Recovery 23:04 Balancing Nutrition and Training 29:29 Coaching and Mentoring in Triathlon 36:51 Overcoming Mental Barriers in Races 41:28 The Power of Action and Consistency 43:16 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    44 min
  5. From Paramedic to 70.3 Finisher Without a Coach — The Playbook

    10/10/2025

    From Paramedic to 70.3 Finisher Without a Coach — The Playbook

    In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Dismuke, a world champion triathlete who opens up about her journey from dealing with PTSD as a paramedic in Boston to becoming a passionate triathlete. Jamie shares her origins in Boston, how she started in triathlons, and her first experience with a sprint triathlon as a way to manage work-related stress. She also delves into her transition to competing in a full Ironman, the challenges she faced, and her strategies for overcoming them. Jamie discusses her relationship with swimming, the differences between pool and open water swimming, and the role of sports in building confidence. Additionally, Jamie talks about her experience with coaches, her partnership with Varlo, and her future plans, including aiming for the USA team for Abu Dhabi and qualifying for Kona. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and an undying passion for triathlons. 00:00 Journey to Becoming a Triathlete 01:20 First Triathlon Experience 03:59 Challenges of Open Water Swimming 07:58 From Sprint to Ironman 09:11 Training for the Ironman 12:19 Overcoming Race Day Obstacles 16:17 The Role of Coaches and Mentors 20:58 Partnerships and Personal Life 29:32 Future Goals and Reflections 31:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    34 min

  6. 07/23/2025

    Women's Sports Wednesday: 001

    Women's Sports Wednesday, a weekly series covering the top headlines in women's sports. This week: the first Black women on the US Hockey Team, LOVB gets a new partner, the Portland WNBA team reveals their name, and more! Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    8 min
  7. Pucks, Passion, and Purpose: The Black Girls Hockey Club Story

    07/16/2025

    Pucks, Passion, and Purpose: The Black Girls Hockey Club Story

    Join me as I welcome Renee Hess, founder of Black Girl Hockey Club, to Melanin MVP. We delve into Renee's journey from attending academic conferences to becoming a passionate hockey fan, the challenges of being a Black woman in hockey spaces, and how she founded the Black Girl Hockey Club to create a supportive community. We explore the influential role of Black women as fans, mothers, and leaders in hockey and discuss the importance of diversity and representation in sports. Don't miss Renee's inspiring stories and insights about creating a safe and inclusive environment for Black women and other marginalized groups in the world of hockey. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:34 Renee's Journey to Becoming a Hockey Fan 04:29 Founding of Black Girl Hockey Club 08:40 Experiences and Challenges in Hockey Spaces 12:35 Women's Hockey and Advocacy 18:43 Community and Support for Black Women in Hockey 31:15 Partnerships and Future Plans 34:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    35 min
  8. Nike After Dark Half Marathon Los Angeles - Race Recap with DJ Tricey Trice

    07/10/2025

    Nike After Dark Half Marathon Los Angeles - Race Recap with DJ Tricey Trice

    In this episode, I welcome fellow podcaster and newly-minted half-marathoner DJ Tricey Trice (A Trice Rias-Thompson). She shares the spontaneous decision-making process that led her to take on a half marathon, her solo training regime, and the mental and physical challenges she overcame to complete it. The discussion also touches on the importance of nutrition, the benefits of running groups, and the unique experience of participating in the Nike After Dark Half Marathon event. Shifting gears, DJ Tricey Trice is also the host of LA Sparks Weekly, so I had to ask her about her thoughts on her favorite team this season. We dived into an in-depth analysis of the WNBA, discussing team dynamics, key players, and the current season’s surprises and challenges. Part race report, part WNBA season analysis, part comedy show. I hope you enjoy, and check out her show: https://www.instagram.com/djtriceytrice/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:23 The Decision to Run a Half Marathon 01:58 Training for the Half Marathon 06:58 Race Day Experiences and Challenges 12:44 Post-Race Reflections and Continued Running 20:40 Basketball and the LA Sparks 25:33 Coaching Changes and Player Movements 26:30 Jordan Canada's Impact and Future 26:46 Nneka Ogwumike: The Underrated MVP 28:34 Dallas Wings' Strategy and Player Dynamics 32:53 Phoenix Mercury's New Era 43:34 Sparks' Future Lineup and Strategy 46:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe to our newsletter: https://melaninmvp.beehiiv.com/ This show is part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network: https://runtrimag.com/everyday-athlete-podcast-network/

    46 min
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About

The ultimate destination for women of color athlete news stories. Hosted by Angela Hollowell. Part of the Everyday Athlete Podcast Network.

Information

  • Creator
    Angela Hollowell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Angela Hollowell
  • Show Website
    Melanin MVP