Sidelined w/ Brooke Fletcher & Dani Klupenger

Summer House at Citi Field, Brett Favre Fallout & Who's the Next Nadal?

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.

Jen Lada’s Rise in Sports Media and Her Powerful Storytelling at ESPN

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.

Lauren Shehadi on Her Rise in Broadcasting and Life at MLB Network

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.

European Blackouts, Met Gala Fits, and Baseball Rain Delays

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

Emerging Tennis Stars and Falling Down NFL Draft Boards

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.

ESPN's Kris Budden on Iamaleava, NILs, & her broadcasting journey

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.

Loyola HC Drew Valentine's journey though basketball and fatherhood

On this episode of Sidelined, Brooke and Dani speak with Loyola Chicago Head Coach Drew Valentine! We delve deep into Drew's inspiring journey, from his Lansing, Michigan roots to his time under coaching legends Tom Izzo and Greg Kampe. We discuss Loyola Chicago's impressive season, their deep NIT run, and the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating the modern landscape of college basketball, including NIL and the transfer portal. Drew also shares how fatherhood has shaped his coaching philosophy. 

Brooke's Path from Pageants to Broadcasting

On this episode of Sidelined, Dani talks about traveling for tennis tournaments and the mental bandwidth it takes to cover sports. Then we dive into the life and career of Brooke Fletcher. We get into her first day as the White Sox Reporter on Opening Day of the MLB season and the challenges of getting through a broadcast. We then get into Brooke's time competing in Miss Georgia Teen USA and Miss Georgia. Her spark for reporting at Auburn University, to ESPN, New York, Fox Sports, to The Rally!

Taylor McGregor's Journey Through Life as a Sports Broadcaster

Join Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger on Sideline for an unforgettable episode featuring Taylor McGregor, Chicago Cubs reporter and ESPN college football correspondent! We dive deep into Taylor's incredible experience covering the Cubs-Dodgers series in Tokyo. Hear firsthand accounts of Shohei Ohtani's legendary status in Japan, the unique cultural differences, and the surprising realities of ticket pricing. Beyond Tokyo, Taylor shares insightful reflections on the challenges and rewards of being a woman in sports broadcasting, offering invaluable career advice for aspiring professionals. We discuss the importance of work-life balance, building authentic friendships in a competitive industry, and the surprising similarities between navigating the world of sports and the world of dating! This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and wisdom you won't want to miss.

Tournament Takes, Brooke Meets Bo, and the Miami Open Tea

On the latest episode of Sidelined, Brooke and Dani go over their brackets, upsets to watch, and one team manager who is landing NIL deals of his own. Brooke recaps here recent encounter with a two-sport legend at Camelback Ranch. Dani brings us the latest from the Miami Open including the latest couple to hard launch on the tennis scene. Also Scottie Scheffler's dinner menu and Brooke's preparation for her color commentator debut in the booth for a White Sox spring training matchup.