Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby break down a packed NCAA women's Final Four weekend in Phoenix, starting with the South Carolina–UConn semifinal — a defensive masterclass that had a lot of people expecting more offense. They get into Geno Auriemma's postgame meltdown, the classless exit, and the two apologies that followed, including why failing to address Dawn Staley by name said everything. From there, they cover UCLA's first-ever national championship, Lauren Betts's standout performance, and what Cori Close's patient program-building should mean for how we talk about coaching. The duo also pivots to the WNBA offseason, touching on Angel Reese's move to Atlanta, Satou Sabally's uncertain future in free agency, and what the new CBA means for the wild player movement already underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut team president Jen Rizzotti joins Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby to break down how the move happened, what's coming up for fans in this emotional season, and what this means for the league more broadly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby break down the new WNBA CBA and what it actually means for players — from the historic salary increases and charter travel to the pregnancy consent provision that protects players from being traded without their knowledge. Sheryl speaks to what the deal means for former players too, including a one-time retirement payment for league veterans who built the foundation these gains are standing on. The duo also gets into the importance of award voting now that bonuses are tied to results — and they don't let the media off the hook. They also turn their attention to the women's Sweet Sixteen, running through upsets, coaching hot seats, and their Final Four picks heading into the weekend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby get real about what it actually takes to prioritize yourself when work, family, and life are all pulling at once. They dig into the impossible math of "work-life balance"—why it's a myth, and what it actually looks like to shift priorities by season without drowning in guilt. Terrika gets honest about what it means to move with the money as a freelancer, and Sheryl opens up about how hard it can be to put her health at the top of the list. They also push back hard on the timelines society hands women (married by this age, kids by that one) and who exactly decided any of that. The episode closes on a note that hits: satisfy your soul, not society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby take a moment to honor the life and legacy of two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton, reflecting on her impact on the game, her competitive spirit, and the deep loss felt across the basketball community. Then: a full breakdown of the Athletes Unlimited season, celebrating Odyssey Sims finally winning the chip after five seasons of being so close, shouting out breakout star Aneesah Morrow, Kaitlyn Chen's Newcomer of the Year performance, and Natasha Mack's dominant Defensive Player of the Year run. They also get into the bigger picture: what the future of AU looks like, why Nashville feels like home, and why Odyssey Sims deserves a guaranteed WNBA contract, like, yesterday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down with Shaniqua McClendon, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy (you heard that "senior" here first) at Crooked Media, for a conversation that is equal parts eye-opening and unfiltered. From Obama's election to Trump's rise, Shaniqua breaks down how we got here — and why she believes we're already in authoritarianism, not approaching it. The trio digs into why Kamala lost, what gender had to do with it, and what sustainable civic engagement looks like for Black women who are exhausted. Shaniqua doesn't hold back on what accountability must look like in a post-Trump America — and spoiler: somebody needs to go to prison.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby take us back to their live conversation from Fanatics Fest 2025 with special guest Cynthia Cooper. The trio shares their favorite moments from the event, including run-ins with sports legends and fans. They reflect on their playing days, the physicality of the game back then, and how it compares to today’s style. The three talk about the evolution of the WNBA, the rise of new stars like Juju Watkins, and what NIL deals mean for the future of women’s sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down with CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker for a conversation on leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of HBCU athletics. From her journey to becoming the first woman to lead the conference to the lessons she’s learned navigating pressure, perception, and change, McWilliams Parker shares what it takes to lead with purpose. They also break down what makes the CIAA experience so unique, from its deep cultural impact to its role in creating opportunities for student-athletes beyond the game. The conversation highlights the importance of representation, community, and why building legacy matters now more than ever.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, hosts Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby are joined by WNBA All-Star and Duke legend Alana Beard. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year reflects on guarding the league’s toughest scorers, battling back from injury, and what it was like playing across multiple generations of the W. Plus, Alana breaks down her vision for Project B, a new global, touring basketball league built around player ownership. Tipoff is November 2026—don't miss it!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby dig into the WNBA’s long legacy of activism—and why this moment feels especially urgent. They react to Breanna Stewart’s “Abolish ICE” sign, unpack why players across the league are speaking out, and connect today’s political climate to the WNBA’s history of standing on the front lines of social justice. From Minneapolis to the bubble to now, Sheryl and Tee make the case that this league has never been about “shut up and dribble.” And it never will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby kick off (one of) the most wonderful times of the year: Athletes Unlimited season! They break down why this year’s AU roster might be the deepest yet, from returning champions and OGs to rookies looking to prove they belong. The duo digs into what makes AU such a critical cultivation ground for players fighting for WNBA opportunities, the impact of vets like Tina Charles joining the mix, and why this season feels especially important for player development. They also get into new builds for AU this year—from named teams to real coaching staffs—and make early, spicy predictions about who could walk away as champion. PLUS: Should AU be the WNBA's G League?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby dig into the latest flashpoint that sparked a much bigger—and longer-running—conversation: men, from who-knows-'em podcasters to Stephen A. Smith, can't seem to keep Black women's names out of their mouths. From Jasmine Crockett to Joy-Ann Reid and beyond, they unpack a disappointingly familiar pattern of who gets criticized, who gets grace, and who’s constantly asked to justify their presence. The conversation widens into a deeper look at power, platform, and why Black women so often become the easiest targets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And Happy Season Two of Levels to This! Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby kick off the new season with a no-holds-barred conversation about the dress—and the much bigger issues it exposed. The duo breaks down the controversy surrounding Dr. Karri Turner Bryant’s UNCF gala look, the policing of women’s bodies (especially in the Black church), and the double standards women are constantly asked to navigate. Along the way, they talk modesty, autonomy, respectability politics, and why folks were louder about a dress than the millions raised for HBCUs. Equal parts sharp, funny, and deeply real, this episode sets the tone for a fearless Season Two.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, hosts Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down with Harvard women’s basketball head coach Carrie Moore to talk leadership, culture, and building a winning program. Coach Moore reflects on Harvard’s historic Ivy League championship run, what it takes to create buy-in at an elite academic institution, and how she balances NIL, player branding, and development in today’s game. The conversation also dives into the rise of the Ivy League, preparing players for the WNBA, and why nerds can hoop too. From championship standards to TikTok dances, this episode is all about what it really takes to lead — on and off the court.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, hosts Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby are joined by sisters, business partners, and community builders Krystal Payne and Kerry Coddett, the co-founders of the Kwanzaa Crawl. They get into how a single idea—rooted in joy, culture, and cooperative economics—grew into a massive, multi-venue celebration that has circulated hundreds of thousands of dollars back into Black-owned businesses. Krystal and Kerry break down the seven principles of Kwanzaa, how they reimagined the holiday for a new generation, and why fun, fashion, and creativity are just as essential as purpose and unity. Plus, they talk entrepreneurship, pivoting through challenges, building community at scale, and what it really means to make tradition your own.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby kick things off with some holiday spirit as they announce the winner of the show’s $1,000 Christmas giveaway and reflect on the power of giving back. Then it’s back to basketball: from A’ja Wilson’s continued dominance on and off the court, to the ongoing frustrations around WNBA coaching hires and who gets overlooked. They also break down the buzz around the new Project B league, what it could mean for the WNBA offseason, and what they’re most excited about heading into another season of Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, hosts Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby are joined by THE Miss New Jersey USA 2025, Ivy Harrington. Ivy shares how she went from college basketball captain (as a freshman!) to the pageant stage, how her athletic background shaped her confidence, and what it really takes to prepare for competition—on and off the runway. She also opens up about pushing past beauty stereotypes, building real sisterhood amid the competition, and the mission behind her program Most Valuable Pivot, which helps young athletes find their identity beyond sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby get real about the messy middle of doing what you love for a living. From Sheryl’s years of championships and pressure to Terrika’s rise in sports media, they unpack the unseen side of “dream jobs”—the exhaustion, the expectations, and the fear of letting go. They also shout out the women who lift them up and dig into how to protect your joy, reclaim your purpose, and know when it’s time to step back or start fresh. It’s honest, funny, and full of gems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby give Thanksgiving the respect it deserves. From the must-have dishes on their plates — dressing (not stuffing), mac and cheese, collard greens, yams, ham, and even chitlins — to the foods they refuse to negotiate on, the two break down the traditions that make the holiday what it is. It’s funny, it’s honest, and it might just start a debate at your own Thanksgiving table. And of course, they level up by sharing what they're thankful for. Which includes YOU, our listeners! Don't forget to enter the $1000 Giveaway! Check @LTTPod on IG for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down with NFL agent and Lady Lib Sports founder Rasheeda Liberty, whose signature philosophy is simple: build the man first, the athlete second, the philanthropist third. She talks about what it really means to support players as whole people—on and off the field—and how she prepares them for a career that can change in a moment. Rasheeda gets real about relationship-building in NFL front offices, advocating for small-school athletes, and the responsibility of representation in a male-dominated industry. A powerful look at what true player development can be.To enter our $1,000 giveaway: Follow us on IG @LTTPodcast  Email us at [email protected] to let us know what this giveaway could do for you! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby tackle the NBA’s gambling scandal—what “inside info” does to the integrity of the game, where accountability belongs, and why timing matters—while drawing a sharp line between fan betting and what players, coaches, and insiders should never touch. Sheryl brings the locker-room lens; Terrika brings the reporter’s receipts, and together they ask what safeguards women’s sports need as wagering grows. They close with a quote that reminds us that faith is SO grounding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you need a place to vent about the tribulations of American politics today, this raw, real episode of Levels to This has your back! Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby discuss how the government shutdown, halted SNAP benefits, and natural disasters are impacting millions, including their own families. With honesty and heart, they unpack what it means to care for your community, hold leaders accountable, and still find faith and fight in the middle of chaos. PLUS: Resources for anyone effected by the government gridlock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not everyone lives up to the title “Sis.” On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby get real about friendship—when to cherish it, when to check it, and when it’s time to move on. Gucci Mane’s recent revelations about fake friends who took advantage of him while he was ill inspire Sheryl and Terrika to consider their own experiences with loyalty, gossip, and boundaries. The duo breaks down how to know who’s really in your corner. Plus, they play a hilarious game of Keep, Reassign, or Terminate to test what different types of friends deserve. This one’s equal parts funny, honest, and maybe a little too relatable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down with Kansas State Senator—and candidate for KS governor—Cindy Holscher to talk about leadership, equity, and the future of democracy. Holscher shares how her daughter inspired her to run for office, the lessons she’s learned working across the aisle, and why she believes collaboration beats outrage. The conversation covers livable wages, reproductive rights, and women’s representation in politics—plus her reaction to a shocking leak of racist messages from young Republican leaders. A sharp, hopeful reminder that local politics matter and every vote counts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby welcome back their first repeat guest—journalist, author, and WNBA OG supporter Jemele Hill. The trio kicks things off with hilarious homeowner horror stories (ever had to buy a fake owl to scare off invading critters?) before diving into the state of the WNBA and the controversy surrounding Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Jemele brings her journalist’s insight and historical perspective, reflecting on what’s changed—and what hasn’t—since she covered Sheryl’s time in the league. Together, they unpack player power, the upcoming CBA negotiations, and why respect, not gratitude, is the real battle for women’s sports today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby break down A’ja Wilson’s historic fourth MVP win and what it means for the league, as well as digging into who would've gotten their votes for All-Defensive Teams. The duo also spotlight other award winners, including Veronica Burton and Natalie Nakase, before diving into the shocking coaching shakeups across the WNBA. From the Liberty’s decision to part ways with Sandy Brondello to the bigger question of why there are no Black women currently serving as head coaches, Sheryl and Terrika don’t hold back.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Messy Monday for the WNBA falls on a Tuesday. Natalie Esquire joins Terrika Foster-Brasby and Sheryl Swoopes to unpack it all. Napheesa Collier slams Commissioner Cathy Englebert, saying that the WNBA has the “worst leadership in the world" and revealed the Commissioner has said some very strange things. The players, at least, are Team Phee! Plus the Wings sneak in the announcement that they parted ways with Chris Koclanes while it was all going down. And, yes, some great basketball was played as well. Get your popcorn!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Levels to This, Terrika Foster-Brasby and Sheryl Swoopes sit down with comedian and actor Kevin Fredericks—aka KevOnStage. They dive into his comedy journey, from the cracking up his grandma after church to building a multi-platform comedy empire. He's on the Bald Brothers Tour NOW with Tony Baker... and he's also got two shows on the air  (Churchy and The Hospital). There's a lot going on! Even with all that going on, Kev keeps his eye on the W—and he's got Finals predictions!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marriage and Family therapist Charna F Wilson joins this episode of Levels to This, Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby to discuss BOUNDARIES. How to set them, how to handle guilt for taking time for yourself, and everything else you need to carve out some peace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.