Emily Austin Launches Podcast to Foster Athlete Political Dialogue

Emily Austin, a 24-year-old sports commentator, has launched her own podcast titled The Emily Austin Show, aimed at creating a platform for athletes to engage in political discussions. The inaugural episode released on October 10, 2023, features former New York governor and mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo as the first guest. Austin, who has previously interviewed notable figures including Donald Trump and basketball player Jalen Brunson, seeks to blend her passion for sports with political commentary.

Austin’s journey into political discourse began during her time at Hofstra University, where she felt stifled by COVID-19 vaccination mandates. She expressed frustration over the limitations placed on her campus experience, stating, “I can’t live under another Biden presidency.” This motivated her to expand the scope of her existing NBA podcast, The Hoop Chat, to include political commentary, leveraging her platform to advocate for her beliefs.

Creating a Safe Space for Dialogue

Austin emphasizes that her podcast is not merely about pushing a political agenda; rather, it is about fostering open conversations among athletes. “Every person on my podcast that is an athlete has their own political opinion, too,” she noted. Austin highlighted the importance of creating an environment where athletes can express differing viewpoints without fear of backlash.

Many players, she noted, hold conservative views but hesitate to share them publicly. Austin aims to provide a “safe space” where athletes can comfortably discuss their political beliefs. “You don’t know how many NBA players I’ve interviewed who are MAGA, and they’ll never feel comfortable coming out,” she remarked. She believes it is crucial for these athletes, like their Democratic counterparts, to feel at ease expressing their opinions.

A Platform for Comprehensive Discussions

While Austin is keen on encouraging political dialogue, she asserts that the podcast will not strictly focus on politics. “If the conversation stays strictly on sports, so be it,” she stated. However, she is open to discussing controversial topics, saying, “If I have a guest coming up that is going to announce that he voted for Trump, and it will break the Internet, that’s coming too.”

Austin aims to break down barriers between sports and politics, allowing for a range of discussions without limitations. She invites guests from both worlds, ensuring that the conversations are diverse and inclusive. “Whatever needs to be said is going to be said on The Emily Austin Show,” she affirmed.

As the podcast continues, Austin hopes to highlight the importance of dialogue and understanding among athletes, regardless of their political affiliations. With her unique blend of sports and politics, The Emily Austin Show is set to carve out a new space for discussions that resonate with a wide audience.