Women's Motorsports Network Podcast
Women's Motorsports Network Podcast shares the stories of women involved in motorsports from around the world. My first episode was in 2018 and I continue to add new episodes each week. Feel free to suggest potential guests to me at iwmanation@gmail.com
Melinda Russell
Episodes
328 episodes
Dell Hamilton – Building Business, Faith, and Opportunity Through NASCAR
In this heartfelt and revealing episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Dell Hamilton, a serial entrepreneur, former NASCAR team owner, and longtime supporter of women in racing. Dell shares how he used NASCAR not just for the thrill of ...
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Season 9
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Episode 363
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1:05:52
Racing, Rebranding & Rising Together – Hailey Unferdorfer’s Story
In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Hailey Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Hailey shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to work...
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Season 9
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Episode 364
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46:12
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Street Race
How NASCAR's First-Ever Street Race Transformed a City and Reimagined Fan EngagementIn this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes NASCAR executive Julie Giese to share her remarkable journey in motorsports and her r...
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Season 9
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Episode 361
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48:23
Racing in Purple: Paiten Burnham’s Journey from Quarter Midgets to Confidence
Episode Summary: Meet 16-year-old Paiten Burnham, the fearless driver behind the purple quarter midgets lighting up the USAC NASCAR Youth Series. In this episode, Paiten shares how her mom’s racing legacy, her dad’s deployment, and h...
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Season 9
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Episode 362
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31:25
Julie Giese on Shifting Gears and Making History with the Chicago Street Race
In this powerful episode, Melinda Russell sits down with trailblazer Julie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and a 25-year veteran of the motorsports industry. From her early days on a Wisconsin dairy farm to her leadership rol...
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Season 9
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Episode 361
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48:23
From Canada to Carolina: Jacqueline Rumley's Journey in Motorsports
In this episode, host Melinda Russell welcomes Jacqueline Rumley, a lifelong motorsports enthusiast, educator, and industry professional, to the show. Jacqueline shares her journey from growing up immersed in dirt track racing in ...
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Season 9
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Episode 360
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45:15
Fueling Her Dreams: How Motorsports Gave Hannah Doll the Confidence to Soar
In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes Hannah Doll, a motorsports management student at Belmont Abbey College who also works in social media and events for Fult...
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Season 9
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Episode 359
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36:59
From Business to Engines: High Performance Expo Brings It All to Charlotte
In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell talks with Dana Teague, General Manager of the upcoming High Performance Expo (HPX), set for June 3–5, 2025 in Charlotte, North Ca...
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Season 9
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Episode 358
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35:14
Behind the Scenes of Motorsports Events: Marketing & Media with Elisa Noelle
In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell chats with Elisa Noelle, whose journey into motorsports didn’t follow the traditional path. From falling in love with a yellow Fox Body Mustang as a child to managing branding and ma...
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Season 9
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Episode 357
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1:04:25
Behind the Helmet: Lily McKnight on Family, Fear, and Finding Her Place in Racing
In this episode, 15-year-old go-kart racer Lily McKnight shares her powerful journey into motorsports. From being trackside as a toddler to racing in junior and adult karting classes, Lily opens up about overcoming fear, finding confiden...
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Season 9
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Episode 356
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34:25
Brittany Bennett: Bridging Passion and Performance in Michigan Racing
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell chats with Brittany Bennett, a passionate 15-year-old racer from Augusta, Michigan. Brittany shares her journey into motorsports, fueled by her father Nate Bennett's racing legacy. From her initial cha...
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Season 9
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Episode 355
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29:07
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Why This Woman Chose a Ford Edge for the Drag Strip—and Made It Fast
In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with Cierra Scott, a wife, mom, and fearless drag racer from Kentucky. What makes her story unique? She races a 2020 Ford Edge ST—yes, an SUV—on the drag strip. Cierra talks about her journey in...
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Season 9
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Episode 354
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44:45
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Young and Fearless: Claire DeBeaupre Talks Racing, Family, and F1 Dreams
In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell chats with 9-year-old Claire DeBeaupre, a quarter midget racer from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Claire shares her racing journey, love for speed...
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Season 9
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Episode 353
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30:04
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Behind the Wheel with Michelle Lackey: Alaska’s Lady Track Boss
In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with the incredible Michelle Lackey, the powerhouse behind Alaska Raceway Park—the only NASCAR and NHRA-sanctioned track in A...
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Season 9
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Episode 352
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51:05
Empowering Girls in Racing: Inside the Della Penna Foundation
In this inspiring episode, Melinda Russell welcomes back Michele Della Penna — founder of the Della Penna Foundation — to talk about her powerful mission to expose young girls to the world of motorsports. Michele shares how her upbringing in a ...
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Season 9
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Episode 351
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34:22
Overcoming Bullying and Finding Strength Through Racing: Jillian Cole’s Story
🎧 Host: Melinda Russell 🎤 Guest: Jillian ColeEpisode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with 16-year-old outlaw kart racer Jillian Cole — a driven young woman from California with a growing passion for mot...
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Season 9
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Episode 350
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26:05
Jenna Johnson: A Trailblazer in the Crown Vic Junior Class
🚗💨 Meet Jenna Johnson! A passionate racer and devoted mom, Jenna's journey in motorsports is all about family, fun, and empowerment. From her childhood memories of riding on her dad's race car to competing in the Crown Vic Junior class, ...
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Season 9
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Episode 349
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34:59
Celebrating Femininity in Racing: Abby Kay McDonald’s Perspective
🚗✨ New Episode Alert! ✨🚗Join us for an inspiring conversation with Abby Kay McDonald, a talented drag racer from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia! 🇦🇺 In this episode, Abby shares her incredible journey into the world o...
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Season 9
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Episode 348
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40:07
Amy Lerner: Breaking Barriers in Off-Road Racing and Rally Sports
🚗✨ New Episode Alert! ✨🚗Join us for an inspiring conversation with Amy Lerner, a trailblazer in off-road racing and cross-country rally! 🌍🏁In this episode, Amy shares her incredible journey from a car-loving girl in Long Is...
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Season 9
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Episode 347
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39:45
Kristin Shaw's Adventure in Off-Road Racing
🚗✨ New Podcast Episode Alert! ✨🚗Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Kristin Shaw, an automotive journalist and trailblazer in the world of motorsports! 🌟From her early love for classic cars to competing ...
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Season 9
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Episode 346
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37:37
Little Moments, Big Memories: Misty Wagner’s Photography in Racing
🌟 Join us on the latest episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast! 🚗💨This week, we’re thrilled to feature Misty Wagner, a passionate racing photographer and advocate for women in motorsports. Hear her inspiring jou...
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Season 9
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Episode 345
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26:57
Breaking Stereotypes in Racing: Aubree Walker’s Incredible Journey
In this episode of the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell sits down with Aubree Walker, a 16-year-old aspiring race car driver from Anderson, Indiana. Aubree shares her journey into motorsports, her e...
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Season 9
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Episode 344
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40:07
Why More Women Should Try Drag Racing – Insights from Robin Ridgway
In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell interviews Robin Ridgway, an engineer and drag racer from Lafayette, Indiana. Robin shares her journey into motorsports, which began with a ...
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Season 9
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Episode 343
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36:22
LeeAnne Young – A Trailblazer in Speedway Racing
LeeAnne Young – A Trailblazer in Speedway RacingHost: Melinda Russell Guest: LeeAnne YoungAbout LeeAnne YoungA veteran racer from Victoria, Australia, with over 30 years ...
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Season 9
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Episode 342
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38:53
Audrey Gerberding on Racing, Resilience, and Her Future in Motorsports
In this episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes Audrey Gerberding, a young and passionate racer with a lifelong dedication to motorsports. Having first met Audrey as a young girl ...
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Season 9
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Episode 341
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45:37