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She Speaks Sport

Welcome to She Speaks Sport, where the love for women’s sports meets the fascination for the stories behind the game-changers. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just starting to explore, join me for empowering conversations, insightful interviews, and a front-row seat to the compelling narratives behind the names we know and admire. Get ready to fuel your passion for sports and uncover the untold stories that deserve to be heard.

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Featured Podcasts

Yuli van der Molen- Pedals & Perseverance

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Yuli van der Molen, a Dutch cyclist whose passion for road and track cycling has been matched only by her incredible resilience. Formerly with the AG Insurance – NXTG U23 team and now with Proximus – Cyclis CT, Yuli’s career took a dramatic turn at the start of 2024 when she was diagnosed with cancer.

Yuli opens up about the heart-wrenching moment she received the diagnosis that would reshape her life and career. At just 20 years old, Yuli has faced the harsh reality of battling Hodgkin lymphoma, a journey that saw her through the darkest days of chemotherapy and a challenging period away from racing. Yuli candidly shares her experiences, from the emotional toll of her diagnosis to the raw reality of her treatment. She reveals the highs and lows of sharing her journey on social media, turning her personal struggle into a source of inspiration for many. Despite the end of her chemotherapy, Yuli discusses the ongoing challenges of recovery and the relentless setbacks she faces.

Driven by her dreams and goals, Yuli talks about the bittersweet process of returning to the bike, reflecting on the invaluable lessons she has learned through this ordeal. Her story is one of unyielding courage and determination, offering a poignant reminder of the strength required to overcome life’s toughest hurdles. Tune in to hear Yuli van Der Molen share her story of perseverance, hope, and the enduring spirit of a cyclist who refuses to give up.

Ramsey Tomokino – Inside the Heart of Samoa Women’s Rugby

This week, I sit down with Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino, well-known for his coaching success with the Samoan women’s 15-a-side team, Manusina, and the men’s 7s team. Tomokino previously led Manusina to qualification for the Women’s Rugby World Cup and has since stepped into his current high-performance role with the national rugby union. Many will remember the viral press conference at the Rugby World Cup where Ramsey became visibly emotional, overwhelmed by what his players had poured into their campaign.

Mothers. Students. Club players. Debutants. Women who left jobs and financial security to represent Samoa, unpaid and under-resourced, relying on community fundraisers, local clubs, and sheer belief to get there. Facing fully professional sides like England women’s national rugby union team, they may not have secured the results, but their presence shifted something. The crowds rallied behind the team, the. media loved interviewing the players, international hearts opened and the impact went far beyond the scoreboard.

Coach Ramsey reflects on hanging up the whistle and stepping into a new role after leading the women’s team for two decades. Samoa now leads the world in female representation across rugby management, with former players stepping into key leadership roles, something that should be a focus and a celebration in the women’s game. In his time as coach, Ramsey Tomokino always saw himself as a caretaker, laying foundations for a professional future where Samoan women can one day be paid to play the game they love.

Leap of Faith -The Danielle Nolte Story

In this deeply moving and spirit-filled episode, I sit down with Danielle Nolte, fresh from her gold medal victory at the ASA Senior Track and Field Nationals and now a five-time national champion. Danielle takes us inside the emotions and mindset of competing at nationals through the fierce Cape weather, as well as leaning not only on physical preparation, but on a deep, unwavering spiritual foundation. What emerges is a story not just of performance, but of surrender. Of feeling only joy and peace on the runway. One of the most special moments was the presence of her family and of her grandmother who was watching Danielle compete for the first time in five years. It becomes a full-circle moment of love, growth, and legacy, a reminder that behind every athlete is a story of people, connection, and unseen support.

We look at the upcoming season, the Commonwealth Games, African Champs and a lot more action that will precede that. We talk about her training in Italy, the environment that is created by her coach there, a coaching style rooted in mindfulness and less is more. We talk about her goal of making the Commonwealth Games after competing at the world championships. A month before the Worlds, Danielle struggled with a terrible injury. But it was a spiritual shift and a clear direction for her calling and purpose.

At the very core of her conviction, Danielle Nolte always uses her platform to be an ambassador for God. This is the first time she has got to share her faith story in an interview and to be in this space alongside her, is such a privilege.

Simone Sharpe – Survivor, Athlete, and Unstoppable Force

Simone Sharpe is a cancer and life-threatening blood disorder survivor. Diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at 15, and the most severe case of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura that South Africa had ever experienced (in 2008) at 18, she has been through many rounds of chemo, radiation, various operations, and treatments. She lost most of her hair twice, but like her spirit – it comes back with a vengeance.

Due to the treatments, she developed Avascular Necrosis in her shoulders (meaning the blood doesn’t flow to the bone, and the bone dies), which resulted in her having to have a shoulder replacement.

Opening our conversation, Simone Sharpe shares with us her message about body positivity, sport and how she started taking on challenges and adventures which pushed her to pursue racing. We talk about her very first participation in the Cape epic this year, the race was brutal and intense for all the participants and Simone’s reflections are shared openly. Connecting with a new partner ahead of the Epic and finding a great fit with Elaine, whom she holds immense respect for. Over the really hot day, Elaine and Simone faced an immense hurdle in a possible hospitalisation. Also facing the rollercoaster of having their boards cut up after missing the finishing time, and then being reinstated, Simone takes us through the fight against your body breaking down, the emotional and the mental toll this race takes on you.

Jamie Southgate – A Journey of Triumph

The second edition of the inaugural PSI Nkosi Cup tournament is on our doorstep and joining me to talk all things indoor hockey is Spar South African Women’s indoor hockey captain, Jamie Southgate. As captain of the national team, Jamie has led the team to being crowned the 2024 African champions at the 2024 Africa Cup world cup qualifiers. Nearing 100 caps for the national side, Jamie has stood tall as a formidable part of the team.

The journey to greatness is never a straight line, and for South African Women’s Indoor Hockey captain, Jamie Southgate, it’s been a story of resilience, leadership, and triumph against the odds. In this episode, we dive deep into Jamie’s remarkable journey, from her hockey beginnings at just nine years old to standing on the brink of her 100th cap for the national team.

Jamie has led her squad to historic heights, including the unforgettable achievement of being crowned African Champions at the 2024 Africa Cup World Cup qualifiers—a victory 10 years in the making. But beyond the accolades, it’s Jamie’s personal story that truly inspires. In 2019, at just 21 years old, Jamie faced the unimaginable, brain surgery for a tumour. With incredible courage and determination, she was back on the field just weeks after a five-hour operation, proving that true strength lies in the heart. I also ask her about her unique style of captaincy, the unity between the team, the leaders within the squad and the feeling in the team ahead of this weekend’s tournament.

Nadine Roos – Solitude, Sisterhood and the Soul of Rugby

Among the shining lights of South Africa’s campaign is Nadine Roos, a player whose versatility knows no bounds, she’s our wing, fullback, fly-half, (basically anything in the back line!) as well as our sevens star.

In this episode, she takes us beyond the try line and into the spaces that few see, the stillness after the stadium lights dim, the rhythm of returning home, and the complex dance between a more relaxed schedule and the busyness of the past few weeks. As a natural loner, she reflects on what it means to spend months side by side with her teammates, to share space, spirit, and silence and how interesting the connection and togetherness of a team truly is.

We also explore her connection to culture and meaning, what it felt like to stand opposite the Black Ferns, her deep respect for the Haka, and the lessons she learnt from her New Zealand teammates when playing in Japan. It would be remiss not to ask her about starting a maul from a scrum, and her opportunity to embrace that moment and to be the best she could be, with a lot of preparation and conversation with the forwards.

Over the rugby world cup, many were drawn to Nadine’s story and the hard realities she encountered through her life, a reality she contributes to the success she has experienced.

This is more than a conversation about rugby. It’s about identity, purpose, and the stories that live long after the final whistle. Nadine Roos is honest about what she hopes can happen in the world of women’s rugby in South Africa, and with an inside edge in the game, we have to listen up!

Aimee Barrett – Theron, My Rugby Life

Aimee Barrett – Theron is a woman of firsts, representing boldly for female referees and cementing herself as a well – respected, household name. She is the first professional female rugby referee in South Africa and one of only four fully professional female rugby referees in the world. She also refereed at the Rio Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Women’s Rugby World Cup. She has her Masters in Sport Science and is a qualified biokineticist running her own practice.

On the show, Aimee and I discuss her early beginnings, from dreaming big as a 12-year-old girl watching the Olympics, to earning a rugby scholarship to Stellenbosch University. Having to drop out and return later to university, Aimee reflects on the hardship of that time but how rugby was a flame of hope and joy in her life. I also ask Aimee about the manner in which she conducts herself on the field, with respect and confidence. We also talk about the viral videos around the Sharks captain, as well as the U20 Wales and England captains and the conduct on field. Necessary to understanding what it takes to be a referee, we uncover the darker side of this profession, where referees are abused, or threatened and Aimee uncovers what it takes to be a professional referee.

Yonela Ngxingolo – Play like it’s Your Last Game

Yonela Ngxingolo is a highly skilled and versatile prop who is a key figure in South African women’s rugby. Playing for the Isuzu Bulls Daisies, as well as the Springbok women, she continues to showcase her skill, consistency and athleticism in the game and it is a joy to have her join me on the podcast this week.

In this powerful episode, Yonela takes us deep inside the final through the eyes of a forward. She unpacks the moment of Sizophila’s collision, revealing how it disrupted the rhythm of the game and forced the team to mentally recalibrate in real time. What followed was a masterclass in resilience, as the Isuzu Bulls Daisies adapted with precision, reading their opponents weaknesses, and ultimately fighting their way to victory.

We honour the incredible impact of Lusanda Dumke, whose presence loomed large over the final. Yonela reflects on how her influence was felt not just on the field, but in the hearts and minds of the players. In a deeply moving moment, she speaks about the unexpected Player of the Match performance, a display fuelled by the awareness that every game could be your last, so play it like it is. With Lusanda watching, the message became clear, be present, embrace the moment, and play with everything you have. We also talk about where it all began, her debut in 2018 against Wales. She shares the tears, the quiet prayer for a moment of magic.

Kendra du Toit – Choosing Sport with a Purpose

For South African lifesaving champion Kendra du Toit, 2025 was supposed to be the year she defended her Commonwealth title in her signature event — the 100m weighted manikin haul. But a fractured spine changed everything. Suddenly, the athlete known for racing against waves and time found herself battling pain, doubt, and the quiet stillness of recovery.

In this episode, Kendra opens up about the long road back, from the heartbreak of watching races go on without her, to rediscovering her purpose beyond the podium. We explore the heart of rescue sport, a discipline born from real-world rescues where every race represents saving a life. Kendra opens up about the mental toll of recovery — the quiet struggle of watching her Commonwealth dreams hang in the balance and rediscovering who she was beyond the competition lane. As captain, she reflects on what truly unfolded at the Commonwealth Games this year, the cheers form the vibe South Africans in the crowd, the splashes, and the stillness that followed when she didn’t make the final. Though her contribution looked different this time, her pride ran deep. In that difference, she found a new kind of strength and a renewed sense of purpose, a way to lead and a pride that is deep.

When the moment finally came, it was electric. Kendra stood shoulder to shoulder with her teammates as the South African women stormed to gold in the rescue relay and silver in the 4x25m manikin carry, breaking a national record and igniting pride that rippled far beyond the pool.

Podcast Topics

On the pod, Lauren hosts guests who provide insight into sport for women and girls, athletes who share their stories, and opinion without the complicated jargon.

What My Guests Say

The interview with Lauren has been nothing short of impactful. She manages to deliver informative and engaging conversations. It is great to see that there is a growing emphasis on raising awareness about women’s health issues, which has been silenced for too long.

Fatima Kathrada, Women’s Health Researcher & Advocate

My interview with Lauren, was really fun, with some refreshingly different questions.
And lots of interaction from the listeners.

Andrie Steyn, WP Cricket Vice - Captain

The interview was an inspiring space for us as women from different walks of life, speaking with the same voice to share our stories, wisdom and understanding of how society functions in response to the roles and needs expressed by women.

Kganya Mogashoa, Visual Artist

I had such a heartwarming time with Lauren on Air talking women empowerment, Inclusivity, and inspiring our youth of South Africa. Lauren unpacks the relevant topics so well, i had a super time diving into the chore of visions and instilling important values to our listeners I was as much inspired by Lauren as she was by me and I look forward to following her as together women can master incredible things further, for women, by women.