Monday Sep 01, 2025
Women in Sports Broadcasting with Jen Mueller
In this episode, Greg Glynn, founder & CEO of Pliable talks with sports broadcaster Jen Mueller about her career in sports journalism.
Jen shared her journey from high school guidance counselor to successful sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks, emphasizing the importance of consistent presence, networking, and strategic relationship-building in the sports industry. The discussion concluded with insights into Jen's broadcasting work, speaking engagements, and her experience hosting a cooking show, highlighting the value of building relationships and personal branding in sports media.
Jen and Greg discussed the format and goals of their upcoming podcast episode, focusing on Jen's keynote speaking and communication expertise. Greg explained the episode would be about 15-20 minutes, with an introduction added in post-production. They agreed to focus on Jen's career and personal brand, with a sales pitch towards the end. The episode is expected to be released in about a month, with no time-sensitive content from Jen's side.
Jen's Journey to Sports Journalism
Jen shared her journey from a high school guidance counselor's suggestion to pursue broadcasting over teaching, leading her to a successful career in sports journalism. She discussed her experience playing multiple sports in high school and her gradual progression from behind-the-scenes roles to becoming a sideline reporter for the Seattle Seahawks. Jen emphasized the importance of consistent presence and networking through daily attendance at events, rather than focusing solely on building relationships, which ultimately helped her secure her position.
Building Trust in Locker Room Interactions
Jen shared her 17-year experience working on the Seahawks sidelines, emphasizing the importance of building relationships through brief interactions in the locker room. She highlighted the need to be strategic and intentional in conversations with athletes, as these moments are limited and crucial for establishing trust. Greg agreed, drawing parallels to his own experience in pro sports, and noted the value of understanding the dynamics within the locker room to identify key individuals for storytelling.
NFL Athletes' Communication Strategies
Jen shared insights from her experience working with NFL rookies and athletes, emphasizing the importance of developing communication skills and personal branding. She highlighted the value of using specific, impactful language in sports and business contexts, drawing parallels between sports and professional communication. Jen advised athletes aspiring to enter sports broadcasting to become reliable and articulate interviewees, using their platform to build a strong personal brand and demonstrate leadership qualities.
Jen's Sports Media and Networking
Jen discussed her work in broadcasting and speaking engagements, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and leveraging opportunities in sports media. She shared her experience hosting a cooking show, "I Cook, You Measure," which features athletes in a different setting. Greg highlighted Jen's preparedness and expertise, and mentioned an athlete he plans to connect with her, aligning with his #MissionE50 initiative to promote women's sports. Both talked about the "grind" of a broadcasting career and the value of networking and confidence in career development.
Links:
Pliable Marketing's Mission E50
Talk Sporty to Me links
Website: https://www.talksportytome.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@TalkSportytoMe
X: @TalkSportytoMe and @JenTalksSports
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