October 5, 2022 • 26 mins
American rugby player and Olympian, Ilona Maher has always known how to embrace her natural athleticism and outgoing personality. Capitalizing on the things that have made her stand out has led Ilona to excel in a career as a professional athlete. She tells Betty Who in the latest episode of “Unfiltered: The JBL Podcast” why she doesn’t want to be called a role model and the most important part about winning for her.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Unfiltered, the jb L
podcast and I Heart Radio Production in partnership with jb L.
I'm your host, Betty who. I'm so glad to have
you here with me on this journey. I've gotten to
talk to so many amazing people, and I really leave
these conversations so inspired, so I hope you are too.
I feel like I've spoken to some incredible young people,
(00:23):
and today's conversation is absolutely no exception. Our guest today
is not just an impressive athlete, but she is also
a literal Olympian. I am joined by Alona Ma, a
professional rugby player who was unapologetic on and off the pitch.
It's deeper than when I lose. Though. Rugby helped Alona
find the confidence in herself and her game, spreading her
(00:47):
love for rugby, Alona documents the behind the scenes of
her life as an elite athlete with her almost one
million TikTok followers. Undeniably, Alona is a big personality and
a powerhouse athlete. So why don't we get right into it? So,
I'm so glad you're here. I have so many questions
for you, obviously, um, but the first thing I want
(01:08):
to kind of start with is obviously it's I'm Australian,
so I know all about rugby, but it's not a
particularly American like cultured sports. So I want to know
like how you found it, or maybe how it found you.
I know you played a bunch of different sports in
high school, like taught me a little bit about how
it all got started for you. Yeah. Well, my dad's
actually a rugby guy. He's been playing like rugby for
thirty years, but he always encouraged us to play so
(01:30):
many other sports, so you know, whether softball, basketball, fiel key,
We just played all these sports because he saw the
benefits of playing sports, especially in girls, and being these
team activities. So I played a lot of sports, and
I think I was just kind of made to be
an athlete, honestly, whether it's genetics or whatnot. You know,
sports was my social life. It was my club and
whatever sport I was in, that was my friend group.
(01:50):
I didn't you know, I did. It wasn't cool. Didn't
really go to parties or anything like that, but I
went to basketball games and then I tried out rugby,
and it like literally fit my body like a glove
because it was just and i'm amazing mix of physicality
that we don't see in a lot of women's games.
And it's the same as men, which you know, it's
like men and women are the same. And in other
countries rugby is the ship, you know. In Australia, it's
(02:12):
the coolest thing, it's the biggest. Yeah, it's literally massive.
Yeah yeah, I mean the Australian women's seem just won
the World Cup in sevens and they've done all these
other things, and the thing that what they're doing for
the sport is so impressive and so but they grew
up playing rugby and I didn't. So I just we
all have a different way of thinking about it. So
I love rugby and I think it can really it helps.
It has helped me in my life, and I think
(02:33):
it helps so many other people as well. Yeah. I
really appreciate that your dad was really like girls are boys,
Like my kids are gonna be athletes. It's like this
is a part of my lifestyle and the thing that
I love. Like, how much did you find when you
were growing up, like how unusual was your sort of
your family life and the choices that your parents made
to sort of support that side of you. Yeah, I
(02:55):
don't think it was unusual that the girls are playing sports.
It was unusual in the way that he wanted us
to be the best in sports. He always tells the
story of like how I was pitching at a softball
game once and I was pitching hard and a dad
on the other team, you know, yelled at me to
slow my pitches down because I was pitching it too
fast and then the girls could hit it. And my
dad was like, no, it's a fast pitch, leak. We're
(03:15):
gonna pitch fast is what we're supposed to do. Because
I think a lot of times dads and men almost
tone it down for their daughters. They automatically like, oh, well,
it's my daughter, so she doesn't have to hit it
as hard, she doesn't have to pitch it as fast,
she doesn't have to run as fast. But my son's
better be the strongest, the fastest out there. It didn't
matter if it was a girl or boy coming out.
Like my dad was, we're going to be the best
(03:35):
of what we do. And so the big thing I
think I took away to like, never tone it down
like him and my mom were, just like, if you're
gonna be the best at it and pitch it as
fast as you can, throw it as hard as you can,
run as fast as you can. And I think that's
kind of what has led me to be the athlete
that I am today, by having that confidence from your
parents to be your best. Yeah, that's so amazing. How
(03:57):
much do you like because rugby is a very physical sport.
Do you have like your recollection of the first time
you're like on the field and you're starting to like
get more into it and be like, oh, this feels good,
Like what does that feel like in your body? I
think if from even all the other sports I play,
and I might feel like you coach that would joke that,
you know, whenever I was on the field, I would
go through people to get the ball instead of around them.
(04:19):
On a basketball I was always a power center and
I would power through people. So it was always the
thing I was wanted to do, but like never fully
encouraged to do in sports. I was playing kind of
maybe in basketball for sure, but it just is like
so cool to go out there to be like truly
praise and applauded for my size and like find a
place where your size is like oh we want this
(04:39):
because I mean, I feel like you feel the soccer field,
I'm very big, and I'm like, oh, well you want
to be probably thinner, move well, and whereas I wrong,
you feel it's like they saw me and they were like,
this is amazing, exactly what I want. And I think
that's what's helped me as well. To grow into my
confidence of the person I am is like finding a
place that's really accepted me and being like, oh, no,
you're perfect, You're the perfect way you are. We want
you on a few old you know. And to find
(05:01):
that as like helped me tremendously and to translate my
speed and power into something on the field is like
just what I live for now. Genuinely sounds like rugby
found you in that way where you're like, you come
into this world where you're all of a sudden, like
the things that you've been insecure about your entire life
for all of a sudden, the whole reason and purpose
(05:22):
that you're good at this thing Like that must have
felt so freeing and validating. Oh, it for sure does.
And I think one thing that really helped was like
I got into a couple of rugby teams, but then
once I got into the USA team and some of
my teammates on the USA team were like so cool
and just the way that they beat themselves. It is
wild to be around other confident women. He's like, it
kind of rubs off on you in a way. Yeah,
(05:43):
I love that. It's empowering and so like my teammates
on USA were like a lot of them are big
like me, and it was like cool to see this
and be like, oh man, they're they're big like me.
Like I feel like I have a place to see
me in them as well. And you want to find
your own confidence, but it's hard, and I think there's
something to be said about somebody who has found their confidence. Hell,
bring you in your way so that you can find
your competence and then help somebody else. I think it's
(06:03):
kind of it can be effect and that's like something
that I want to do as well, because having my
teammates has helped me, and so I hope that I
can now help others because of what they've done for
me and when my mom's done for me and my sisters.
So I love to hear that's also so perfect. Again,
I love You're the perfect guest for the show, because
the entire point of the show is to talk about
like being yourself and trying to find how to live
(06:24):
into the best parts of yourself and the person you
were born to be. So it's so beautiful that you
found this community. Like I think that's so special and awesome,
and it sounds like you've really found I mean, I
think what so many people spend their literal, entire lives
searching for it. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by responsibility. Like
you say, it's really important to you to like show
you know, you've seen how women can make you feel
(06:46):
about yourself, and now you want to like try and
kind of perpetuate that cycle of like showing little girls
that they can be strong and different in all of
these things. Like do you ever feel pressure for that?
Like for me, I'll have a bad day, right and
then I I'll have to show up somewhere, and I'm like,
it's really hard for me to be perceived right now,
Like I'm having a tough time and I want to
show up for you and be the person you want
(07:07):
me to be. Like do you deal with pressure in
that same way? I think one thing I deal with
is like this idea of role model. Like everyone's like, oh,
you're a role model, and I'm like, because it's a
scary title because I think with role model they attached
so many things. Like people think role model, that's perfect.
They do all the best things, they say, all the
best things, they don't do anything wrong. So like that
(07:27):
worries me because like I hear like young girls who
followed me, and I'm like, I love aspiring young girls,
but like I am also a twenty six year old
woman who has all sorts of things going on in
her life. So like I'm a role model in some senses,
I'm role modeling that I've worked very hard. I've been
to school, I got my master's, I'm a hard worker
on the field. But then I'm not really role modeling
(07:49):
that I also like to get drunk and have fun. Yeah. Well,
and by the way, that's fine, Like that shouldn't disqualify
you from being a role model. You're being yourself and
enjoying yourself. And I think that's maybe what's odd sometimes
when you're put into this position of like you feel
like you have to be actually really perfect for people
to follow an example, and it's like no that I
think maybe the reason you were. You blew up on
(08:10):
TikTok is because you're being yourself. It's not because you're
trying to be a version of yourself. That's the role
model that cuts out all the bad stuff so that
people don't see it. It's like, no, this is just
who I am. Like here I am no for sure,
And I think that's why I like, oh, yeah, I'm
a role model in some ways, but also I am
a human being and I make all these mistakes, so
like that's sometimes feels the pressure, but like it's really
(08:31):
just me being me, and I think people can genuinely
see that at times. Have you ever gone where people
call you say you're unapologetically yourself to people are say
that to you, yes all the time. I'm like, what
does that mean? We're living, We're being unapologetic, We're being authentic, sister,
that's what we're here to do. I'm like, what are
all of you doing? Then? I think that's a crazy
observation you've just made, though, because so many people cannot
(08:54):
be themselves and they have a built in apology. I've
met people who walk into a room and they say, Hi,
this is my name, and when they tell you their name,
you're like, are you sure? Why do I feel like
you're apologizing to me for you existing? Like that sounds great,
like cool for you. You know. I think it is
much more common than I wish it was. Where I
meet people who feel so um, whether it's that they've
(09:18):
been made to feel shamed by other people or by
society or by their community, where they just feel like
they are looking for an outlet, They're looking for representation,
looking for someone to reflect themselves back to them so
they feel like they then have permission to be themselves,
which I think is the thing that you're ultimately doing.
Is no one gave you permission. You gave yourself permission,
and no one will. No one ever gives anybody permission,
(09:40):
you know what I mean. It's like people wait around
their whole lives to be like, when is someone going
to tell me that I can be amazing? It's like,
no one is ever going to do that for you.
You just gotta do it. So you're already doing that
for yourself. And I think that people probably really react
to that because they're like, you are all of these
things right, You're not just this one dimensional, fake role
model person who's like this is you know, I'm so perfect.
(10:01):
You should follow me into the dark. You're like here,
I am taking or leave it like you know, cool
vibe and people who feel like they don't have the
space or ability to just be like this is who
I am. World suck it like must be so inspired
and like shook by the fact that there are people
out there who really can. Yeah, it's always interesting all
(10:22):
these people say it to me, Like to me, I'm
like I said, I almost feel like it's a bad thing,
Like I like, I know what you mean. You know
you because everyone says that, and you're like what I
have met in my life. So many people who have
so much self uh they are insecure about parts of
themselves or have they hold hate inside themselves about themselves,
(10:43):
and so when they see other people not holding that
hate and going I love myself, Like you don't have
to like me, I love me. I think it's sometimes
can be really confrontational in a good way when you're
like cool, there are people who need to see this.
But then for people who don't like to see it
because they have so much hate and their hard about themselves,
I think it's really painful to look out and into
(11:05):
the world and see other people being themselves and and
not hating themselves, you know, and not carrying around all
this shame. Yeah. And I think one thing that's really
helped me it was kind of the realization when I
was just like taking a look around and I was like, Okay,
wait a second, everyone who I think is just the
beasnees who's like beautiful, skinny, perfect, is actually also very insecure,
oh my god, always like everybody, And that is what
(11:29):
really helped me. I was like, Okay, men who I
thought were the coolest, like they know how to talk,
their confident, I was like, actually, they're insecure, so I
think it's kind of a cool thing. Okay, well so
I'm insecure. We're all insecure, so let's just be insecure. Yes,
but like let's be ourselves because I think, like we
just are so afraid of being a kid, but we
don't realize that everybody is afraid of being that. So
(11:51):
if we can just see one person actually being themselves again,
the effect of like helping others. It's like a domino effect, right,
you push it over and then all of us and
everybody else is like, wait, can I do that too?
And you're like, yes, join me, ladies, join usdown. Please
come more on Unfiltered at the JBL podcast after a
(12:12):
quick break and now back to the show. I do
want to know what's the like pre game ritual, locker
(12:33):
room five. I want to know, like is it music? Like,
what's your how are you in the zone? Paint a
picture with your words, take me on a journey. Yes,
I like to think of myself as the hype woman.
I think of myself as the hype woman, Alona. Of
course this is sick five. We can't go to a
wedding together. We have big wedding energy. Do you know
what I mean? Big wedding energy. I'm always on OX two.
(12:54):
I stay getting into fights with wedding DJs because I'm like,
I know what these people need. We need to have
a conversation about it. Okay, yeah we need some early
two thousands. Please please play fiance, Thank you so much. Yeah.
I like to get hyped. I like to think I'm
kind of a mood setter for the team, and I
think a lot of my teams would agree on that.
(13:15):
One thing I don't do is I don't really have
any superstitions, like, oh, I have to eat a bagel,
with cream cheese, or like wear the same pair of
socks or something. Yes, I just think, like if I
am banking my play on a pair of socks, that's
not that's not it. It's not a pair of socks.
What I eat is can change. So I just try
to not have any superstitions like that. I love that
I could eat whatever I want the day of I
(13:36):
could do this, I could wear that whatever. So that's
like main thing. So that's why I try to get
out of my head on game days. I always before
a game will write in my notebook. I write everything,
all these things you want to do, and then at
the end of it, I'm like, just do your job.
If you can just do your job, you'll be fine
out there. And then I lead us out into the tunnel.
That's something I really love to do. And then I
(13:56):
like to just set the vibes very uplifting because there's
some people in my team we just like to sit.
They don't say a word, they just put their headphones
on and so like I let them do their thing.
But there's some people who want another person to hype
them up and play the song. So I'm like constantly
on my phone, like what what do we need? What
tea paying song do they want to hear? Now? You know?
And then I just go out there and it's a
very short game, four two minute games, so you just
(14:17):
gotta be on doing your job fourteen minutes. And then
you come out and you you gotta relax, you gotta chill.
Do you feel like I feel this sometimes too when
I'm because if I'm in a good space right and
I'm like cool, I'm going to be the one I'll
carry this entire fucking team if I need to, Like
I can have that energy as well on days where
you don't have that, when you're like maybe heading out
(14:38):
to do a game and you're like not feeling like
the twenty five out of ten Alona is ready to
like take responsibility for the whole team. Do you find
that you still can like flip a switch and be
there for other people and it kind of takes you
out of it, or do you find that you're sort
of like, I'm actually gonna take a back seat, Like
how do you show up for not only yourself but
your team in this role when you're like not having
(15:00):
your best day. I will say I think I take
a back seat at time just because I feel emotions
very outwardly. I would say, like if I'm sad, I'll
show it outwardly. If I'm angry, I'll show it, And
like that's wing I want to get better at. Like
if I've had a bad game before, i might even
show it before the pregame and I'll be like changing up.
(15:20):
So like that's even like I need to work on.
But like there have been times when I do take
a back seat. But what I'm trying to get better
at and it's constantly getting better, is like, Okay, flush it.
That's happened in the past. You need to bring it
up whichever way it is. But I am somebody who
feels things very deeply, and I'll show it very deeply.
So if I'm not feeling it, I can't fake things.
I can't fake I'm feeling. I think it's definitely hard,
(15:42):
and I don't think I'm that good at it. I
think I want to get better at it. So it's
like it's very hard for me at times to take
a back seat because like I can take a back
seat and somebody else can be on oxen trying to
pump everyone, but I don't know, I feel fully pumped
me up. I think it's really I'm the one who
gets myself like I'm the one who does all this,
and that's something you know, I gotta work with and
I've got to be able to Okay, you know what,
(16:02):
you're down, Like you're sad about losing your sad about
how you played. Like you hear those emotions, you know it.
But what it's the action that you're going to take
to fix that. Because we can have all the bad
thoughts in the world, but it's like, what are we
going to do about it action wise? And how much
like you know, you said, like cool, if we're winning,
obviously I'm buying shots, like it's a different of course
we're going for it, But like, how much does winning
(16:25):
really mean to you? Is the competition like a huge
part of what drives you or is it just about
the time you're on the field and and the life
and the community. Winning drives me because winning means funding
for my team, and winning means that we can continue
doing what we want to do. I would love to
be just playing rugby. Doesn't even care if I win
or lose, if we could still keep playing rugby, but
(16:46):
winning means that other young girls can come in and
have this. Other young girls can be professional athletes one day,
professional rugby players one day. So winning means so much
more to me, And I think I for sure understand
that because like for me, I've taken on this role
of trying to grow rugby in the US, trying to
grow rugby get other girls into it. So like winning
is deeper to me. When we didn't win the World Cup,
(17:08):
we didn't met in the World Cup, like that was
deeper because like I want us to win to get
this funding so that we can continue having this program,
continue to get girls in. So it's deeper for me
than just win or lose, Yeah, which I think makes
it more meaningful than when you do win because you're
like you're fighting for something more. Maybe that's like something
that is really meaningful as far as in sports in competition,
(17:30):
Like if it was all just you know, actually just
a big game, it's like in the end, you're like
it's a game, really, Like, yes, you have to want
to play for something more. It sounds like I think
your motivations are so strong because it's about servicing other
young women, you know, it's about yeah, providing space and
community for this thing that you love so much and
it's growing and you want to help grow it. So
(17:50):
that's incredible. Yeah, it's a game, but like to me,
it's so much more and it's my life, it's my passion.
So yeah, it's okay if you win or lose. No,
I want to win. I want to win because it
means a lot. Hell yeah it does. Okay, So pre
warm up, you're on the ox. What's your favorite music?
You know, I care of music, that's my thing. What's
your vibe before game? Let me look at my quick
(18:13):
tourney playlist? So then, oh yeah, tourney playlist. I want
the tourney playlist. I'm gonna make you texats to me. Okay, okay, Well,
I personally love it old some old songs, you know,
I'm an oldies girl. Yes, nothing will get me more
hyped than that, to be honest, I got on here.
How will I know? Winny Houston excellent, excellent choice. Why
I don't know? Waiting for tonight? Jennifer Lopez. I love
(18:34):
Jennifer Lopez. I love Jennifer Lopez. I love with all
my heart Helona. Should we go to a j Loo concert? Yeah?
Have you been to a Jlo concert? I haven't, but
she liked my post recently. But if you're listening, you
can't see us. But we are a silent because we
are speechless because j Lo liked your post. What was
the post? Well, in the Olympics, I said she was
(18:54):
like my number one, and so she started like following
me and like, I've never been happier in my life.
I think she's so talented. I'm squealing for you. Everything
she does. Jlo melted my face off when I saw
her live. A performer and actress, a singer, she literally
fucking does it all. Dancer, mom entrepreneur, you know what
doesn't she do? But yeah, if there's a j Lo
(19:17):
concert coming up, let's do it. Okay, I'm putting this
in our cow Okay, perfect, I got fire burning, John
Kinson hot in here, Nelly that always gets me hyped.
Hot In here, I feel I can see the team
getting really jacked hot. And here is a team song,
Yes it really is. Let's get loud again, j Loo. Nice,
Let's get loud as a good one. Um, what do
I got? I got promiscuous? Oh damn, I have the
(19:40):
thong song on here. I don't really know what, Yes,
I know why that song goes um, this is how
we do it. Nice work it, Miss Elliott, push it. Okay,
I'm gonna need this playlist. This is a good playlist.
This is to send it to you. It's really just
like whatever I want to listen to. And then I
have a teammate who only likes listening to Drake. So like,
after I've gotten in all of my hits, She's like, hey,
(20:01):
can we turn on any Drake song? I'm like, yeah, literally,
any Drake song? Cool? Okay, Okay, I gotta I got it.
But I do take pride in being the vibe master.
It's a tough job, but I do it. You sound
like you were born for it. I think this is
something we share. I like to be a vibe master
as well. I do. I love this energy and us.
I had a dream that if music failed me, I
would start a business where I became like basically vibe
(20:23):
master of weddings because I love weddings. I love love.
I love It's like the best day of everybody's life.
And then just like I love bringing the energy to
a wedding, any wedding I go to, like I get
the dance floor going, you know what I mean? It's
like very I think we share this energy. Yeah, you
saw me at the League of their Own premiere. You
saw me tear it up that dance floor. I saw you.
I was like, there wasn't even a dance floor, flos,
(20:43):
it was just a patch of like artificial grass right
in front made it a dance floor. She made it
there with like one other one other person. It was
just my best friend Sarah and I were like, this
is gonna be this is our night. We're dancing tonight.
Everybody else was like mingling and being professional and I
was like sweating and burning a thousand calories on the dance. Yes,
do it my thing. I love that. I need to
(21:04):
do that more as well. And I think again, people
just want somebody to get it started, somebody who will
get out there and do it. Yeah, Okay. The thing
that I really want to know, honestly is what is
like the thing that you could say is one of
the number one things that helped you find the contentment
and who you are, the ability to be that sort
of like this is who I am. I'm really comfortable
(21:24):
like and to be twenty six and already be like
so authentic and know yourself so well, like, how did
you get there? How did you find this place that
you're in right now? I think it's been a combo
thanks for sure. The rugby, like kind of all the
things that I'm saying, like the rugby just being so
accepting of you as a person, as your body type,
as a person, my family for sure, like I have
such amazing sports as my two sisters, my mom, my dad,
(21:47):
you know, being who I am here and then my
team environment as well, for my USA team has really
helped me out. And I think the number one thing
is just realizing, like everyone is so unique, it's so different,
and this world would be such a boring place if
we were all the same. And I want other people
to feel so confident to be themselves, so even if
(22:09):
that means I have to. I have so many awkward situations.
I get in, I say weird stuff, I do the
wrong things. But out here being silly geese, just just
a silly goose sometimes quirky, quirky you might call it,
but like to me, everyone is insecure and uncomfortable sometimes
and like I am so much, but I'm like fuck it, yeah, okay,
(22:30):
I'm gonna be that way. But I'm gonna be myself
in that way, and I'm gonna own up that I'm
loud and I say weird stuff sometimes and I love
to do this and I love to watch this. So
that's what's really helped me, is to like take a
look around and see that everyone is on the same boat,
and like if someone can just take a step out,
I think it helps a lot because I've seen people
(22:52):
who did that and how it's helped me, and I
know I can help others. That's my last question for you,
is like a piece of advice for people who are
trying to find themselves and live into themselves a little
bit more comfortably, like let go of any shame and
fear about being themselves. Like what is your advice, especially
the young woman, because it sounds like that's who you're
really trying to affected and create a safer space for
(23:13):
in the world. Yeah, I think, like, really understand how
perfect you are and how everything that you are is
like exactly how it's supposed to be because we're all different,
we're all unique. And again, I see this all the time.
It would be so boring if you're all the same,
(23:33):
it would be so so boring. And yeah, a lot
of people are gonna like you. That's something I'm really
trying to figure out because I want everybody to like me.
I would love it if I was everyone's favorite person,
but that's not the case, and that's just not going
to happen because I don't like everybody, So why am
I gonna expect and like me? Yeah that's a good point.
So not everyone's gonna like you, but again, you're not
(23:56):
for everybody, and really just yourself and the freeness that
you can feel when you start just appreciating the little
things about yourself and like appreciating what your body can
do for you. That's the main thing I say, is like,
you're not gonna love your body all the time, but
if you can appreciate what it does for you, like, okay,
well it's still wakes me up with the morning, it
still takes me on walks and still plays rugby for me,
(24:17):
So I don't know. I mean, it's so freeing and
everyone wants to be themselves. That's the thing. Everyone would
love to be unapologelzic to themselves. So if you can
just step out and be yourself, yeah, not like that,
they're gonna vibe with it. But you've stepped out and
you've done something so many people couldn't do well, and
the people who do, like, sure, some people might not,
but the people who do see you and vibe with
(24:39):
you in your truest self are going to feel ten
times more seen, ten times more represented, ten times more
connected to you, which is like, especially for someone like
you who really just values community and and you know,
your favorite part about rugby is like the people you
get to meet along the way. It's like that, it's
so important and I think such a statement to live by.
So I'm so inspired and grateful for your time. I
(25:01):
could literally let's go to Jlo. Okay, all right, you
let me know out my arm you're twisting it. Fine,
I guess I'll be there. Wait. Thank you so much
for being yourself. Well, thank you. I want to thank
Alonama again for joining me today. Talk about being at
the top of your game and man on man do
(25:21):
we have so many plans coming up now. I'm gonna
get this playlist going in the gym. We're gonna go
to Jennifer Lopez. You had it here first, Jolo, if
you're listening, that's it for today's episode. But joined me again.
Next week. We have a very special guest plan for
our final episode, so you won't want to miss it
and don't forget to share thoughts with me on social
or leave a rating and review for the podcast. Wherever
you're listening, you can always find me on Instagram and
(25:44):
Twitter at Betty Who, and on TikTok and YouTube at
Betty Who Music. Catch you next time Unfiltered. The JBL
podcast is produced by I Heart Radio and partnership with
j b L. Our show is hosted by me Betty Who.
Our executive producer is Molly soshe ep of post production
is Matt Stillo. Editor is Sierra Spreen. This episode was
written and produced by Sierra Kaiser. Special thanks to our
(26:05):
friends at jb L Initiative and Donna M.
Hi everyone, and welcome back to Unfiltered, the jb L
podcast and I Heart Radio Production in partnership with jb L.
I'm your host, Betty who. I'm so glad to have
you here with me on this journey. I've gotten to
talk to so many amazing people, and I really leave
these conversations so inspired, so I hope you are too.
I feel like I've spoken to some incredible young people,
(00:23):
and today's conversation is absolutely no exception. Our guest today
is not just an impressive athlete, but she is also
a literal Olympian. I am joined by Alona Ma, a
professional rugby player who was unapologetic on and off the pitch.
It's deeper than when I lose. Though. Rugby helped Alona
find the confidence in herself and her game, spreading her
(00:47):
love for rugby, Alona documents the behind the scenes of
her life as an elite athlete with her almost one
million TikTok followers. Undeniably, Alona is a big personality and
a powerhouse athlete. So why don't we get right into it? So,
I'm so glad you're here. I have so many questions
for you, obviously, um, but the first thing I want
(01:08):
to kind of start with is obviously it's I'm Australian,
so I know all about rugby, but it's not a
particularly American like cultured sports. So I want to know
like how you found it, or maybe how it found you.
I know you played a bunch of different sports in
high school, like taught me a little bit about how
it all got started for you. Yeah. Well, my dad's
actually a rugby guy. He's been playing like rugby for
thirty years, but he always encouraged us to play so
(01:30):
many other sports, so you know, whether softball, basketball, fiel key,
We just played all these sports because he saw the
benefits of playing sports, especially in girls, and being these
team activities. So I played a lot of sports, and
I think I was just kind of made to be
an athlete, honestly, whether it's genetics or whatnot. You know,
sports was my social life. It was my club and
whatever sport I was in, that was my friend group.
(01:50):
I didn't you know, I did. It wasn't cool. Didn't
really go to parties or anything like that, but I
went to basketball games and then I tried out rugby,
and it like literally fit my body like a glove
because it was just and i'm amazing mix of physicality
that we don't see in a lot of women's games.
And it's the same as men, which you know, it's
like men and women are the same. And in other
countries rugby is the ship, you know. In Australia, it's
(02:12):
the coolest thing, it's the biggest. Yeah, it's literally massive.
Yeah yeah, I mean the Australian women's seem just won
the World Cup in sevens and they've done all these
other things, and the thing that what they're doing for
the sport is so impressive and so but they grew
up playing rugby and I didn't. So I just we
all have a different way of thinking about it. So
I love rugby and I think it can really it helps.
It has helped me in my life, and I think
(02:33):
it helps so many other people as well. Yeah. I
really appreciate that your dad was really like girls are boys,
Like my kids are gonna be athletes. It's like this
is a part of my lifestyle and the thing that
I love. Like, how much did you find when you
were growing up, like how unusual was your sort of
your family life and the choices that your parents made
to sort of support that side of you. Yeah, I
(02:55):
don't think it was unusual that the girls are playing sports.
It was unusual in the way that he wanted us
to be the best in sports. He always tells the
story of like how I was pitching at a softball
game once and I was pitching hard and a dad
on the other team, you know, yelled at me to
slow my pitches down because I was pitching it too
fast and then the girls could hit it. And my
dad was like, no, it's a fast pitch, leak. We're
(03:15):
gonna pitch fast is what we're supposed to do. Because
I think a lot of times dads and men almost
tone it down for their daughters. They automatically like, oh, well,
it's my daughter, so she doesn't have to hit it
as hard, she doesn't have to pitch it as fast,
she doesn't have to run as fast. But my son's
better be the strongest, the fastest out there. It didn't
matter if it was a girl or boy coming out.
Like my dad was, we're going to be the best
(03:35):
of what we do. And so the big thing I
think I took away to like, never tone it down
like him and my mom were, just like, if you're
gonna be the best at it and pitch it as
fast as you can, throw it as hard as you can,
run as fast as you can. And I think that's
kind of what has led me to be the athlete
that I am today, by having that confidence from your
parents to be your best. Yeah, that's so amazing. How
(03:57):
much do you like because rugby is a very physical sport.
Do you have like your recollection of the first time
you're like on the field and you're starting to like
get more into it and be like, oh, this feels good,
Like what does that feel like in your body? I
think if from even all the other sports I play,
and I might feel like you coach that would joke that,
you know, whenever I was on the field, I would
go through people to get the ball instead of around them.
(04:19):
On a basketball I was always a power center and
I would power through people. So it was always the
thing I was wanted to do, but like never fully
encouraged to do in sports. I was playing kind of
maybe in basketball for sure, but it just is like
so cool to go out there to be like truly
praise and applauded for my size and like find a
place where your size is like oh we want this
(04:39):
because I mean, I feel like you feel the soccer field,
I'm very big, and I'm like, oh, well you want
to be probably thinner, move well, and whereas I wrong,
you feel it's like they saw me and they were like,
this is amazing, exactly what I want. And I think
that's what's helped me as well. To grow into my
confidence of the person I am is like finding a
place that's really accepted me and being like, oh, no,
you're perfect, You're the perfect way you are. We want
you on a few old you know. And to find
(05:01):
that as like helped me tremendously and to translate my
speed and power into something on the field is like
just what I live for now. Genuinely sounds like rugby
found you in that way where you're like, you come
into this world where you're all of a sudden, like
the things that you've been insecure about your entire life
for all of a sudden, the whole reason and purpose
(05:22):
that you're good at this thing Like that must have
felt so freeing and validating. Oh, it for sure does.
And I think one thing that really helped was like
I got into a couple of rugby teams, but then
once I got into the USA team and some of
my teammates on the USA team were like so cool
and just the way that they beat themselves. It is
wild to be around other confident women. He's like, it
kind of rubs off on you in a way. Yeah,
(05:43):
I love that. It's empowering and so like my teammates
on USA were like a lot of them are big
like me, and it was like cool to see this
and be like, oh man, they're they're big like me.
Like I feel like I have a place to see
me in them as well. And you want to find
your own confidence, but it's hard, and I think there's
something to be said about somebody who has found their confidence. Hell,
bring you in your way so that you can find
your competence and then help somebody else. I think it's
(06:03):
kind of it can be effect and that's like something
that I want to do as well, because having my
teammates has helped me, and so I hope that I
can now help others because of what they've done for
me and when my mom's done for me and my sisters.
So I love to hear that's also so perfect. Again,
I love You're the perfect guest for the show, because
the entire point of the show is to talk about
like being yourself and trying to find how to live
(06:24):
into the best parts of yourself and the person you
were born to be. So it's so beautiful that you
found this community. Like I think that's so special and awesome,
and it sounds like you've really found I mean, I
think what so many people spend their literal, entire lives
searching for it. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by responsibility. Like
you say, it's really important to you to like show
you know, you've seen how women can make you feel
(06:46):
about yourself, and now you want to like try and
kind of perpetuate that cycle of like showing little girls
that they can be strong and different in all of
these things. Like do you ever feel pressure for that?
Like for me, I'll have a bad day, right and
then I I'll have to show up somewhere, and I'm like,
it's really hard for me to be perceived right now,
Like I'm having a tough time and I want to
show up for you and be the person you want
(07:07):
me to be. Like do you deal with pressure in
that same way? I think one thing I deal with
is like this idea of role model. Like everyone's like, oh,
you're a role model, and I'm like, because it's a
scary title because I think with role model they attached
so many things. Like people think role model, that's perfect.
They do all the best things, they say, all the
best things, they don't do anything wrong. So like that
(07:27):
worries me because like I hear like young girls who
followed me, and I'm like, I love aspiring young girls,
but like I am also a twenty six year old
woman who has all sorts of things going on in
her life. So like I'm a role model in some senses,
I'm role modeling that I've worked very hard. I've been
to school, I got my master's, I'm a hard worker
on the field. But then I'm not really role modeling
(07:49):
that I also like to get drunk and have fun. Yeah. Well,
and by the way, that's fine, Like that shouldn't disqualify
you from being a role model. You're being yourself and
enjoying yourself. And I think that's maybe what's odd sometimes
when you're put into this position of like you feel
like you have to be actually really perfect for people
to follow an example, and it's like no that I
think maybe the reason you were. You blew up on
(08:10):
TikTok is because you're being yourself. It's not because you're
trying to be a version of yourself. That's the role
model that cuts out all the bad stuff so that
people don't see it. It's like, no, this is just
who I am. Like here I am no for sure,
And I think that's why I like, oh, yeah, I'm
a role model in some ways, but also I am
a human being and I make all these mistakes, so
like that's sometimes feels the pressure, but like it's really
(08:31):
just me being me, and I think people can genuinely
see that at times. Have you ever gone where people
call you say you're unapologetically yourself to people are say
that to you, yes all the time. I'm like, what
does that mean? We're living, We're being unapologetic, We're being authentic, sister,
that's what we're here to do. I'm like, what are
all of you doing? Then? I think that's a crazy
observation you've just made, though, because so many people cannot
(08:54):
be themselves and they have a built in apology. I've
met people who walk into a room and they say, Hi,
this is my name, and when they tell you their name,
you're like, are you sure? Why do I feel like
you're apologizing to me for you existing? Like that sounds great,
like cool for you. You know. I think it is
much more common than I wish it was. Where I
meet people who feel so um, whether it's that they've
(09:18):
been made to feel shamed by other people or by
society or by their community, where they just feel like
they are looking for an outlet, They're looking for representation,
looking for someone to reflect themselves back to them so
they feel like they then have permission to be themselves,
which I think is the thing that you're ultimately doing.
Is no one gave you permission. You gave yourself permission,
and no one will. No one ever gives anybody permission,
(09:40):
you know what I mean. It's like people wait around
their whole lives to be like, when is someone going
to tell me that I can be amazing? It's like,
no one is ever going to do that for you.
You just gotta do it. So you're already doing that
for yourself. And I think that people probably really react
to that because they're like, you are all of these
things right, You're not just this one dimensional, fake role
model person who's like this is you know, I'm so perfect.
(10:01):
You should follow me into the dark. You're like here,
I am taking or leave it like you know, cool
vibe and people who feel like they don't have the
space or ability to just be like this is who
I am. World suck it like must be so inspired
and like shook by the fact that there are people
out there who really can. Yeah, it's always interesting all
(10:22):
these people say it to me, Like to me, I'm
like I said, I almost feel like it's a bad thing,
Like I like, I know what you mean. You know
you because everyone says that, and you're like what I
have met in my life. So many people who have
so much self uh they are insecure about parts of
themselves or have they hold hate inside themselves about themselves,
(10:43):
and so when they see other people not holding that
hate and going I love myself, Like you don't have
to like me, I love me. I think it's sometimes
can be really confrontational in a good way when you're
like cool, there are people who need to see this.
But then for people who don't like to see it
because they have so much hate and their hard about themselves,
I think it's really painful to look out and into
(11:05):
the world and see other people being themselves and and
not hating themselves, you know, and not carrying around all
this shame. Yeah. And I think one thing that's really
helped me it was kind of the realization when I
was just like taking a look around and I was like, Okay,
wait a second, everyone who I think is just the
beasnees who's like beautiful, skinny, perfect, is actually also very insecure,
oh my god, always like everybody, And that is what
(11:29):
really helped me. I was like, Okay, men who I
thought were the coolest, like they know how to talk,
their confident, I was like, actually, they're insecure, so I
think it's kind of a cool thing. Okay, well so
I'm insecure. We're all insecure, so let's just be insecure. Yes,
but like let's be ourselves because I think, like we
just are so afraid of being a kid, but we
don't realize that everybody is afraid of being that. So
(11:51):
if we can just see one person actually being themselves again,
the effect of like helping others. It's like a domino effect, right,
you push it over and then all of us and
everybody else is like, wait, can I do that too?
And you're like, yes, join me, ladies, join usdown. Please
come more on Unfiltered at the JBL podcast after a
(12:12):
quick break and now back to the show. I do
want to know what's the like pre game ritual, locker
(12:33):
room five. I want to know, like is it music? Like,
what's your how are you in the zone? Paint a
picture with your words, take me on a journey. Yes,
I like to think of myself as the hype woman.
I think of myself as the hype woman, Alona. Of
course this is sick five. We can't go to a
wedding together. We have big wedding energy. Do you know
what I mean? Big wedding energy. I'm always on OX two.
(12:54):
I stay getting into fights with wedding DJs because I'm like,
I know what these people need. We need to have
a conversation about it. Okay, yeah we need some early
two thousands. Please please play fiance, Thank you so much. Yeah.
I like to get hyped. I like to think I'm
kind of a mood setter for the team, and I
think a lot of my teams would agree on that.
(13:15):
One thing I don't do is I don't really have
any superstitions, like, oh, I have to eat a bagel,
with cream cheese, or like wear the same pair of
socks or something. Yes, I just think, like if I
am banking my play on a pair of socks, that's
not that's not it. It's not a pair of socks.
What I eat is can change. So I just try
to not have any superstitions like that. I love that
I could eat whatever I want the day of I
(13:36):
could do this, I could wear that whatever. So that's
like main thing. So that's why I try to get
out of my head on game days. I always before
a game will write in my notebook. I write everything,
all these things you want to do, and then at
the end of it, I'm like, just do your job.
If you can just do your job, you'll be fine
out there. And then I lead us out into the tunnel.
That's something I really love to do. And then I
(13:56):
like to just set the vibes very uplifting because there's
some people in my team we just like to sit.
They don't say a word, they just put their headphones
on and so like I let them do their thing.
But there's some people who want another person to hype
them up and play the song. So I'm like constantly
on my phone, like what what do we need? What
tea paying song do they want to hear? Now? You know?
And then I just go out there and it's a
very short game, four two minute games, so you just
(14:17):
gotta be on doing your job fourteen minutes. And then
you come out and you you gotta relax, you gotta chill.
Do you feel like I feel this sometimes too when
I'm because if I'm in a good space right and
I'm like cool, I'm going to be the one I'll
carry this entire fucking team if I need to, Like
I can have that energy as well on days where
you don't have that, when you're like maybe heading out
(14:38):
to do a game and you're like not feeling like
the twenty five out of ten Alona is ready to
like take responsibility for the whole team. Do you find
that you still can like flip a switch and be
there for other people and it kind of takes you
out of it, or do you find that you're sort
of like, I'm actually gonna take a back seat, Like
how do you show up for not only yourself but
your team in this role when you're like not having
(15:00):
your best day. I will say I think I take
a back seat at time just because I feel emotions
very outwardly. I would say, like if I'm sad, I'll
show it outwardly. If I'm angry, I'll show it, And
like that's wing I want to get better at. Like
if I've had a bad game before, i might even
show it before the pregame and I'll be like changing up.
(15:20):
So like that's even like I need to work on.
But like there have been times when I do take
a back seat. But what I'm trying to get better
at and it's constantly getting better, is like, Okay, flush it.
That's happened in the past. You need to bring it
up whichever way it is. But I am somebody who
feels things very deeply, and I'll show it very deeply.
So if I'm not feeling it, I can't fake things.
I can't fake I'm feeling. I think it's definitely hard,
(15:42):
and I don't think I'm that good at it. I
think I want to get better at it. So it's
like it's very hard for me at times to take
a back seat because like I can take a back
seat and somebody else can be on oxen trying to
pump everyone, but I don't know, I feel fully pumped
me up. I think it's really I'm the one who
gets myself like I'm the one who does all this,
and that's something you know, I gotta work with and
I've got to be able to Okay, you know what,
(16:02):
you're down, Like you're sad about losing your sad about
how you played. Like you hear those emotions, you know it.
But what it's the action that you're going to take
to fix that. Because we can have all the bad
thoughts in the world, but it's like, what are we
going to do about it action wise? And how much
like you know, you said, like cool, if we're winning,
obviously I'm buying shots, like it's a different of course
we're going for it, But like, how much does winning
(16:25):
really mean to you? Is the competition like a huge
part of what drives you or is it just about
the time you're on the field and and the life
and the community. Winning drives me because winning means funding
for my team, and winning means that we can continue
doing what we want to do. I would love to
be just playing rugby. Doesn't even care if I win
or lose, if we could still keep playing rugby, but
(16:46):
winning means that other young girls can come in and
have this. Other young girls can be professional athletes one day,
professional rugby players one day. So winning means so much
more to me, And I think I for sure understand
that because like for me, I've taken on this role
of trying to grow rugby in the US, trying to
grow rugby get other girls into it. So like winning
is deeper to me. When we didn't win the World Cup,
(17:08):
we didn't met in the World Cup, like that was
deeper because like I want us to win to get
this funding so that we can continue having this program,
continue to get girls in. So it's deeper for me
than just win or lose, Yeah, which I think makes
it more meaningful than when you do win because you're
like you're fighting for something more. Maybe that's like something
that is really meaningful as far as in sports in competition,
(17:30):
Like if it was all just you know, actually just
a big game, it's like in the end, you're like
it's a game, really, Like, yes, you have to want
to play for something more. It sounds like I think
your motivations are so strong because it's about servicing other
young women, you know, it's about yeah, providing space and
community for this thing that you love so much and
it's growing and you want to help grow it. So
(17:50):
that's incredible. Yeah, it's a game, but like to me,
it's so much more and it's my life, it's my passion.
So yeah, it's okay if you win or lose. No,
I want to win. I want to win because it
means a lot. Hell yeah it does. Okay, So pre
warm up, you're on the ox. What's your favorite music?
You know, I care of music, that's my thing. What's
your vibe before game? Let me look at my quick
(18:13):
tourney playlist? So then, oh yeah, tourney playlist. I want
the tourney playlist. I'm gonna make you texats to me. Okay, okay, Well,
I personally love it old some old songs, you know,
I'm an oldies girl. Yes, nothing will get me more
hyped than that, to be honest, I got on here.
How will I know? Winny Houston excellent, excellent choice. Why
I don't know? Waiting for tonight? Jennifer Lopez. I love
(18:34):
Jennifer Lopez. I love Jennifer Lopez. I love with all
my heart Helona. Should we go to a j Loo concert? Yeah?
Have you been to a Jlo concert? I haven't, but
she liked my post recently. But if you're listening, you
can't see us. But we are a silent because we
are speechless because j Lo liked your post. What was
the post? Well, in the Olympics, I said she was
(18:54):
like my number one, and so she started like following
me and like, I've never been happier in my life.
I think she's so talented. I'm squealing for you. Everything
she does. Jlo melted my face off when I saw
her live. A performer and actress, a singer, she literally
fucking does it all. Dancer, mom entrepreneur, you know what
doesn't she do? But yeah, if there's a j Lo
(19:17):
concert coming up, let's do it. Okay, I'm putting this
in our cow Okay, perfect, I got fire burning, John
Kinson hot in here, Nelly that always gets me hyped.
Hot In here, I feel I can see the team
getting really jacked hot. And here is a team song,
Yes it really is. Let's get loud again, j Loo. Nice,
Let's get loud as a good one. Um, what do
I got? I got promiscuous? Oh damn, I have the
(19:40):
thong song on here. I don't really know what, Yes,
I know why that song goes um, this is how
we do it. Nice work it, Miss Elliott, push it. Okay,
I'm gonna need this playlist. This is a good playlist.
This is to send it to you. It's really just
like whatever I want to listen to. And then I
have a teammate who only likes listening to Drake. So like,
after I've gotten in all of my hits, She's like, hey,
(20:01):
can we turn on any Drake song? I'm like, yeah, literally,
any Drake song? Cool? Okay, Okay, I gotta I got it.
But I do take pride in being the vibe master.
It's a tough job, but I do it. You sound
like you were born for it. I think this is
something we share. I like to be a vibe master
as well. I do. I love this energy and us.
I had a dream that if music failed me, I
would start a business where I became like basically vibe
(20:23):
master of weddings because I love weddings. I love love.
I love It's like the best day of everybody's life.
And then just like I love bringing the energy to
a wedding, any wedding I go to, like I get
the dance floor going, you know what I mean? It's
like very I think we share this energy. Yeah, you
saw me at the League of their Own premiere. You
saw me tear it up that dance floor. I saw you.
I was like, there wasn't even a dance floor, flos,
(20:43):
it was just a patch of like artificial grass right
in front made it a dance floor. She made it
there with like one other one other person. It was
just my best friend Sarah and I were like, this
is gonna be this is our night. We're dancing tonight.
Everybody else was like mingling and being professional and I
was like sweating and burning a thousand calories on the dance. Yes,
do it my thing. I love that. I need to
(21:04):
do that more as well. And I think again, people
just want somebody to get it started, somebody who will
get out there and do it. Yeah, Okay. The thing
that I really want to know, honestly is what is
like the thing that you could say is one of
the number one things that helped you find the contentment
and who you are, the ability to be that sort
of like this is who I am. I'm really comfortable
(21:24):
like and to be twenty six and already be like
so authentic and know yourself so well, like, how did
you get there? How did you find this place that
you're in right now? I think it's been a combo
thanks for sure. The rugby, like kind of all the
things that I'm saying, like the rugby just being so
accepting of you as a person, as your body type,
as a person, my family for sure, like I have
such amazing sports as my two sisters, my mom, my dad,
(21:47):
you know, being who I am here and then my
team environment as well, for my USA team has really
helped me out. And I think the number one thing
is just realizing, like everyone is so unique, it's so different,
and this world would be such a boring place if
we were all the same. And I want other people
to feel so confident to be themselves, so even if
(22:09):
that means I have to. I have so many awkward situations.
I get in, I say weird stuff, I do the
wrong things. But out here being silly geese, just just
a silly goose sometimes quirky, quirky you might call it,
but like to me, everyone is insecure and uncomfortable sometimes
and like I am so much, but I'm like fuck it, yeah, okay,
(22:30):
I'm gonna be that way. But I'm gonna be myself
in that way, and I'm gonna own up that I'm
loud and I say weird stuff sometimes and I love
to do this and I love to watch this. So
that's what's really helped me, is to like take a
look around and see that everyone is on the same boat,
and like if someone can just take a step out,
I think it helps a lot because I've seen people
(22:52):
who did that and how it's helped me, and I
know I can help others. That's my last question for you,
is like a piece of advice for people who are
trying to find themselves and live into themselves a little
bit more comfortably, like let go of any shame and
fear about being themselves. Like what is your advice, especially
the young woman, because it sounds like that's who you're
really trying to affected and create a safer space for
(23:13):
in the world. Yeah, I think, like, really understand how
perfect you are and how everything that you are is
like exactly how it's supposed to be because we're all different,
we're all unique. And again, I see this all the time.
It would be so boring if you're all the same,
(23:33):
it would be so so boring. And yeah, a lot
of people are gonna like you. That's something I'm really
trying to figure out because I want everybody to like me.
I would love it if I was everyone's favorite person,
but that's not the case, and that's just not going
to happen because I don't like everybody, So why am
I gonna expect and like me? Yeah that's a good point.
So not everyone's gonna like you, but again, you're not
(23:56):
for everybody, and really just yourself and the freeness that
you can feel when you start just appreciating the little
things about yourself and like appreciating what your body can
do for you. That's the main thing I say, is like,
you're not gonna love your body all the time, but
if you can appreciate what it does for you, like, okay,
well it's still wakes me up with the morning, it
still takes me on walks and still plays rugby for me,
(24:17):
So I don't know. I mean, it's so freeing and
everyone wants to be themselves. That's the thing. Everyone would
love to be unapologelzic to themselves. So if you can
just step out and be yourself, yeah, not like that,
they're gonna vibe with it. But you've stepped out and
you've done something so many people couldn't do well, and
the people who do, like, sure, some people might not,
but the people who do see you and vibe with
(24:39):
you in your truest self are going to feel ten
times more seen, ten times more represented, ten times more
connected to you, which is like, especially for someone like
you who really just values community and and you know,
your favorite part about rugby is like the people you
get to meet along the way. It's like that, it's
so important and I think such a statement to live by.
So I'm so inspired and grateful for your time. I
(25:01):
could literally let's go to Jlo. Okay, all right, you
let me know out my arm you're twisting it. Fine,
I guess I'll be there. Wait. Thank you so much
for being yourself. Well, thank you. I want to thank
Alonama again for joining me today. Talk about being at
the top of your game and man on man do
(25:21):
we have so many plans coming up now. I'm gonna
get this playlist going in the gym. We're gonna go
to Jennifer Lopez. You had it here first, Jolo, if
you're listening, that's it for today's episode. But joined me again.
Next week. We have a very special guest plan for
our final episode, so you won't want to miss it
and don't forget to share thoughts with me on social
or leave a rating and review for the podcast. Wherever
you're listening, you can always find me on Instagram and
(25:44):
Twitter at Betty Who, and on TikTok and YouTube at
Betty Who Music. Catch you next time Unfiltered. The JBL
podcast is produced by I Heart Radio and partnership with
j b L. Our show is hosted by me Betty Who.
Our executive producer is Molly soshe ep of post production
is Matt Stillo. Editor is Sierra Spreen. This episode was
written and produced by Sierra Kaiser. Special thanks to our
(26:05):
friends at jb L Initiative and Donna M.
Popular Podcasts
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Decisions, Decisions
Welcome to "Decisions, Decisions," the podcast where boundaries are pushed, and conversations get candid! Join your favorite hosts, Mandii B and WeezyWTF, as they dive deep into the world of non-traditional relationships and explore the often-taboo topics surrounding dating, sex, and love. Every Monday, Mandii and Weezy invite you to unlearn the outdated narratives dictated by traditional patriarchal norms. With a blend of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity, they share their personal journeys navigating their 30s, tackling the complexities of modern relationships, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions that challenge societal expectations. From groundbreaking interviews with diverse guests to relatable stories that resonate with your experiences, "Decisions, Decisions" is your go-to source for open dialogue about what it truly means to love and connect in today's world. Get ready to reshape your understanding of relationships and embrace the freedom of authentic connections—tune in and join the conversation!