The Spin Chicks

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The Spin Chicks

We share sports experiences, work-life balance, & add interviews from people we've met along the way. Spirited. Practical. Influential.

If you love sports and pop culture, you’re in the right place. Michelle Schmitt Young and Erika Amstadt Hirschfield have teamed up as The Spin Chicks. As seasoned pros in the sports, public relations and multimedia business, Michelle and Erika share their experiences working in sports, tackling the work-life balance and how to thrive in an ever-changing industry. They will share their behind the s

cenes experiences in locker rooms, competition arenas and in dealing with situations head-on. The Spin Chicks are all about spirited conversation, the power of practical, the art of influence and the value of knowledge. They also jump in with some good old fashioned girl talk because when they aren’t working, they are trying to live their best life.

12/04/2025

In this episode of The Spin Chicks podcast, we’re joined by Griffin Clark, a junior at Boston College who’s already making waves in sports communications through his work with the Naismith Awards and Bee Young Communications and Marketing as Michelle’s sole intern.

Podcast Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-sports-comms-griffin-clark-on-gen/id1697031963?i=1000739301550

A sharp mind, a rising voice, and a great look at the future of the industry, tune in to learn more about Gen Z and Griffin!

11/18/2025

In this episode of The Spin Chicks podcast, we’re joined by Clay Owen. Clay is a communications veteran whose career spans corporate PR, philanthropy, crisis management, and years as a senior producer at CNN.

CLICK HERE FOR the PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/storytelling-clay-owen-on-building-narratives-that/id1697031963?i=1000737255871

Now a professor at the University of South Carolina, he’s also the mind behind the College Sports Social Pulse, which tracks millions of fan conversations to show which programs are winning attention across social platforms.

For more on the College Sports Social Pulse: https://collegesportssocialpulse.com/

Erika Amstadt Hirschfield and Michelle talked with Clay about the moments that reshaped his approach to communications, what younger audiences are really doing on social media, and how brands should respond.

He shares insights from covering major global events, including the late Princess Diana’s funeral, why he returned to USC, and what’s surprised him most in the Pulse data, including the power of negative conversations. A sharp, informed look at the media world from someone who’s seen it all, the Spin Chicks already are making plans to have Clay back.

10/01/2025

Join us on The Spin Chicks Podcast as we sit down with Casey Manning - South Carolina Hall of Famer, trailblazer, and Gamecock legend (down in the first comment).

From growing up in Dillon, SC to winning the ACC title, law school, life as a judge, and 30+ years behind the mic as a Gamecock radio analyst. He talks about what it was like playing in the ACC during the Gamecocks’ rise, how college basketball has changed over the decades, his legal take on NIL and the future of college spors; and why he still hasn’t written a book (yet!)

Don’t miss this rare and inspiring conversation with one of the true greats.

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.

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