You know her as the newest host and reporter here at NBC Sports Boston: Kayla Burton is on the pod today! Kayla's roots are here in Boston so she was so excited to come back and cover the city of champions. Sports are in her blood; she grew up playing hoops and went on to play 4 years at Lehigh University. Then, she picked up a mic and began her career covering the sports she spent her life playing. Today we dive in to:

• NBC Sports Boston adjustment - what her first few months have been like
• Why waking up at 5am with her parents and siblings throughout her childhood helped shape her passion, drive & work ethic
• Hoops history - from the church gym to Lehigh's Stabler Arena
• The draw to sports broadcasting & early days
• The path to her seat at NBC Sports Boston covering her hometown teams
• Favorite ways to disconnect & unwind

Follow Kayla on social: @kayb2 and @kay_breezy22

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube

Jess McClain's return to running has made people pay attention! First, she placed 4th at the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trials in February. Then, in June, Jess returned to the track to place fourth in the 10,000 meters. Both finishes earned her the title of a double Olympic alternate, so she stayed fit and ready. A week before the Paris Olympic Marathon, Jess hopped on a plane to France to prepare to maybe run the 26.2 miles (spoiler: she didn't!) And most recently, Jess was named the US 10k Road Champ. She does all of this while coaching herself and working a full-time job. Today we dive in to:

• Why she stepped away from running during the pandemic and what gave her the itch to start racing again
• What racing the 2024 Olympic Marathon Trial was like with the best in the sport
• Relationship with the track (admittedly a place she never thought she would return)
• Her renewed perspective on the sport that has allowed her to find more success
• Excitement and training prep for NYC Marathon

You can follow along with Jess on social: @jesstonn

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube

After some major ups and downs last season, skater Amber Glenn celebrated a major victory as 2024 US Champion! While standing at the top of the podium Amber became the first openly queer woman to win do so. She's also made history at the 6th American woman to land the triple axel (woah!) And while celebrating the highs in her career Amber has also been transparent about the lows, sharing her struggles with mental health and advocating and resources. Amber's honest, talent & passionate personality draws in audiences on and off the ice! Today we dive in to:

• What it was like winning the 2024 US Skating Championship after a tough season
• Value of mental training for sport, especially skaters
• Responsibility and honor to be a role model for young athletes
• Nerd out on her hobbies

You can follow along with Amber on social: @amberglenniceskater

ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2025 are back in Boston in March. NBC10 Boston is the proud local media partner for the event. To learn more and get tickets visit isuworlds2025.com.

Follow along with Hannah on social: @_hannah.donnelly

To watch the episodes: NBC Sports Boston YouTube