Leo's Den

About Leo's Den

A podcast with USA Rugby Sevens players, Naya Tapper and Ilona Maher, discussing every aspect of being a pro athlete from body confidence to dating to life on tour.

Publisher

Chris Stafford

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Feb 2021

Latest episode

10 Dec 2021

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Dec 2021

   S2E6: The Invincible Phaidra Knight

   This week’s guest on the season finale is not only a USA rugby legend but a legend around the world. She has made three appearances in the Rugby World Cup and was selected as the top player in the world in her position in 2002 and 2006. In 2010, she was named the U.S. Rugby Player of the Decade. In November 2017, she was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. Currently she has her own clothing line called the PSK collective, which Naya is an ambassador for and is a commentator on the world rugby sevens series so you've probably heard her voice before. She has paved the way for women in rugby and is constantly taking on new projects, most recently MMA. Phaindra shares her passions with us and what's on her bucket list, some of which may surprise you...or not... if you know how invincible this woman is. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher Recorded: December 7, 2021 For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

2. 

   26 Nov 2021

   S2E5: Money, Money, Money

   This week’s topic is finances and how professional rugby players manage their salary and portfolio. Our favorite Leo’s explain how they earn a living through the sport, how some players have a side gig and others have sponsorships. Lo explains how she has made some money through being a social media influencer even so it’s a lot of work. Naya explains how budgets work for her and Lo reveals she loves to save money. And although she’s a saver, she confesses that she’s learnt to treats herself when she want something because it gives her a spark of joy. The girls answer some great cub questions and close by giving us two challenges when it comes to money. This is a super insightful episode and has some great advice about preparing for the future. Host: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher Recorded: November 24, 2021 For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% of more than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

3. 

   12 Nov 2021

   S2E4 - Best Friends

   We are all about best friends on this episode as Naya and Lo are joined by their besties; Jaz Gray and Nicole Heavirland respectively. We get the low down on what made them click and why their relationships are so special both on and off the field. We find out their pet peeves and how they annoy each other, and we also hear how their different personalities work to improve the other. Plus Nicole spills the beans about Lo as her room mate when they are on tour. And if you follow them on social media you’ll have an idea that anything goes between these two! And no, they are not dating! Our favorite Leo’s also answer cubs questions so stay tuned to the end. This is a fun episode. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher Recorded: November 10, 2021 For more information, links and resources and hundreds more conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.71 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

4. 

   29 Oct 2021

   S2E3: Social Media

   On this week’s episode, Naya and Lo get into one of their favorite topics; social media. They discuss what works for them and what does not as well as how they have built their athlete brands around social media. We also learn some tips on how platforms work to engage followers and why that is more important than the number of followers. Naya explains how she has help to manage her social media strategy which is something Lo is considering in order to save time and maximise impact. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.69 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

5. 

   15 Oct 2021

   S2E2: Mental Health

   The all important topic of mental health is the subject for this episode as Naya and Lo share their journeys. Lo explains how she has come to terms with the struggles she has had as a professional athlete, how the Olympic Games affected her. and why she has now started seeing a therapist. Naya has also had to face her own challenges as aa Black woman and is also turning to a therapist to help guide her. The girls are joined by Marisa Elbers a mental performance coach with a Masters in Performance Psychology, certified yoga teacher, and personal trainer who works with athletes from high school to professional level teaching mental skills. They discuss some of the challenges facing elite athletes and tools that can help. Our favorite Leos also take a moment to meditate on the show and you’re invited to join them. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Leo's Den For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. We are ranked in the top 2% more of than 2.69 million podcasts worldwide. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

6. 

   1 Oct 2021

   S2E1: Naya and Lo's Olympic Experience

   Naya and Lo are back with a new season of their popular podcast and the girls reveal all (well most) of their Olympic experience. They take us through the long journey to arriving in training camp in Mimasaka, the transfer to the Olympic village and the opening ceremony. Lo fan girling Olympians, favorite moments, what they learned from the experience and getting used to being called an Olympian. And let’s not forget our Tik Tok Queen Lo who will forever be remembered by her funny and emotional videos from Tokyo, not least of all the birthing scene with her teammates. And to wrap up the season premiere the girls answer some cub questions about their Olympic debut. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1500+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

7. 

   16 Apr 2021

   S1E6 - Life on Tour

   As you will know, Naya and Lo are both on the USA Rugby Sevens team and they have just returned from Dubai where they were training and playing in an Invitational Tournament. So they sat down together to talk about what it’s like being on tour and to answer some cub questions. We hear about team selection, what players do if they don’t make the squad, what they wear, how long they travel for, what game week involves importantly they share their most private thoughts about roommates. And if you follow these two on social media you will already have the inside scoop on their personal choices. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

8. 

   2 Apr 2021

   S1E5 - Food Glorious Food

   Naya and Ilona get down to another favorite topic of their’s - FOOD. How much protein and carbs does it take to fuel a professional rugby player? If you follow Lo on Tik Tok you will know she has a BIG appetite! She avoid the word ‘diet’ and gives her body all the fuel it needs. They share their likes and dislikes, and their drinking habits before and after a game. let’s just say neither of them go hungry. They make sure that their nutrition keeps up with their calorie burn. But what about cheat foods like burgers and fries? Find out how these two feisty Leos stay healthy and well fed to keep their body tuned. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

9. 

   19 Mar 2021

   S1E4 - The Dating Life of a Female Rugby Player

   Naya and LO get down to dating on this week’s episode as they share their own experiences. They discuss what it’s like to date as a professional rugby player, if that’s hard and why since not every man can handle strong minded powerful woman, the pros and cons of dating another athlete, public or private dating, priorities of dating, long distance dating. And they consider the dating pool during a pandemic. Plus the duo responds to a variety of cubs questions that you don’t want to miss! For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

10. 

    5 Mar 2021

    S1E3 - An African American Woman in Rugby

    Naya gets deep into the culture of being an African American woman in rugby beginning with the history of black people and how this has impacted her. They discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and how the events of 2020 have impacted Naya. The also unpack the music, fashion, dances around black culture on the team and address pushback as a black women in rugby.  This is another candid conversation between two rugby players on the raw topics that affect young women in professional sport. And finally they answer questions  from the Leo’s Den cubs. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

11. 

    19 Feb 2021

    S1E2 - Body Confidence

    Naya and Lo get right down to an important topic on their second episode by discussing Body Confidence. The two Leos share their confidence and why they feel good about their bodies as women and athletes, how they gained confidence, the favorite thing about their bodies and least favorite. They have advice to someone who is lacking body confidence and how to feel better about themselves. They also share some of their own experiences as adolescents and the social challenges they faced and discuss body confidence in women’s rugby. They wrap up the show by candidly answering listeners questions. Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher 38' 14 For more information, links and resources plus conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

12. 

    5 Feb 2021

    S1E1; Here We Go

    Here we go for a brand new show with two true Leos; Naya and Lo… yes this is a Rugby Podcast with a difference. These two powerful Leos are none other than Winger Naya Tapper and her teammate Center and Prop for USA Sevens Ilona Maher. So how did they become fast friends off the field and what do they get up to when they’re not training? We’ll hear about their families, where they grew up and what led them to rugby. We’ll also find out what the traits are of Leos and which ones apply to them… whether they agree on them or how they see these in one another… well that’s a conversation in itself. And what it takes to be a cub - a member of this Leo’s Den Club. Find out what this show will be about in the upcoming episodes and how you can join in the conversation, send your questions and post your comments. Naya and Lo will be posting Instagram stories @leosden_wispsports where you can join in live and get to know these two awesome Leos. Podcast length: 20' 52" Hosts: Naya Tapper & Ilona Maher For complete shows notes and more information, links and resources as well as other conversations from the world of women’s sport including articles, blogs, videos and podcasts visit wispsports.com. WiSP Sports is the World’s First and Only Podcast Network for Women’s Sport with more than 60 hosts, 1300+ episodes across 50 shows and over 7 million downloads. WiSP Sports is on all major podcast players. Follow WiSP Sports on social media @WiSPsports. Contact us at info@wispsports.com (mailto:info@wispsports.com).

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Contact Leo's Den

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.