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Sportly — History
Sportly

Sportly is hosted by Emmy-winning investigative journalist Kavitha A. Davidson. Created by Immigrantly Media, it takes you beyond the scoreboard to uncover the hidden histories and rich cultural legacies that make sports truly unforgettable.

Sportly brings listeners a fresh perspective on sports each week—did you know that the oldest international cricket rivalry is between the United States and Canada? Or that the NBA’s first minority player was of Asian descent? With deep dives into iconic moments, lesser-known rivalries, and the fascinating evolution of traditions like the national anthem in American sports, Sportly is here to expand your love of the game.

Each episode explores stories that transcend stats, celebrating the diversity of players, the cultures they represent, and the unique events that shape our favorite sports. Tune in every Monday for thought-provoking insights, heartwarming anecdotes, and thrilling highlights that make you see the games you love in a whole new way.

Sportly is the podcast companion for your commute, workout, or downtime—bringing sports to life wherever you listen.

Host: Kavitha A. Davidson

Producer: Paroma Chakravarty

Executive Producer: Saadia Khan

Content Writers: Emmanuelle Monahan & Kavitha A. Davidson

Sound Design & Content Editor: Paroma Chakravarty

Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson

Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Cover Art Design: Sarah DiMichele

Follow us on IG @sportlypod

Twitter @Immigrantly_pod

TikTok @Immigrantly

Subscribe to our Patreon

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, please email at info@immigrantlypod.com

Latest Episodes:

Where Sole Meets Soul at the Marathon des Sables Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Sportly, the host, Kavitha Davidson, explores the grueling 150-mile race through the Sahara Desert, focusing on Duncan Slater, a British runner who became the first double amputee to attempt this legendary event.

Kavitha traces the Marathon des Sables' origins from founder Patrick Bauer's pioneering trek in 1984 to the official race's inception in 1986. The episode also highlights the achievements of the Ahansal brothers, Lahcen and Mohamad, who have dominated the race, and Mauro Prosperi's incredible survival story after being lost in the desert for days.

Join her as she explores the stories of grit and endurance that define this epic event. Through personal accounts and historical insights, she uncovers the essence of pushing human limits in one of the harshest environments on Earth, celebrating the resilience and spirit of the Marathon des Sables.

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First on the Field: Asian Trailblazers in American Sports Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, host Kavitha A. Davidson explores the lives of Walter Achiu and Art Matsu, two of the earliest Asians in American professional sports. Their stories blend remarkable successes with the experience of otherness, reflecting both the celebration of their talents and the targeting of their differences.

The episode also explores the experiences of modern Asian American athletes, including Jeremy Lin, and the rise of anti-Asian hate post-COVID. This episode sheds light on the historical and contemporary context of Asians in American sports and the ongoing relevance of these issues today.

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hip-Hop Hits the Podium: Breaking in Paris 2024 Olympics Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

In Part Two of our Olympics series, host Kavitha A. Davidson continues exploring how sports are chosen for the Olympic Games. This week, Sportly dives into the intriguing addition of breaking—commonly known as breakdancing—to the Paris 2024 Olympics.

She examines the rise of breaking from its roots in the Bronx in the 1970s as a pillar of hip-hop culture to its global spread and eventual acceptance by the International Olympic Committee. Through history and cultural commentary, Kavitha uncovers the cultural and social significance of breaking and addresses the controversies surrounding its inclusion in the Olympics.

Does this newfound visibility honor and uplift breaking and hip-hop culture, or does it risk commodifying a deeply expressive art form?

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Game-Changing Evolution of Olympic Sports Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

In this special Olympics episode of Sportly, host Kavitha A. Davidson dives into the fascinating process of how sports are chosen for the Olympic Games. From the historic debut of women's skateboarding at Tokyo 2020 to the introduction of breaking in Paris 2024, Kavitha explores the evolution of the Olympic program and the criteria determining which sports make the cut. Through captivating historical stories and insightful analysis, she uncovers the rich history of the Olympics, from its ancient roots to its modern-day transformations. Join Kavitha as she journeys through time and discover how the Olympics continue to adapt and grow with each passing year.

Stay tuned for more Olympics stories!

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther, Shei Yu & Kavitha A. Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Game Day Patriotism: The Star-Spangled Banner's Sporting Journey Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

Step into the bleachers of Comiskey Park, where the Boston Red Sox face off against the Chicago Cubs in the 1918 World Series. With America deep in the throes of World War I, baseball offers a brief escape from the harsh realities of war and loss. This pivotal game, featuring Babe Ruth as the Red Sox’s starting pitcher, also marks the moment when the Star-Spangled Banner begins its journey to becoming an iconic part of American sports.

Join Sportly host Kavitha Davidson as she explores the history of playing the national anthem at sporting events in the wake of World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, and 9/11. Davidson examines how these moments have sparked both unity and protest throughout U.S. history.

Listen to how athletes have used their platforms to unite and challenge the status quo, shedding light on the complex relationship between national identity, patriotism, and sports

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther & Kavitha A Davidson I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Stumps to Stadiums: How Cricket Became an International Sporting Phenomenon Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

In the pilot episode of Sportly, sports journalist Kavitha A. Davidson explores the complex world of cricket, a sport deeply intertwined with politics, history, colonialism, and pop culture. Despite its limited popularity in the U.S., cricket is the second most popular sport globally. With 2024 marking the first time the USA will host an ICC event, the episode sets the stage for a deep dive into cricket’s global phenomenon.

Kavitha highlights the intense and historic rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has captivated millions since their partition over 70 years ago. She shares personal anecdotes and recounts her family’s deep passion for cricket, especially during the World Cup. The episode traces cricket’s origins from the English countryside to its establishment in British India, exploring its rise in South Asian pop culture. Listeners will learn about iconic sports heroes, blockbuster films, and the sport’s massive economic impact. It’s a captivating story of colonization, media influence, celebrity culture, and international rivalry.

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Hosts: Kavitha A. Davison | Producers: Saadia Khan & Shei Yu I Content Writers: Michaela Strauther & Kavitha A Davidson I Editorial review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Paroma Chakravarty I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound

Sportly is an Immigrantly Media Production.

For advertising inquiries, you can contact us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Sportly Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Embark on a unique exploration of the world of sports with Sportly, a dynamic podcast by Immigrantly Media that transcends the typical focus on scoreboards and statistics. Accompany our host, Kavitha A Davidson, an Emmy award-winning sports journalist, on a journey through the intriguing narratives that underpin the games we adore, from iconic moments to lesser-known treasures.

With each episode, we will go beyond the superficial, delving into the lives of legendary athletes, the cultural impact of sports, and the untold stories that shape the very nature of competition. Whether the challenges immigrants face shattering barriers or the victories that bring nations together, we reveal the human aspect of sports in a way that’s never been done before.

Experience the adrenaline, the passion, and the emotion as we delve into the rich tapestry of sports history. From the court to the field, the arena to the pitch, Sportly promises to deliver captivating conversations that inspire and enlighten you.

Episodes are released weekly on Mondays starting July 15, 2024.

Host: Kavitha A. Davidson |Producer: Saadia Khan | Executive Producer: Saadia Khan I Content Writers: Michaela Staruther & Kavitha A.Davidson I Editorial Review: Shei Yu I Sound Designer & Editor: Steve Martin I Immigrantly Theme Music: Simon Hutchinson | Other Music: Epidemic Sound | Cover Art Design: Sarah DiMichele

For advertising inquiries, reach us at info@immigrantlypod.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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