The Spin Chicks

09/03/2025

From Sidelines to Center Stage: Marketing That Moves
Greg Herring has worn a lot of hats in the world of sports and entertainment marketing - college, pro, and now the performing arts as the Director of Sales and Marketing with the Nashville Ballet.
Listen in: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-sidelines-to-center-stage-marketing-that-moves/id1697031963?i=1000724716799
He knows how to spark new ideas, grow audiences, and deliver big wins. Self-described as a “Builder, Fixer, Starter” - he combines a broad perspective with attention to detail. He is results-driven, while creating experiences that connect with audiences in meaningful ways. In this episode, Michelle and Erika dive into his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and what it takes to bring big-picture vision to life on any stage.

08/04/2025

Season 3, Episode One: From Cameroon to California: Yannick Atanga's Journey of Heart, Hoops & Giving Back

Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-cameroon-to-california-yannick-atangas-journey/id1697031963?i=1000720602233

Tune in for a story that’s part hustle, part heart, and 100% Yannick—from late-night porch dreams to global impact. And if you have the bug to donate to his camp - please use this link: (see first comment)

We’ve chatted with a lot of incredible athletes on The Spin Chicks podcast, but this episode hits differently. Meet Yannick Atanga: born in Cameroon, a basketball late-bloomer, and all-around inspiration.

At 14, he picked up a basketball for the first time - and boom - his world changed. He moved to California for high school (without knowing a word of English!), played basketball and then earned a degree from Santa Clara University, all the while catching the mentor bug.

Now, he's giving back big-time through Impact Basketball, a youth camp he started in Cameroon that's still going strong 7 years later.

08/29/2024

Michelle and Erika go behind the lens with photographer Lauren Sopourn in this episode of The Spin Chicks. Lauren's journey into photography began at an early age when she discovered her passion for capturing moments. She pursued her love for photography while studying fine arts at Florida Atlantic University and has since made a name for herself as a talented and award-winning sports photographer.

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-got-an-eye-for-this/id1697031963?i=1000667036450

Lauren has built an impressive portfolio by photographing numerous collegiate sports events and working closely with professional teams like the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Panthers. Her business, Sports and Media Nation LLC, showcases her entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to the craft and her ability to transform her point of view into a thriving career. Lauren shares her quest from student to professional photographer, the gift that sparked her career and how she prepares for assignments. It's inspiring to hear about her experiences, especially the excitement of capturing the Florida Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup champion run, highlighting her role as a moment historian in the world of sports.

08/08/2024

Congratulations to our recent podcast guest Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan who just won Gold 🥇in the men's javelin in Paris. He is the first gold medalist in Track &: Field for Pakistan......AND in his second of six throw attempts in the finals, set an Olympic record with a 92.97. He then recorded a distance of 91.79 in his final throw. Just wow!!!!

07/26/2024

In this episode of The Spin Chicks, Erika turns the mic on Michelle Schmitt Young to talk about her work with previous guest Lashinda Demus as she prepares to receive her gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shes-getting-the-gold/id1697031963?i=1000663304975

Lashinda’s journey to the first-ever medal reallocation ceremony has been a long one, and Michelle takes us back to the track at South Carolina, where they met as student-athlete and SID. Michelle recounts the emotional phone call when Lashinda learned she would finally receive her gold medal. Working with Lashinda as a friend, as well as a seasoned PR professional, she provides insight into what has happened since that call. Michelle also gives us a behind-the-scenes look into planning and preparing to share this monumental news with the public. From developing a media campaign to planning a trip to Paris, Michelle’s dedication to helping her friend in one of the most memorable moments of her life shines through.

07/20/2024

🥇Paris is buzzing with excitement! The Olympic Flame is burning bright on the Eiffel Tower in the City of Light this summer, as anticipation builds for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Olympians will tell their story as they gather from all around the globe to display their extraordinary talents. The Summer Games will officially kick off with the Opening Ceremonies on July 26th.

As we set the stage for the Opening Ceremony, six decorated Olympians shared their experiences on The Spin Chicks podcast: https://beeyoungcomms.com/paris-olympic-buzz-hear-these-olympians-tell-their-story/

07/17/2024

We are thrilled to mark the first anniversary of The Spin Chicks podcast by welcoming back our very first guest, the incredible Dawn Ellerbe. A trailblazing track and field collegiate athlete, Olympian, and sports administrator at Vanderbilt, Dawn joins us to reflect on an eventful year.

LISTEN: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/celebrating-one-year-of-the-spin-chicks-with-dawn-ellerbe/id1697031963?i=1000662502324

She shares her experiences with a major cross-country move and a significant career change, providing her perspective on personal and professional growth. We also share insight on the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, along with the latest in fashion, sports, and more. Tune in and let’s celebrate what a difference a year makes!

07/03/2024

The Spin Chicks digitally bridge an 8,000-mile gap to chat with Arshad Nadeem Olympian, Pakistan's javelin star and 2023 World Championship silver medalist. Joining Arshad is his coach and mentor Salman Butts, who helps with translation.

LISTEN TODAY: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/bridging-the-distance-javelin-thrower-arshad-nadeem/id1697031963?i=1000661014046

Despite training in scorching 113-degree heat, Arshad's focus remains on the Paris Olympics. He shares insights into his journey, mental preparation and visualization techniques, and how rhythmic dance has surprisingly enhanced his approach in hurling the 8 foot long javelin.

This conversation offers a glimpse into the dedication and unique training methods of this rising athletic talent.

05/29/2024

We are super proud to tell Lashinda Demus' story today in our pod. From one of the many interviews she did today. Her hometown paper did a beautiful job of telling her story.

The IOC will award the Long Beach Wilson grad the 2012 Olympic 400 hurdles gold at a special ceremony at the Olympics.

05/29/2024

In this breaking news podcast, The Spin Chicks visit with U.S. Olympian Lashinda Demus! She reflects on being a true pioneer, how the reallocation ceremony came to fruition and the background. She also gives us a preview of some of her picks for Paris Gold Medals as well.

Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-long-wait-for-the-gold-medal-is-over/id1697031963?i=1000657156425

Image is courtesy of the USATF.

05/07/2024

During a catch-up session with Michelle and Erika, Traci Messier fondly reminisces about her past as a Syracuse Orangemen cheerleader and her successful 10-year career as a TV sports and news anchor.

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-husbands-a-chef-part-i/id1697031963?i=1000654784353

Traci reflects on how her weekend shift influenced her decision to eventually leave the sports coverage scene in northern New York. She shares stories, including covering the Bills Mafia beat. In addition to her broadcasting experience, Traci discusses her life working in PR Agencies in the South, highlighting her versatility and adaptability in the media industry. During our closing segment "The Spin Cycle," Traci also takes a moment to reflect on her husband Christian, who is a dedicated full-time chef, adding a personal touch to the conversation.

04/11/2024

Michelle and Erika catch up with Bob Gillespie, a former columnist for The State in Columbia, S.C. He reflects on his experiences as a sportswriter for the Gamecocks, Clemson, PGA Tour and more.

Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/behind-the-headlines/id1697031963?i=1000652000581

Navigating the dynamics of being a sports journalist is different and Bob filled us in some of the behind-the-scenes of it all. He talks about just how much the profession has evolved over the years. With the rise of digital media and social platforms, Bob elaborates on the challenges of the role and the future of the profession. He also sprinkles in stories from his time on the beat, from unforgettable games to encounters with both coaches and players (and SIDs!).