Sidelined w/ Brooke Fletcher & Dani Klupenger

Sidelined is the sports podcast that finally gives women a space to talk about the game—without leaving behind everything else they love. Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger have spent over a decade as sports broadcasters but they realized their conversations weren’t solely based on sports- they were about fashion, pop culture, beauty and even reality tv. They know they are not the only ones. If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or ‘sidelined’ in sports talk, this podcast is for you. Why should sports only be for the guys? It’s for the girls too!

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App

Episodes

Friday Jul 11, 2025

On this episode of Sideline, Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger dive into their Fourth of July festivities, including beach parties, boating trips, and Brooke’s behind-the-scenes NASCAR experience. Dani shares insights on Amanda Anisimova’s inspiring Wimbledon run and why American tennis is having a moment. The two also discuss Ben Shelton and Trinity Rodman’s rising star couple status, the mental toll of athletic identity, and Love Island's unexpected emotional depth.

Thursday Jul 03, 2025

It’s a full catch-up sesh on this week’s Sideline as Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger reunite after some travel and time off. From Dani’s new beach volleyball league and Brooke’s ongoing closet organization mission to their shared nostalgia over early-2000s hip-hop. The duo dives deep into the latest on the White Sox, Coco Gauff’s Wimbledon struggles, the tennis WAG influencer economy, and why Detroit deserves more respect. Plus, NASCAR takes over Chicago, and the WNBA expands again!

Wednesday Jun 18, 2025

Baseball stories, shirtless TV appearances, boy bands, and Bert Kreischer?! Danny Graves joins Brooke and Dani live from the College World Series in Omaha and delivers an all-time performance—no mound required. The Reds Hall of Famer recounts pitching for the Savannah Bananas (in the same clothes for days), mixing it up with fans in Cincinnati, and what he really thought about Jessica Simpson. Plus, wild MLB clubhouse stories, motorcycle gang memories with Ryan Dempster, and a surprise 98 Degrees connection you won’t believe.

Wednesday Jun 11, 2025

TNT & NBATV's Lauren Jbara joins the show for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about her whirlwind year—from navigating a thyroid surgery scare to covering some of the biggest events in sports. She shares behind-the-scenes stories from the NBA Playoffs, what it’s really like interviewing legends like Steph Curry, and how she’s balanced her rising national TV career with newlywed life. Plus: tips on moving to a new city, building friendships as an adult, and must-have beauty products that actually last.

Friday May 30, 2025

Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger are back for a good old-fashioned catch-up. Brooke reflects on her recent trip to NYC—including a surprise Summer House sighting at Citi Field—while Dani opens up about much-needed R&R after her Europe whirlwind. The two dive into the grind of life on the road, the realities of being a woman in sports media, and an eye-opening conversation about the Brett Favre documentary. Plus, tennis talk honoring Rafa Nadal, reality TV recs, and Dani’s unexpected home break-in story.

Friday May 23, 2025

Emmy Award winner and ESPN College Gameday's Jen Lada joins the show to reflect on her career journey—from working midnight shifts in Chicago to becoming a vital part of College GameDay. Jen shares what it’s like to report on emotional stories, how she finds her balance in a demanding industry, and what it means to be an authentic voice in sports media. She talks about the highs and lows of storytelling, her favorite campus traditions, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from ESPN, and the emotional weight of covering real human moments in sports. Plus, hear her thoughts on working alongside Nick Saban, Lee Corso, and Pat McAfee, and what’s next for one of the most respected voices in the business.

Wednesday May 14, 2025

This week on Sideline, Brooke and Dani are joined by one of the most familiar faces in baseball broadcasting — Lauren Shehadi of MLB Network. From sending out 100 VHS tapes to breaking down playoff moments on national television, Lauren shares her incredible journey through sports media. She talks about the nerves that never go away, why preparation is everything, and how authenticity has shaped her on-air success.
The conversation dives into her prep process for March Madness, the balance of social media and privacy, and the art of asking the right question — even when you're live in front of millions. Plus, cereal hot takes, favorite stadiums, and what it really feels like to mess up on air. This one is full of insight, laughs, and real talk from a broadcasting pro.

Thursday May 08, 2025

From a Vatican Conclave in Rome to a power outage across Europe, Dani Klupenger has been at the heart of historic moments—while Brooke Fletcher wraps up her 4-game visit to Kansas City. The two catch up across time zones to swap wild travel stories, debate the Met Gala’s best (and worst) looks, and talk about how sports leagues are stepping up their player marketing game—from MLB’s new partnership with Boardroom to tennis’ global media surge. Plus: Brooke’s birthday plans, Dani’s $26 spray tan, and giving Coco Gauff her flowers

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025

Join Brooke and Dani on this episode of Sidelined as Dani kicks off her month long work trip. First stop? Madrid, Spain! Dani and Brooke give us their travel hacks and essentials when away from home. We also get into the tennis scene as some veterans seem to be struggling while there is young talent emerging. And finally we talk about the value of running backs, Shedeur Sanders' landing spot, and the history of QB's falling down draft boards.

Wednesday Apr 16, 2025

This week on Sideline, Brooke and Dani discuss Dani's Monte Carlo trip and upcoming travels, necessities for a month-long European adventure, and the explosive situation surrounding Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava and NIL deals. They're joined by ESPN & SiriusXM's Kris Budden, who shares insights on Iamaleava's departure, her own career journey balancing family and a demanding job, and advice for aspiring broadcasters. It's a dynamic conversation on the evolving world of college sports and the personal sacrifices needed to succeed in the broadcasting industry.

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