Off The Looking Glass artwork

Off The Looking Glass

51 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 months ago - ★★★★★ - 3K ratings

Kate Fagan and Jessica Smetana host this magazine style podcast. The show will include a mix of interviews, skits and discussions that consider an alternative historical point of view on culture, as well as women’s sports and those who have critiqued them. While the show is *technically* about sports, it will mostly enter through the side doors of pop culture and comedy, with a northstar of telling the story of (women in) sports with humor, insight, and joy.

Sports Comedy
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Episodes

Grand Finale

August 23, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes

In this, the last-ever episode of OTLG, Kate & Jess take you on a journey through some of their favorite moments: from their interview with silver screen icon Geena Davis to legend Dawn Staley talking about who she’d give a signature shoe to that one time they interviewed Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Plus, one last time … don’t skip the ads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dreams

August 16, 2023 13:45 - 33 minutes

Kate & Jess go back to their roots — basketball. WNBA star Angel McCoughtry joins the show to talk about how women’s hoops has changed in the last decade, then boxing legend Jackie Kellen shares stories from her life along the ropes. Oh, and, don’t skip the ads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Fan

August 09, 2023 11:05 - 40 minutes

Kate & Jess are very, very sad about the USWNT loss but so, so happy that the rest of the world is happy! And as a soothing balm for all hurting fans out there, OTLG has an episode chock full of goodness: Olympic gold medalist and data guru Angela Ruggiero joins to share what she’s learned about selling women’s sports, and Olympic marathon Kara Goucher shares a fascinating story from her first-ever Boston Marathon. Ole! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Flat White

August 02, 2023 19:19 - 31 minutes

From halfway around the world, all the way from Wellington, New Zealand, The Athletic’s Meg Linehan joins Kate & Jess and breaks down everything World Cup — from the perfect flat whites to the USWNT’s slow start. Ole! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Worldwide

July 26, 2023 10:00 - 37 minutes

Kate & Jess go around the globe for this episode of OTLG, touching on the ongoing World Cup — show alum Sophia Smith with two goals! — then bringing you the story of the Soccer Grannies from South Africa, and finally finishing in France (say it with us: cwwwwuissant ) with a Campfire told by the winner of the first-ever Tour de France for women, Marianne Martin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Main Event

July 19, 2023 22:57 - 36 minutes

It’s World Cup time baby, and OTLG is here with one of the stars of the USWNT, Sophia Smith, who takes us back to her high school years when she was the star of her … basketball team! (And, also, Kate’s crushed to hear that she’s never even HEARD of the movie Notting Hill.)All kinds of surprises await — psst, don’t skip the ads — in this WWC kick-off episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big UCONN

July 12, 2023 18:14 - 34 minutes

Off The Looking Glass comes full circle with an extra special data-driven episode where Jess & Kate aim to quantify their UCONN bias theory from Season 1. Featuring famed datahead Tom Haberstroh and two college hoppers (and budding data scientists) who build algorithms and scrape the data — how many times can we say that word? — in an attempt to prove whether the media’s UCONN bias is a real thing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Open

July 05, 2023 18:00 - 36 minutes

Jess and Kate dive head first into all things golf, first bringing on LPGA tour member Ryan O’Toole who offers a peek behind the curtain about what it’s like as a professional golfer (she’s like a part-time travel agent!), then a brand-new Campfire — this one brought by Anya Alvarez — about the backstory of one very famous 16th hole, the woman who helped design it, and what it’s like to play it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tidal Wave

June 28, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes

Kate & Jess embark on an episode with a unifying theme: Things They Are Scared Of. First up is the ocean, and waves (big and small), which they discuss with World Surf League chief of sport, Jessi Miley-Dyer, who deftly handles — no surprise! — the hosts 101 questions. Theeeeeen, Jess & Kate dissect the new Max documentary, Bama Rush, a film that *tries* to take viewers inside the mysterious and competitive world of … sorority rushing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Snacks

June 21, 2023 11:07 - 44 minutes

AN EPIC CROSSOVER EXPERIENCE: OTLG x Snacks! Kate & Jess are joined by U.S. soccer stars Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams, who answer key questions such as “How does the World Cup roster get released?” and “Would you rather interview or be interviewed?” Plus, after years of Kate expressing the importance of The Sandlot to Jess, the show welcomes actor Patrick Renna for a nice chat, which forces the hosts down a combo rabbit hole/Does It Hold Up? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Fore!

June 14, 2023 10:34 - 27 minutes

In this grab bag episode, Jess & Kate welcome the two golfers — Maycee Kay Aycock and Sarah Marshall — whose combined score of 434 helped save not only their college’s team, but also an entire conference. Plus, an ad for a podcast that finally addresses an important topic : conspiracy theories in women’s sports. (Why DID Brandi Chastain rip off her jersey at the Rose Bowl in ‘99?!)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diamonds

June 07, 2023 16:16 - 40 minutes

In honor of the Women’s College World Series (and its bonkers ratings), Kate & Jess present an all-softball episode ft. TWO former NCAA champs: Lauren Chamberlain (Oklahoma) and Natasha Watley (UCLA), as well as TWO rabbit holes that dig deep into the future of professional women’s softball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ante Up

May 31, 2023 11:11 - 46 minutes

A jam-packed episode featuring poker champ Annie Duke, who chats with Jess & Kate about the power of quitting, then the show takes a much-needed trip to the multiverse for an episode of the Jess & Kate Show, where the hosts discuss the ridiculous jockstrapGATE that took over golf, and also a very special Campfire about how the runners of San Francisco are attempting a Guinness world record. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Say Cheese

May 24, 2023 09:23 - 29 minutes

Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champ Jewell Loyd is back for Part II of her interview, where she takes us inside that devastating Seattle Storm loss to the Aces during last season’s playoffs, theeeeeeen, a very special (and very stinky) Campfire segment featuring the winner of a sport you probably have never heard of, but will certainly never forget. What would YOU do for a wheel of cheese? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game Time

May 17, 2023 10:10 - 37 minutes

The show dips back into the basketball waters — hello, WNBA season! — with WNBA champ, and Seattle Storm cornerstone, Jewell Loyd, who reveals that she and her brother drew up a 5- and 10-year plan for her career BACK IN HIGH SCHOOL. Plus, Jess and Kate take numerous segues (Scattergories, anyone?) as they attempt to tackle the question: Are super teams good for the WNBA? Annnnnnnd, the final pre-qualifier update from Anya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support System

May 10, 2023 10:28 - 40 minutes

OTLG hits all the notes in this episode, from an opening voicemail from Kate’s mom (Happy Mothers Day, y’all!) to a deep discussion about the objectification of female athletes with national champion runner, and New York Times bestselling author (GOOD FOR A GIRL), Lauren Fleshman. Plus, a final update from Anya before next week’s U.S. Open qualifier and, of course … don’t skip the ads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stakes

May 03, 2023 15:04 - 43 minutes

Giddy-up! OTLG goes full Kentucky Derby: Jess and Kate welcome the legend — and winner of a Triple Crown race! — Julie Krone, who gives us the inside scoop on life as a jockey and what kind of hype music she listened to before a big race (hint: SHOWTUNES), then Anya brings us an Extra, Extra! featuring Diana Krump, who was the first female rider in Kentucky Derby history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Capital T, Capital S

April 26, 2023 13:29 - 43 minutes

It’s baaaaaack — in honor of their superstar guest, Kate & Jess deliver the first “Does it Hold Up?” of the new era, going all the way back to 1992 to reassess the family-friendly (or maybe not?) comedy, The Mighty Ducks. The movie was, of course, a favorite of Olympic gold medalist and hockey pioneer Hilary Knight, who joins the show to discuss important things like the future of women’s pro hockey and where she keeps her silver medals. Plus — producer Anya Alvarez has another update in her ...

Future

April 19, 2023 10:55 - 40 minutes

Jess & Kate share their visions for the future of women’s sports (Mars, anyone?) after catching up with Anya Alvarez on her journey to the U.S. Open, then the pair are joined by basketball maven Ari Chambers, who takes us inside the busiest week in hoops and leads the hosts down a little Paige Beuckers detour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuxedos

April 12, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes

Join Kate and Jess as they discover an almost-never-seen sports flick starring Pistol Pete and their guest, “Machine Gun” Molly Kazmer (nee Bolin), who tells another round of stories from the WBL heyday, including a Hollywood/Des Moines movie premiere, and the Great Tuxedo Rebellion. Pluuuuus, producer Anya Alvarez offers the first of her dispatches on her road to Pebble Beach glory, and don’t skip the ads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heartland

April 05, 2023 10:40 - 47 minutes

Jess & Kate take a journey back in time with a legend, “Machine Gun Molly” Kazmer (née Bolin), who grew up playing 6-on-6 in basketball-mad Iowa before starring in the WBL. But first, the pair weighs in — twice, in fact! — on the Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark craziness. Oh, oh, AND … that new voice you hear is the first “Extra, Extra!” from producer Anya Alvarez, who tells us the story of a women’s basketball team from depression-era Oklahoma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

The Pill?

March 29, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes

A first of its kind for OTLG: Kate and Jess hold down an episode all on their own! The pair take you back to the pod’s drawing-board days, answering questions such as, “What were some abandoned titles for the show?” and “What is your favorite fake ad?” Plus, they tackle important questions from listeners, including, “Is the show jinxing people” and, paramount, “Which college coach would you give truth serum to?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where the Buffalo Roam

March 24, 2023 11:41 - 20 minutes

EMERGENCY POD ALERT Come jump on the Colorado Buffaloes’ bandwagon alongside Kate — and maybe, Kate hopes, Jess? — as CU head coach JR Payne joins the pod ahead of her team’s Sweet Sixteen showdown with Caitlin Clark and Iowa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cardinal Rule

March 22, 2023 09:48 - 43 minutes

OTLG goes to the West Coast for a pre-NCAA tournament interview (sorry for your loss, Stanford faithful) with the stoic legend, Tara VanDerveer, who reveals the moment she first heard about Netflix. Plus, an Extra, Extra hot off the presses! We go way back … to the first-ever women’s college game played at the San Francisco Armory … Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mac

March 15, 2023 13:14 - 39 minutes

Kate and Jess are joined by Stanford basketball star Cameron Brink (who loves Barbie and has never seen Sandlot!), and then they debut a brand new segment called “The OpEd” to discuss a story that piqued their interest — a New York Times article about NIL and the marketing of female athletes — which also connects with Brink. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hustle

March 08, 2023 08:10 - 42 minutes

Kate and Jess welcome on Adia Barnes, who talks about the impact of Arizona’s 2021 run to the NCAA title game. Then, an Extra, Extra hot off the presses!: the tale of Karen Logan, designer of the Wilson basketball, and her near-erasure from the history books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocky Top

March 01, 2023 08:05 - 40 minutes

Kate and Jess go full-Tennessee in this episode, much to Kate’s delight. The duo welcomes Lady Vols’ coach (and former ‘90s star) Kellie Jolly Harper and introduce a new storytelling segment called “Campfire” — this one starring icon Cheryl Miller — that of course leads to a fiery (fire-y) discussion on the merits of S’mores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trophies

February 22, 2023 17:45 - 32 minutes

They’re back in the game! Jess & Kate have a spiffy new logo and brand-new game plan — OTLG is going weekly until the end of time! — and to kick it all off they’re joined by reigning NCAA champion and Player of the Year, Aliyah Boston! (Don’t skip the ads, but DO go down the rabbit holes!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Euro Step

June 29, 2022 09:15 - 57 minutes

In this, the Season 2 Finale, Kate & Jess go INTERNATIONAL, talking all things F1 (and W Series!) with Sky Sports host and professional driver Naomi Schiff, which leads to a very loud rabbit hole; then, Kate brings an “Extra, Extra!” in advance of the 2022 Euros about the “FA ban” — the story of when England’s Football Association barred women from its fields. Plus, the show gets a new sponsor: Cameo’s Oopsie Doopsies! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Land Before IX

June 22, 2022 15:39 - 51 minutes

Jess & Kate commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX with an “Extra, Extra” that explains why the NCAA running women’s sports is like the fox guarding the hen house. Plus, USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis — recent reader of The Five Love Languages — joins the show in a wide-ranging interview (from Sam Kerr to A League of Their Own to claiming shotgun as a kid). Oh, and, DON’T SKIP THE ADS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grit(iron)

June 15, 2022 16:56 - 51 minutes

Two-time FIFA world player of the year Carli Lloyd joins Jess & Kate, and she has some thoughts about what she sees as the changing culture of Team USA. Plus, Jess takes us back to the ‘70s for an “Extra, Extra” about her favorite sport. Oh, and — *multiverse alert* — we take a trip to an alternate universe and try to help make men’s sports matter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big Waves

June 09, 2022 07:20 - 59 minutes

Kate and Jess welcome the sensational — and Arby’s-lovin’ — Mo’ne Davis … a convo that briefly plunges the hosts down a youth sports’ rabbit hole; then, in this edition of “Does it Hold Up?”, Jess & Kate face their biggest fear: A Very Big Wave. Plus, the latest edition in the show’s incredibly-popular line of tactical gear! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stakes and Storylines

June 01, 2022 13:53 - 23 minutes

Kate and Jess listen to Kate’s recent TedxBoston Talk about why we watch sports. Cameos include Ada Anderson and Inez Patterson of the Philadelphia Tribunes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just Sky

May 25, 2022 15:46 - 54 minutes

Fellow Notre Dame alumnae, Jess & Skylar Diggins Smith, chop it up about ol’ South Bend, then Kate shares an “Extra, Extra” that includes shots of Jack Daniels in paper cups and the phrase “pawnshop proprietor”. Also, OTLG welcomes another new sponsor: the Brag Hotline for Parents. (You probably need it.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Million Dollar Ideas

May 18, 2022 20:18 - 1 hour

Come along as Jess & Kate & Dawn Staley brainstorm the future: the next big signature shoe (Dawn), a game-changing brick and mortar business (Jess), and your next binge-worthy TV obsession from Disney ++, GOOD BOYS (team effort). Oh, um, yeah, and a gritty “Does It Hold Up” that leaves Jess and Kate questioning the wisdom of The Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trojan Horse

May 11, 2022 07:21 - 38 minutes

Jess & Kate are joined by the iconic Cheryl Miller, who tells stories from the ‘80s: the first time she dunked, her pre-game meal, and the day she stopped playing Reggie 1-on-1. Plus, in keeping with the RAD theme, Kate tells an Extra, Extra about Lynne Cox (whose new book TALES OF AL is out now!) and her daring swim that helped end the Cold War. Oh, and, as always … don’t skip the ads! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

That’s Showbiz

May 04, 2022 23:31 - 1 hour

In this episode, OTLG goes full Hollywood: Jess & Kate drop a trailer for their new blockbuster film, chat WNBA streaming rights with Los Angeles Sparks’ all-everything Nneka Ogwumike, and dip into the 90’s for a “Does It Hold Up?” of epic — or tiny? — proportions. (Hi, Little Giants!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leagues Of Their Own

April 27, 2022 07:08 - 47 minutes

The SEASON 2 PREMIERE! Jess & Kate are giddy over welcoming the iconic Geena Davis, who helps put a bow on Season 1 and addresses the controversial debate: Did Dottie Henson drop the ball on purpose? Plus, Cheryl Miller pops by for a quick story, Kate drops an Extra, Extra on the American Basketball League, and the aggressive Tactical company has a brand-new product for your consideration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Big UConn

March 31, 2022 14:09 - 24 minutes

Crossover pod alert! Kate and Jess are pulled away from writing Season 2 to join Basketball Illuminati (hi, Tom and Amin) in the pursuit of truth: how and why did UConn end up with a home game to get to the Final Four? We investigate.... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March Madness

March 17, 2022 19:10 - 45 minutes

!!!SPECIAL POD ALERT!!! Kate & Jessica are back in your feeds and for good reason: the benevolent NCAA overlords have “allowed” the women’s tournament to use the March Madness branding and to celebrate we’re taking you on an OTLG-style journey into the tournament: the top two all-time scorers in NCAA history — Jackie Stiles and Kelsey Plum — tell us the story of how they are linked forever; Kate drops an Extra, Extra about the lingering pain of the most famous upset in tournament history; and...

GOAT(s?)

January 28, 2022 02:30 - 47 minutes

A guest fit for a season finale: all-timer Cynthia Cooper joins Jess and Kate and brings her infectious championship attitude, which leads to a brief UConn-tallying rabbit hole; then, Jess (!) flips the script and brings her own ‘Extra, Extra’ that attempts to answer, “Why does softball exist?” — plus, Jon from New York has constructive criticism and Kate and Jess hint at what (and who!) is to come in Season 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penultimate

January 20, 2022 21:23 - 49 minutes

In this, the second-to-last episode of Season 1, Jess and Kate talk pro leagues — foreign and domestic — with one of the coolest to ever play the game, Ticha Penicheiro, which leads to a rabbit hole about an ex-KGB spy who once ran the most opulent women’s team in the world; then, an “Extra, Extra!” about the first-ever World Champions, the Fort Shaw Indian Boarding School. Plus, goodies (Geoff! Nneka! Ads!) sprinkled throughout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shooting Stars

January 12, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour

A show filled with a few of the greatest: Jess and Kate are joined by baller-for-life Nancy Lieberman, which leads to a rabbit hole about the late 70s WBL; then, a “Does It Hold Up?” analyzing (perhaps?) the best sports movie of all-time, Love & Basketball. Plus, in keeping with the Hollywood x Sports theme, Gabrielle Union shares her Moment of Epiphany, and, finally, a returning sponsor hawks us a brand-new product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pedestrianism

January 05, 2022 14:32 - 51 minutes

The show goes way back for an Extra, Extra that makes a very modern point: that what we love about sports is more simple than most of us — including the show’s new caller, Geoff from Austin — recognize. Plus, Kate and Jess break down ESPN’s breakdown of them, and the Calm Meditation App for Coaches runs its inaugural ad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coach Speak

December 22, 2021 00:13 - 51 minutes

Two-time NCAA title-winning coach Muffet McGraw -- should we call her “Coach”? -- drops by the show to share her thoughts on the NIL as well as UConn, which leads Kate and Jess down a champagne-popping rabbit hole; after, an “Extra, Extra” about one phone call from 1994 that might have changed the direction of women’s college ball, and the show finally gets Zip Recruiter, er, um ... Recruiter Recruiter? ... as a sponsor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queens

December 15, 2021 14:03 - 1 hour

Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Ashlyn Harris, and Ali Krieger ALL join this episode, and so much star power triggers some anxiety from Jess, which Kate admits to sharing. This happens after our hosts stake out a controversial opinion on a beloved film, leading to a rabbit hole about what went wrong with one long-ago women’s professional league. Plus, the show finally finds a sponsor — and we hope Draft Kings approves! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Road Trip

December 09, 2021 08:45 - 1 hour

Buckle up for this one: The OG, Chamique Holdsclaw, stops by the show, which sends Kate and Jess down multiple rabbit holes about heroes and villains and pettiness in sports, then we take a spin with a 26-year-old Pat Summitt as she drives the team van. Plus, the show goes roundtrip to the multiverse and (it seems) Kirk from FC leaves his final missive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Signature Moves

December 01, 2021 12:45 - 49 minutes

OTLG is back for Episode 3 with (arguably) the best hooper in the world, Breanna Stewart; the conversation leads Kate and Jess down a rabbit hole about the history of signature sneakers and, down even further, into another Extra, Extra from Kate — this time about the most famous women’s kicks of all time, the Air Swoopes. Plus, Kirk from Fort Collins leaves the show another (!) voicemail and Spandex for Golfers hopes to revolutionize the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...

Soft Americans?

November 23, 2021 22:45 - 1 hour

In this, the second episode of OTLG, Kate and Jessica expand their range: bringing on Olympic marathoner Kara Goucher to discuss the ripple effects of one photo of her from 2008 (which sends Kate and Jess down another rabbit hole), then Kate tells Jess the epic story of one long-ago athlete whose life is the stuff of Hollywood. Plus, Kirk from Fort Collins leaves ANOTHER voicemail, and a tactical gear company pitches its newest product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

NO CRYING!

November 16, 2021 14:46 - 1 hour

In this, the inaugural episode of OTLG, you’re introduced to everything this show will be about: Kate and Jessica plunging down rabbit holes (UConn privilege, anyone?), mining ideas with superstars (hi, Seimone Augustus!), and deconstructing nostalgic pop culture (“Wait … Madonna is in this?"); also, Mr. Everyman, Kirk from Fort Collins, has opinions on what the show should be about, and the NCAA pitches us on their brand-new app, athlEATS.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...