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
  • Spotify

Episodes

Friday Oct 31, 2025

Brooke and Dani pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the camera with two pros who make the stars shine — celebrity makeup artists Amy De La Rosa and Jessica Marie. From their starts in retail to working with major TV networks and Hollywood talent, Amy and Jessica share how they broke into the industry, what it takes to thrive on set, and why confidence and calm matter as much as skill. They dish on career advice, on-air makeup myths, and the small details that make a big difference for anyone working in sports, entertainment, or media. Plus tips for glowing on camera, negotiating your worth, and some fun Halloween inspiration to wrap it up.

Thursday Oct 23, 2025

Brooke and Dani swap sideline interview stories — from unexpected walk-offs to guests answering phone calls mid-hit — and break down what it takes to stay composed when the chaos hits live TV. Then, they shift to NBA Opening Night and the nostalgia of basketball’s return to NBC, debating the new “heave rule” and early season storylines. Plus, the duo reacts to The Athletic’s Top 25 college football stadiums, sharing their favorite game-day atmospheres and why LSU at night is truly unmatched. And to close it out, Dani previews her upcoming work trip through Europe!

Thursday Oct 16, 2025

It’s a cozy catch-up on Sideline! Brooke Fletcher and Dani K talk slowing down, catching up on sleep, and why “binge cheating” on a show might be relationship sabotage. From Halloween plans and fall fashion to Angel Reese hitting the Victoria’s Secret runway, Brooke’s Maryland trip, and trying Pilates for the first time — it’s all laughs, vibes, and a little sports talk to wrap things up.

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025

Brooke and Dani kick off a cozy, fall-themed episode of Sideline with Halloween decor, baseball heartbreak, and a special reunion guest — Chicago native and new Bulls Pre & Postgame Live host, Cam Smith. From growing up on the West Side to playing college hoops under Matt Painter, Cam shares his incredible journey to landing his dream job with CHSN. He opens up about patience, family, faith, and Chicago pride, and brings his signature mix of heart and humor with stories about basketball, music, and life at home as a dad of two. The crew also plays “Hot Take or Hall of Fame,” covering hoops debates, sports movies, and yes — ketchup on hot dogs.

Friday Sep 26, 2025

On the latest episode of Sidelined - Brooke shares what it was like covering White Sox–Padres while her husband was on the field for the other team — a rare collision of work and home. Dani pulls back the curtain on the grind of tennis pros, from travel chaos to why the “off-season” barely exists. And both give long overdue credit to the real MVPs of every broadcast: the runners who make it all possible.

Wednesday Sep 17, 2025

Brooke and Dani welcome their longtime friend and Yahoo! Sports MLB Insider Russell Dorsey to Sidelined. Russ shares how he carved a path as an MLB insider, the grind of breaking news, and the balance between networking and building true relationships. Then, they look back at their days together in Chicago under Bally Sports and debate how the industry is shifting toward influencers and an appetite for viral content. Plus, Russ gives insight into the MLB postseason picture and we figure out the best times to snap a selfie.

Thursday Sep 04, 2025

Brooke Fletcher and Dani Klupenger are back on Sideline with a little lake life and a lot of sports. Brooke recaps Week 1 on the college gridiron from Eugene—mascot-head chaos included—and a full-circle Dante Moore moment. Dani compares lake vs. beach life and explains the Jeep “ducking” phenomenon Brooke stumbled into. The US Open takes center court: Naomi’s surge, Coco’s pressure, the Townsend–Ostapenko dust-up, and why Sinner vs. Alcaraz feels inevitable. Then it’s NFL kickoff: Micah Parsons’ shock move, Lions hype, Bears’ Caleb era, Bills-Ravens, and a deliciously petty Jets-Steelers angle.

Wednesday Aug 27, 2025

NFL champion Will Blackmon joins Dani and Brooke to share stories from his NFL journey—from being recruited out of Rhode Island to navigating the Favre/Rodgers era in Green Bay and winning a ring with the Giants. He also explains how Charles Woodson inspired his love of wine, why Champagne is always his go-to, and what it’s like running his own label, Blackmon Cellars. Plus, Will opens up about his love-hate with fantasy football and makes a bold Super Bowl prediction.

Wednesday Aug 13, 2025

Brooke and Dani welcome Kait Maniscalco, creator of Baseball for Baddies, for a lively conversation about making baseball more inclusive for women and casual fans. Kait shares how she turned a TikTok side project into a growing sports brand, her approach to humanizing athletes, and the importance of balancing analytics with the “eye test.” They dive into game-day fashion dos and don’ts, the realities of sports content creation, and why creating a safe space for women matters.

Friday Aug 08, 2025

On this episode of Sidelined, Brooke and Dani catch up in a lively, wide-ranging episode covering everything from Fox Sports’ behind-the-scenes football seminar to a quirky new US Open dating show. They swap stories about meeting sports legends, dish on tennis traditions with a fresh perspective, and debate the wildest fantasy football punishments they’ve seen. The conversation also touches on stadium wish lists, Brooke’s exciting new home in San Diego, and the surprising return of Hannah Montana. It’s part sports talk, part life update, and all good vibes.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

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