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The MidMajors

The MidMajors

By: Tacarra Barnes & Courtney Lumpkin
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About this listen

The podcast for women’s hoops fans who want it all: news, laughs, and no fluff. Former D1 ballers Tacarra Barnes and Courtney Lumpkin break down everything in college basketball and the WNBA with real energy, real insight, and real love for the game

© 2025 The MidMajors
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Episodes
  • WNBA Exit Interview + Free Agency Predictions
    Oct 16 2025

    In this episode of themidMAJORS podcast, hosts Tacarra and Courtney reflect on their evolution as creators — from their first uploads to confidently running live WNBA shows. They open up about personal growth, audience connection, and what it takes to build a platform highlighting women’s basketball authentically.

    The duo dives deep into the WNBA exit interviews, breaking down player performances, team chemistry, and free agency predictions for the upcoming season. They discuss potential roster moves for Washington, Brittany Griner’s future in Atlanta, and how location and management shape player decisions.

    Tacarra and Courtney also tackle the CBA negotiations, player compensation, and why WNBA expansion is overdue. This honest conversation emphasizes accountability, growth, and support for women’s sports — both on and off the court.

    🎧 Whether you're a WNBA fan, sports culture lover, or content creator, this episode blends analysis, authenticity, and empowerment — themidMAJORS way.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #FREEANGEL
    Sep 11 2025

    Keywords

    basketball, Angel Reese, team dynamics, media training, leadership, social media, personal growth, accountability, recruitment, sports podcast, WNBA, Chicago Sky, Angel Reese, Dwyane Wade, player trades, social media, team dynamics, MVP, playoffs


    Takeaways

    The importance of social media in personal branding.
    Reflections on college experiences shape current perspectives.
    Engaging with the audience is crucial for podcast growth.
    Angel Reese's comments sparked controversy and discussion.
    Team dynamics can affect player performance and morale.
    Media training is essential for effective communication.
    Accountability within a team is vital for success.
    Suspension decisions can impact player morale and team dynamics.
    Recruitment challenges can hinder team performance.
    Understanding team dynamics is key to effective leadership. They haven't had no fire period, into the day, the proofs of they don't have the players.
    The biggest mistake... they traded the number three pick.
    Where the hell is D Wade?
    They traded the number three pick overall and it was two other draft picks.
    Y'all should not put a statement. Y'all should just say the girl hurt.
    It's a hashtag free angel.
    A waste of her youth is crazy and she 23.
    They trying to teach her a lesson and it's just like, bro, it didn't hit like y'all thought it was gonna hit.
    The Aces are on a roll right now.
    They dance after they win.


    Summary

    In this episode, the hosts discuss various themes surrounding basketball, including the recent controversy involving Angel Reese's comments about her team, the importance of media training, and the dynamics of team leadership. They reflect on their personal experiences, the impact of social media, and the challenges of recruitment in sports. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability and effective communication within teams, as well as the significance of engaging with their audience. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the current state of the Chicago Sky, focusing on their performance, recent trades, and the impact of social media on player dynamics. They analyze the implications of trading key draft picks and the role of ownership in team success. The discussion also touches on media reactions to player controversies and the overall team culture. As the playoffs approach, they predict outcomes and discuss potential MVP candidates, highlighting the importance of team chemistry and individual performance.


    Chapters

    00:00 Syncing Up: The Power of Menstrual Cycles
    01:14 Podcast Growth: Celebrating Success and Viewership
    04:01 Nostalgia and Social Media: Reflecting on the Past
    06:56 Team Dynamics: The Case of Angel Reese
    09:46 Accountability and Leadership in Sports
    12:37 Media Training and Communication Skills
    15:34 Coaching and Team Performance: A Deeper Look
    18:27 Suspensions and Team Management: The Angel Reese Controversy
    21:58 Team Dynamics and Leadership Disconnect
    24:23 Media Statements and Their Impact
    27:18 The Role of Media Training
    29:41 Organizational Challenges and Player Recruitment
    33:09 Social Media Reactions and Public Perception
    43:42 The Impact of Social Media on Sports Commentary
    45:40 Player Salaries and Public Perception
    48:11 Team Dynamics and Player Influence
    50:15 The Aces' Winning Streak and Playoff Prospects
    54:33 Leadership Lessons from Missed Opportunities
    56:32 Injuries and Their Impact on Team Performance
    58:35 MVP Race: Asia vs. Fi
    01:03:18 Closing Thoughts and Future Discussions

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Monique Reid on Coaching & Playing at the Highest Level
    Sep 4 2025

    In this episode, Tacarra and Courtney sit down with **Monique Reid** — a two-time Final Four star at Louisville, overseas champion, and now head coach. Monique opens up about her basketball journey: from being a Louisville ball girl to competing on the biggest stage, playing professionally overseas, and now leading the next generation as a coach.

    We dive deep into her experiences in **college basketball**, the importance of **toughness and team chemistry**, her transition into coaching, and her philosophy on **recruiting smart, resilient athletes**. Monique also shares powerful insights on **NIL, team dynamics, academic standards, and mental health**, plus her advice for young athletes chasing their dreams.

    Whether you’re a fan of **women’s basketball**, a player navigating recruiting, or someone curious about the evolution of **coaching and women’s sports**, this episode is packed with stories and takeaways you won’t want to miss.

    👉 Don’t forget to **like, subscribe, and follow** for more conversations that give women’s basketball the spotlight it deserves!

    **Keywords:** Monique Reid, college basketball, Louisville, coaching, overseas basketball, player experiences, women’s sports, basketball journey, toughness, team chemistry, women’s basketball, coaching, NIL, team dynamics, recruiting, academic standards, coaching philosophy, mental health, player empowerment, coaching staff

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    # 🕒 Chapters

    00:00 – Introduction to Monique Reid
    03:03 – Monique’s Journey to Louisville
    05:45 – Welcome to College Basketball
    08:44 – Facing Top Competitors
    11:23 – Memorable Games and Moments
    14:05 – Transitioning to Coaching
    17:03 – Building a Winning Culture
    19:10 – Building Team Chemistry
    20:02 – Injuries and Their Impact on Careers
    23:40 – Playing Overseas: Experiences and Challenges
    27:30 – Advice for Young Players
    28:30 – Navigating NIL and Recruitment
    29:54 – Transitioning to Coaching
    32:49 – Building a Coaching Staff
    37:35 – The Journey into Coaching
    40:29 – Building Team Camaraderie
    44:08 – Team Dynamics and Player Development
    47:27 – The Importance of Genuine Care in Coaching
    54:33 – Rapid Fire Questions + Closing Thoughts


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    56 mins
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