Moms Who Puck Podcast Premieres: iHeart, Nissan & Black Effect Podcast Network Co-Sponsor Summit

iHeartPodcasts has, by all accounts, had a good week. It released a new podcast with a novel perspective and gritty wit -- Moms Who Puck . Then, it basked in the glow of a highly successful The 2024 Thrill of Possibility Summit hosted by Nissan, iHeartRadio and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network.

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iHeartPodcasts announced the launch of a new weekly podcast “Moms Who Puck” with Anya and Madison Packer, professional hockey players and moms-of-two. On their new podcast, they will speak candidly about their life on and off the ice covering everything from the chaos of raising two kids under four, to conceiving as a queer couple, prioritizing mental health and parenting while in the spotlight of a sport newly on the rise. Co-hosts Madison and Anya will also turn to fellow athletes, parenting experts and other boundary-breakers to learn about their varied parenthood journeys and collect advice valuable for anyone embarking on the messy, complicated, and joyous journey of parenthood.

Upcoming guests will include Ashlyn Harris, Kirsten Ferguson, Natalie Spooner, Meghan Duggan and more. “Moms Who Puck” premieres today with new episodes posting on Tuesdays. Listen to the first two episodes now, here.

The podcast will join iHeartMedia’s Women's Sports Audio Network (WSAN), the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports – from soccer and basketball to tennis, golf, volleyball and more – featuring top athletes and personalities at the helm.

“We’re so excited to share our experiences on ‘Moms Who Puck’ as both athletes and parents, and to connect with others navigating the beautiful chaos of family life,” said co-host Anya Packer. “This show gives us a space to explore the highs, the struggles and the lessons we’re learning as a family, and we’re thrilled to join the iHeart Women’s Sports Audio Network to help bring more conversations about LGBTQ+ families and women in sports to the forefront.” 

Anya Packer (Battaglino) is a former professional ice hockey player and a prominent figure in the women's hockey community, known for her advocacy for gender equity in sports. Born in Waltham, MA, Packer grew up playing hockey in a male-dominated environment and played her collegiate hockey at Boston University. After college, she joined the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), where she competed at the highest levels of women’s hockey. Later, she became one of the founding members of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) playing for the Connecticut Whale, compiling three seasons as a member of the Pod. After stepping away from playing hockey to birth both of her children, Packer became general manager for the Metropolitan Riveters and executive director of the Players Association where she earned a Forbes 30 under 30 award, becoming a leading voice in the fight for better working conditions, pay, and recognition for women’s hockey players.

“Life as a professional athlete and a mom isn’t something you typically see represented, especially for queer families like ours, and that’s exactly why we created ‘Moms Who Puck,’” said co-host Madison Packer. “Anya and I are proud to bring our story and those of other trailblazers in sports and parenthood to listeners everywhere. We hope this podcast resonates with people, whether they’re parents, athletes, or anyone learning to balance life’s big moments.”

Madison Packer is a professional ice hockey player entering her tenth season in New York. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she first developed a passion for the sport at a young age. Packer went on to play at the University of Wisconsin, and after completing her collegiate career she joined the New York Riveters of the National Women’s Hockey League in its inaugural season. She went on to become captain and a hallmark player for the Riveters during her eight seasons in the PHF. In 2023 the Professional Women’s Hockey League launched, and Packer joined PWHL New York in its inaugural season. Packer is a six time All-Star, NCAA National Champion, two-time WCHA Champion, two-time u18 World Champion Gold Medalist, and Isobel Cup Champion. In addition to her success on the ice, Packer is a vocal advocate for women's hockey and is passionate about growing the sport and providing equal opportunities for young girls to play. She is known for her dedication to advocacy and has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, using her platform to make a positive impact in both sport and her community.

Check out Moms Who Puck. The show promotes women's sports partricipation and the co-hosts has strong chemistry and wit as sharp as the skating blades they wore. 

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The 2024 Thrill of Possibility Summit was hosted by Nissan, iHeartRadio and Charlamagne Tha God’s Black Effect Podcast Network and took place last weekend at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, TN.

The Black Effect Podcast Network and Nissan welcomed 50+ HBCU students from across the country to participate in a STEAM industry event featuring professional development and personal success panels, 1:1 mentoring sessions, informative iHeartMedia and Nissan internship discussions and networking opportunities with industry executives and notable HBCU alumni.

PHOTO CREDIT: The Tyler Twins for iHeart Media

Highlights included: “Your Culture as Your Advantage” panel discussed how to navigate career growth and workplace dynamics through the lens of culture, respect and authenticity. Moderated by Dollie S. Bishop, the panel featured Charlamagne Tha God, Ebone’ Almon, Chico Bean and Keri Kelly (Nissan). Charlamagne Tha God encouraged students to stay consistent and follow their dreams.

Dollie S. Bishop spoke to students about the importance of professionalism. “Manners will get you where money won’t – I’m a testament. Being professional will get you into rooms that open doors. I haven’t applied for a job since my first internship because not only was I highly qualified, I made authentic connections and was professional at all times.”

Nissan’s Keri Kelly talked about the critical importance of finding mentors early in your career. “Look for mentors you have an authentic connection with and form an organic relationship with them. Use those relationships to understand corporate environments and how to navigate corporate culture. Mentors can really help you along the way.”

The “Trailblazing Your Post-Grad Journey” panel discussed strategies for setting clear career and personal goals, navigating the post-grad world and laying the foundation to thrive in long-term success. 

Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun told students to begin building their brands while in school. “When I consider potential hires, I don’t look at their resumes, I look at what they’ve built. Become a master at making things that people want to watch and share, and something you’d be proud to show an employer one day.”

Gil Beverly encouraged students to focus on building and maintaining relationships as they progress through life and their careers. “Very few jobs are rocket science jobs. It’s really about building relationships and finding people who are willing to take a chance on you. You never know where your next opportunity will come from.”

Brittany N. Cole talked about advocates in the workplace and finding value in rejection. “Make the hiring manager of the roles you don’t get your biggest advocate. Ask for feedback about why you didn’t get the role and implement it. Follow up with them consistently and showcase how you’ve used their feedback to grow professionally.”

Kudos to iHeart for their participation in this event. Maybe some of the other large podcast networks could get on board with similar events and programs?