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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

Aniya Holder – Africa’s Fastest Climber

This week, I’m joined by speed climbing sensation Aniya Holder, Africa’s current speed climbing record holder and Olympian at the 2024 Summer Olympics. From fun childhood beginnings climbing trees and buildings, to competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage, Aniya’s journey is a remarkable story of hardworking, determination, resilience, and ambition.

We explore what it takes to train for elite competition when your local climbing wall is less than half the height of the official 15-metre speed wall. Aniya shares the realities of rebuilding training walls, adapting to competition conditions, and pursuing the dream of a full-scale speed climbing facility in her hometown of P.E.. We also discuss competition preparation, overcoming challenges, the psychology of speed climbing, and whether someone who races up walls for a living is actually afraid of heights (this can be a real thing!)

Along the way, Aniya breaks down the different climbing disciplines, reflects on the rapid growth of climbing in South Africa, and highlights the exciting new generation of athletes entering the sport. From national championships and African Cup qualification to the road to Paris, her story showcases the persistence and hard work required to compete at the highest level.

Morgan Jacobs - Born to Race

Some people find motorsport. For Morgan Jacobs, motorsport was always part of who she was. Raised in a family where racing wasn’t just a weekend pastime but a way of life, Morgan’s journey began where many great drivers first discover their love for speed, behind the wheel of a kart. What started as a childhood passion quickly evolved into something much bigger, a relentless pursuit of excellence that would see her rise through the ranks of South African motorsport.

Fast forward to 2025, and Morgan has become one of the country’s most exciting young racing talents. Today, Morgan pilots the iconic BMW E46 330i, a machine revered by racing enthusiasts and petrolheads alike.

In this episode, Morgan Jacobs takes us back to where it all began. We explore her earliest memories in karting, the influence of growing up in a motorsport family, and the lessons learned from spending a lifetime around racetracks. She opens up about the mindset required to compete at the highest level, revealing how working with a sports psychologist is a big asset to racing, pressure, and performance when the lights go out on race day.

We also dive into the fiercely competitive battle between three female racers that saw Morgan emerge victorious as the chosen rookie for the Pablo Clark Development Team.

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.

Giovanna Barbosa – More Than a Game

Giovanna Barbosa has built a global creative career, challenging the waves of beauty and femininity but it all started at a shoot for her football club Coventry City. From playing at U.J to an international scholarship to play for a division 1 college in America to becoming a professional footballer for Coventry City, and winning a championship, Giovanna shines as a light of determination and power.

In this episode, she shares how a full-ride Division 1 scholarship to Texas A&M, along with Nike sponsored goods, set her on a path few South Africans have walked—studying neuroscience while playing elite college football in the U.S. Before that, she had just chased the ball. From kicking it around with the boys at Rovers, to making every team she could in South Africa, determination, hard work and grit opened incredible doors and we go in to the depth of her journey and her story from U.J to Texas and then to the U.K. A few paths diverged and converged and a contract with Aston Villa, Birmingham City, as well as Coventry City landed on the table, how did she choose and what did this mean for her journey in football? Giovanna discusses the change in the women’s sport industry from when she started until today, and she digs into her experiences and what she is witnessing within the game. We go into this and truth bomb about the DNA of the women’s game, the heartbeat of engagement, and what she witnessed when they brought the kids on to the field when playing for Coventry. Harder work, missing socks, no shirts, and the new kit next week, it’s all for the fans!

Olivia Apps – Rugby’s Authentic Leader

I am thrilled to be joined by the captain of the Canadian women’s 7’s team, and Olympic silver medallist Olivia Apps. Olivia is a two – time Olympian, and this year she led the first ever Canadian women’s team to an Olympic final. She has also participated in two Rugby 7’s world cups, two commonwealth games, a rugby 15’s world cup and has been involved in the Rugby 7’s world series for the past 6 years. She also made the Women’s Seven’s dream team of the year as chosen by World Rugby.

On the podcast, Olivia and I dive deep into the Olympic silver win in Paris this year. With the team claiming a place on the podium and writing history, the reinvention of the team since Tokyo in 2021 has been a journey of intensity. Olivia takes us into that journey, and how the team rebuilt. Speaking through the hard times, we get a powerful, inside view of the years that Canada came 11th or even 3^rd, and how working through the years with goals in mind was key to where the team has evolved to today. While she may be missing the Dubai and Cape Town sevens, Olivia shares with us about the players who will be getting a change to step into the team and grow on the world stage. We discuss what the Paris win means for women’s rugby in Canada, and how Olivia chooses to lead her team as a captain who inspires the players around her to be their most true selves. Personally, we also talk about alopecia, and Olivia’s outlook on her life since her diagnosis at a very young age.

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.

Kira Bester – Riding the Waves of Purpose

Kira Bester is undoubtedly a surfski paddler superstar! Not only is she the reigning ICF Canoe Ocean racing World champion, she conquered the Indian, Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans in a single week, winning all three surfski races. Last year she added the world champion title to her U23 and Open Ladies title, cementing her place among the world tops paddlers.

Joining me on the podcast, Kira Bester and I talk about the what and how of surkski. We dive in to her mindset of winning the World Champs and what she learnt about herself since winning, her perspective after achieving this dream and if she will defend her title this year. At the heart of our conversation is the truth of finding yourself, your purpose and also finding your goals shifting and changing. With the conclusion of her studies, Kira has rekindled her journey with the sport of lifesaving, which was cut short during the Covid years and redirected to surfski. Ever since Kira’s youth, she sensed her destiny was to be a world champion, she just didn’t know in what discipline. With the realisation of that beautiful foreshadow, this conversation takes us into the heart and mind of what it takes to know yourself and achieve your goals with grit and determination.

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.