Championing Women in Sports Media with Jamie Mittelman
About the Episode
In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Mittelman, founder of Flame Bears, a media company dedicated to amplifying the voices of elite women athletes, particularly Olympians and Paralympians. We explore the power of representation in sports media, the ongoing challenges female athletes face, and tangible ways to foster a more equitable sports landscape.
Key Takeways
Bridging the Media Gap: Jamie founded Flame Bears to combat the staggering disparity in sports coverage, where only 15% of media attention goes to female athletes—often focusing on a narrow demographic.
Authentic Storytelling Matters: Young athletes need diverse role models. Jamie is committed to narratives that genuinely reflect their experiences, avoiding misrepresentation.
Quality Over Quantity – It’s not just about covering women’s sports; it's about telling their stories with depth, respect, and accuracy.
From Athlete to Advocate: Jamie’s journey from college soccer player to media entrepreneur showcases the power of leveraging communication and storytelling for impact.
Tokyo Paralympics & Beyond: While visibility has improved, female athletes—especially those with disabilities—continue to struggle with pay equity, sponsorships, and the need for secondary jobs.
Actionable Support: Jamie urges fans to:
Attend games
Buy merchandise
Engage on social media to increase visibility and influence advertisers.
Flame Bears’ Mission: To be the leading platform for storytelling about elite women in sports, highlighting their leadership and resilience.
Overcoming Fear & Expectations: Inspired by the athletes she works with, Jamie emphasizes the importance of pushing past societal barriers to achieve personal goals.
Lessons for Everyone: Traits like resilience, teamwork, and mental strength aren’t just for athletes—they’re essential for success in any field.
The episode closes with a call to action: support, celebrate, and uplift women in sports and beyond.
