Hoops Off is a podcast that explores sports, pop culture, and women's issues through fun and insightful perspectives. The hosts are women of color, giving them a different standpoint on the NBA. These perceptions, along with their sense of humor and friendship, help to make the show fun.
The hosts and creators of this podcast are Liz Lapp and Karen Uyenco. They have been working in social media and digital marketing for over a decade. The show began when the duo worked on a project for the same client. During a break, Liz and Karen began talking and learned they both had a mutual love for the NBA and WNBA. They also realized that there was not a lot of commentary on these leagues available from women of color. Thus, Liz and Karen decided to begin Hoops Off to create a space to share their thoughts on basketball.
How the hosts weave multiple topics into each episode makes Hoops Off fun and fresh. In a matter of moments, they can go from discussing Caitlin Clark's WNBA salary to what kind of music Shaquille O'Neal likes. The playful pacing and Liz and Karen's ability to not take anything too seriously are fun. For example, the two discuss Clark and how many WNBA players play in Russia. Then they joke that a descendant of Anastasia is funding the Russian league.
But basketball isn't the only subject of the podcast. Liz and Karen are happy to discuss other sports, such as the NFL, or share their thoughts on "Bennifer 2.0," as they call it. This is a reference to the marriage of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. On occasion, they will have a third guest offer additional commentary. This can be an artist or athlete that the hosts are friends with. The hosts care how all of these conversations affect the perception of women of color.
New episodes of the Hoops Off podcast air each week on Fridays.
Episodes