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Light the jack-o'-lanterns and lock the doors, because the IWFFA Podcast is going full spooky season! This month Raina hosts our Samhain Special, and there's plenty in the cauldron. We start by going back more than 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It marked the end of the harvest and a night when people believed the line between the living and the dead grew thin. Raina explains how bonfires, costumes and old traditions slowly turned into the candy-filled Halloween we celebrate today. Next comes movie night. Raina counts down her favorite scary movies of all time and shares fun behind-the-scenes facts you probably didn't know. Keep the popcorn close and the lights on. Then we get back on the field with a recap of last month's P-Town Classic, along with exclusive interviews recorded at the tournament. You'll hear from the players and coaches who made it such a memorable weekend. From there, She also takes a first look at Flag50, a new phone app built to help run teams and tournaments. It handles everything from managing rosters to organizing schedules and could make life a lot easier for coaches, captains and league organizers. Finally, Raina tackles one of the biggest questions facing the sport right now. With different organizations playing 5v5, 6v6 and 7v7 under their own sets of rules, is flag football becoming fragmented? Does that variety help the game grow, or is it leaving players, coaches and referees confused as they move from one league to the next? Whether you're here for the history, the horror or the football, this episode has something for you. Subscribe, share it with your team and tell us your favorite scary movie! #FlagFootball #WomensFlagFootball #IWFFA #Halloween #Samhain #NFL #PTownClassic #Flag50

Welcome to the September edition of On the Air with the IWFFA, hosted by Raina. This month, we're having a different kind of conversation about women's flag football. As the sport continues to grow and attract more attention, what is the real experience for the women who play it? Host Raina explores the real cost of playing competitive flag football, from travel, tournament fees and time away from work to the physical and personal sacrifices players make to stay in the game. We'll also ask an important question: as women's flag football gets bigger, what could be lost along the way, including the community, independence and traditions that helped build the sport? We'll also preview the upcoming IWFFA Ptown Classic in Provincetown, Massachusetts, Sept 18-21,2026 bringing together women from different backgrounds and generations for competition, community and connection. Plus, we'll discuss Nassima Jaghar's powerful article, "When Survival Becomes the Default," and explore the connection between the challenges women face in everyday life and the role sports, connection and community can play in helping women reclaim strength and purpose. This September, On the Air with the IWFFA goes beyond the headlines to talk about the people, sacrifices, struggles and community behind women's flag football.

Join host Raina for the August 2026 edition of On the Air with the IWFFA as we bring you the latest headlines from the world of women's and international flag football. This month, we preview the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Germany, breaking down the teams to watch, key storylines, and what promises to be one of the most competitive international tournaments in the sport's history. We also take a closer look at Team USA Women's National Team as they prepare to defend their world championship, highlighting the roster, expectations, and the road ahead. We'll discuss the launch of the World Flag Series and what the emergence of professional opportunities could mean for the future of women's flag football. Plus, we'll recap the NFL FLAG Championships, examine the continued growth of youth flag football, and look at how the next generation of athletes is shaping the future of the game both in the United States and around the world. We'll also bring you exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and special guests from the latest IWFFA tournaments, sharing their experiences, tournament highlights, and what lies ahead for the International Women's Flag Football Association. Whether you're a player, coach, official, or fan, this episode delivers the latest news, analysis, and conversations from across the flag football community. #FlagFootball #WomensFlagFootball #IWFFA #IFAF #TeamUSA #NFLFLAG #WorldFlagSeries #OlympicFlagFootball #FlagFootballNews #SportsPodcast

This month, we're celebrating America's 250th birthday with a special Fourth of July episode! Join Raina as she shares fascinating facts and stories from American history while recognizing the spirit of leadership, perseverance, and opportunity that continues to shape our nation today. We'll also take a look at upcoming IWFFA tournaments in El Salvador, Honduras, and Provincetown, Massachusetts, highlighting opportunities for players from around the world to compete, connect, and grow the game internationally. Plus, we'll discuss some of the biggest storylines from Major League Baseball, explore why women coaches are essential to the future of sports, and examine the challenges they face as they build leadership opportunities and inspire the next generation of athletes. From American history and international flag football to sports leadership and the future of women's athletics, this special July episode brings together the themes of competition, community, and empowerment that define the IWFFA. Happy Fourth of July from the IWFFA family!

Welcome to the June edition of the IWFFA Podcast with host Raina. Women's flag football continues to reach new heights, and this month we're covering the biggest stories shaping the future of the game. Join Raina as she breaks down the NCAA's latest move toward establishing a Women's Flag Football National Championship, Team USA's roster updates ahead of the 2026 IFAF World Championships, and the continued growth of girls and women's flag football across the country. This episode also highlights Florida's impact on the sport, including national championship runs by Warner University and Florida Gateway College, while examining how these developments are creating new opportunities for athletes at the high school, collegiate, national, and international levels. From NCAA expansion and Team USA news to Olympic momentum and championship success stories, this episode delivers the latest women's flag football news and insights from around the sport.

On the Air with IWFFA – May Special Edition (Mother’s Day Episode) In this special Mother’s Day edition, host Raina shares a personal and heartfelt story about her mother while recognizing the strength, impact, and influence of mothers across the women’s flag football community. This episode also covers the latest developments in flag football, including highlights from the recent IWFFA Guatemala tournament and a preview of upcoming IWFFA events in Ohio and Mexico. Raina breaks down key moments from the 2026 NFL Draft and what they could mean for the future of the sport. Plus, we get into emerging storylines shaping flag football right now—from growing competition and conflict within leagues to the rise of individual athletes gaining recognition and building their presence in the game. If you follow women’s flag football, IWFFA events, and the rapid growth of the sport leading into the 2028 Olympics, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Flag football is growing fast - but the real story is what's happening underneath the headlines. In this April edition of the IWFFA Podcast, host Raina breaks down the angles the mainstream sports media is still missing. The 2028 Olympic roster is already a powder keg. Career flag players who built this sport from the ground up are going to be competing for spots against NFL names chasing Olympic clout - and Team USA athletes are starting to speak on it. That conversation is only going to get louder. Beyond the roster politics, Raina gets into why Team USA actually beat the NFL star-led team - and it wasn't just talent. It was reps, timing, and flag-specific IQ that took years to develop. The sport is more technical than casual fans realize, with dedicated position specialists who train skills NFL athletes have never had to build. Also on this episode: why the women's pipeline is actually more structured than the men's right now, how the shift toward speed over size is changing who dominates at the elite level, and the real risk sitting underneath all this growth - rapid expansion without the standards to hold it together. This episode also features two pre-recorded interviews conducted by Diane. First, a conversation with Pastor Saydi, who shares a powerful and personal message about struggle that hits far beyond the sport. Then, Diane sits down with a group of women who traveled to Nicaragua to compete in the IWFFA Americas Cup - their story is worth hearing. The IWFFA Podcast covers women's flag football with the depth the sport deserves. Subscribe and follow for new episodes.

Flag football is having a moment — and this time, it's not hype. Team USA just beat an NFL star-led team, the NCAA has formally recognized the sport, varsity programs are launching across the country, and the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is looking cleaner than it ever has. On this episode of the IWFFA Podcast, host Raina breaks down what these developments actually mean for the sport — where the momentum came from, what the infrastructure looks like now versus two years ago, and why 2028 is starting to feel less like a goal and more like an inevitability. Plus, special guest interviewer Diane sits down with Celia Atola and Jr Coachs from Key West for an in-depth conversation on her experience in flag football. If you follow women's flag football, this is a must-listen episode.

Welcome to the February IWFFA Podcast! This month Raina covers the 1st Annual IWFFA America’s Cup in Nicaragua (April 11–12), with teams from the USA, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua — and Cuba joining for the first time. We also talk about the continued expansion of women’s flag football and the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. I read from this months article by Kim Hamlin, “Why do you play the game?” and reflect on identity, competition, and growth. I also share parts of my own journey navigating learning challenges, hearing issues, and speech struggles — and why pushing through personal obstacles is part of becoming who you’re meant to be. Lastly we have a very special guest this month: Toki from Blue Wave, who shares her 20 years of experience in Flag Football. Subscribe for monthly IWFFA updates and conversations that connect sport with consciousness

The 34th Annual Kelly McGillis Classic just wrapped — and if you weren’t in Key West, you missed more than just games. In this month’s IWFFA Podcast, I’m sharing my personal experiences with this historic tournament, what it really means to be there, how it continues to shape women’s flag football year after year, and what it really means to be a good coach. I sit down with Referee Karen Cruz, a key presence on the field, to talk about what she witnessed during the games and what’s shifting in the energy of the sport. We’ll also catch up on what’s happening across flag football today, and you already know — we’re going to talk NFL coaching shakeups and what we can expect heading into the Super Bowl. It’s about showing up with purpose — on the field, in leadership, and in life.

In the November edition of the IWFFA Podcast, Raina explores the powerful topic of longevity in women’s sports. Inspired by Coach Allison Woods’ recent article, “Older Players – When to Stop and When to Play,” Raina discusses the physical, emotional, and psychological benefits of staying active — especially as we age. The message is clear: your age doesn't define your ability to compete, lead, or grow. Special guest Hillary Lane joins the conversation, bringing her voice and story of leadership, resilience, and strength — both on and off the field. Her journey is a reminder of what women can achieve when we step into our power. To close, Raina shares a passionate reflection on why women thrive in all-women sports environments, and why it’s so important to preserve and promote those spaces. Whether you're an older athlete, a young leader, or somewhere in between, this episode honors the full spectrum of a woman’s strength in sports and in life.

Happy Pumpkin Season Everyone! As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, the October edition of the IWFFA Podcast invites listeners to dive into the spirit of the season. Host Raina sets the tone by discussing the thrills of scary movies and the eerie allure of haunted houses, perfect for getting everyone in the mood for Halloween. In addition to seasonal topics, this episode reflects on the recent Ptown Classic Tournament, which took place earlier this month, showcasing the talent and competitive spirit of women in flag football. Raina also touches on the current happenings in the NFL, providing insights into the league's latest developments. Exciting news for women's sports is on the horizon, as London prepares to launch its own women's professional flag football league, marking a significant step forward for the sport. Listeners can also look forward to special guest interviews featuring women who participated in the Ptown Classic, offering personal stories and perspectives that highlight the camaraderie and passion within the flag football community. Join us for an engaging discussion that blends the thrill of sports with the excitement of the Halloween season.

In this month’s episode, host Raina brings the heat with stories and insights that matter to women’s flag football and beyond. We start with a recap of the Sweden Tournament, which wrapped up August 2nd, celebrating the athletes, the competition, and the continued international growth of the game. We spotlight Shamiel Gary, former NFL player, who’s now breaking barriers by founding One of One Girls Flag Football Club — the first organization of its kind in Oklahoma, dedicated to building opportunity for young women in the sport. We shift gears to college football’s opening week, where unexpected upsets shook up the standings and reminded us that anything can happen when the whistle blows. And finally, we take a deeper look at a powerful article from the IWFFA’s August Newsletter, written by Nassima Jaghar:“How Women Are Reclaiming Power Through Sports and Solidarity.”Raina unpacks the article’s core message — how team sports help women rebuild trust, reshape identity, and turn competition into community. This isn’t just about winning games. It’s about healing, rising, and creating a culture where women thrive. A must-listen for anyone passionate about the movement of women’s sports — and the mindset behind the mission.

August 2025 Women’s sports are no longer fighting to be seen — they’re being recognized, respected, and reshaping the world of athletics. In this episode, Raina breaks down the explosive growth of women’s sports across the globe and what it really means when people finally start knowing female athletes by name. We spotlight a young trailblazer from Columbine High School who made history by earning a college scholarship for flag football — the first in her school’s history. We also take a look back at WWE’s Evolution all-women’s pay-per-view, a show many expected to flop — yet it turned out to be not only wildly successful, but better than the men’s event that aired just one night before. Proof that when women are given the stage, they rise. Later in the episode, Raina sits down with Diane and Katherine to talk about the Nicaragua tournament. Katherine, with no prior coaching experience, stepped into a leadership role and shocked everyone! And finally, we close with the story of Allison Lang — born with fibular hemimelia, bullied, and pushed to the edge. But she found strength through sitting volleyball, becoming a voice of resilience and proof that pain can be turned into purpose. You don’t want to miss this one. It’s not just about sports — it’s about courage, growth, and what happens when women are finally given their rightful place on and off the field.

IWFFA Podcast – July 2025 In this powerful episode, we start by tackling a growing concern in women’s sports: the relentless bullying of Caitlin Clark. Is this behavior being normalized? And what kind of message is it sending to the next generation of female athletes? Raina shares her no-nonsense thoughts on why we can't afford to stay silent. Then, we shift gears with a heartfelt conversation featuring Monica and Izzy from Key West. Fresh off their recent trip to Cuba with the IWFFA, they share stories from the flag football tournament — and the deeper impact of their visit. This wasn’t just about playing ball; it was about delivering food, clothes, and medical supplies, showing how sport can be a bridge for humanitarian support and unity. We close with a recap of the Women's College World Series, where the Texas Longhorns clinched their first-ever national championship, finally bringing an end to Oklahoma’s four-year dynasty. A changing of the guard in women’s softball — and a reminder of what perseverance can lead to. Tune in for strong opinions, inspiring stories, and a celebration of the power and purpose behind women’s sports.