109. Celebrating the Stories of Women Athletes with Flame Bearers Founder Jamie Mittelman

Joining Laura on the podcast this week is Jamie Mittelman, the visionary founder of Flame Bearers, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women Olympians and Paralympians worldwide. Through immersive podcasts, compelling videos, and dynamic live events, Jamie breathes life into champion stories, illuminating their triumphs, tribulations, and the societal issues that shape their paths. Today, our guest shares profound insights into her mission, underscoring the transformative power of narratives and the indomitable spirit of athletes.

As you will hear, Jamie's unwavering commitment to storytelling and championing women athletes has propelled her to spotlight their remarkable odysseys, from renowned icons to unsung heroines across the globe. Together, she and Laura embark on a deep dive into the realms of women's sports, entrepreneurship, and the transcendent influence of storytelling, unraveling the essence of Flame Bearers' mission and the compelling narratives driving positive change in the athletic sphere. Jamie's journey from athlete to entrepreneur uncovers the vital steps to success, from crafting robust business strategies to fostering resilient communities, all while championing authenticity, resilience, and empowerment in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Join Laura and Jamie here today for this inspiring and instructive examination into the intricate tapestry of women's sports, and the boundless potential of storytelling.

Episode Highlights:

The story of Flame Bearers
Representation in sports media
The power of storytelling
Authenticity in branding
Resilience and adversity
Community and support systems
Challenges in media representation
Future of Flame Bearers
Building a successful business

Quotes:

"Historically, 95% of sports coverage has gone to male athletes, but we're making progress. There's a quantity and a quality issue when it comes to women's sports coverage."

"The best way to get people to care is to build an emotional connection, and I think the best way to do that is with stories."

"Share who you actually are, not just the highlight reel. Sponsors gravitate towards people who are being vulnerable because fans can relate to them."

"Flame Bearers' vision is to become the go-to storytelling platform for elite women athletes, centering their stories through podcasts, videos, and live events."

"No one person can do it all... Surround yourself with people who could have your back and who can fill those holes."

"I want to make sure that we don't forget how we got there... Acknowledging those first trailblazers and making sure they feel validated and seen."

"Literally every piece that I do, it's kind of like a love letter to that athlete... I want to tell their story how they want it told."

"You can have the best story in the world, but if nobody hears it, does it make a difference?... Jamie is giving them the opportunity to connect, and that's huge."

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