Now You Know is a series from Al Jazeera Podcasts dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and, at times, some pretty uncomfortable topics. This is a safe space where we go all in so that by the end of each episode, you can say, Now I know. We dive into topics ranging from women in film, finance, sport, health, and career ambition. We talk to women who keep the ladder down so that the girls who follow in their footsteps can climb up. Now You Know is conversation-driven. Host Samantha ...
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Wondering who you should you root for at the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics? Get to know some of Team USA’s most inspiring athletes and the causes they champion. Season 7: My New Favorite Olympian and My New Favorite Paralympian hosted by 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin Season 6: My New Favorite Futbolista hosted by World Cup champion Meghan Klingenberg in English and Janelly Farías in Spanish Season 5: My New Favorite Futbolista hosted by soccer legend Juan Pablo Ángel in Eng ...
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Can skateboarding transform lives in Bangladesh?
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17:49
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17:49Can skateboarding change lives? One organisation believes it can. Bangladesh Street Kids Aid supports children living on the streets by providing essentials, education, and skateboarding lessons. With over 3 million street children in Bangladesh – many facing poverty, addiction, or exploitation – this initiative offers a lifeline, especially for yo…
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What Iraq’s legal changes mean for women and girls
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23:30Iraq’s amendments to its personal status law have been controversial. Critics say the changes could roll back women’s rights, with serious implications for marriage, divorce, and child custody. So why has this shift happened and what does it really mean for girls and women across the country? This week on Now You Know, we speak to Sherri Kraham Tal…
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Could the Diddy case be hip-hop’s #metoo moment?
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24:01Sean Combs, iconic rapper and music mogul, is behind bars awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has denied all the charges, but this story has people talking about hip-hop's #metoo moment. This week on Now You Know, we talk to an industry writer, producer, editor about the hip-h…
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At 31, Jill Damatac made the decision to self-deport from the United States, ending 22 years of life as an undocumented migrant. Her journey began at age nine, when her family left the Philippines for the US in search of a better life. But instead of opportunity, they encountered instability, xenophobia, and an immigration system Jill describes as …
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Every ten minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone she knows, according to the UN. Femicide is a global issue that we can’t afford to ignore. So what’s really behind it? And more importantly, how can it be stopped? Now You Know talks to María de la Luz Estrada Mendoza, the director of a citizen watch group in Mexico. She shares powerful storie…
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Why does South Korea have the world’s lowest birth rate?
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20:22South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world. While factors like the economy, government policies, and culture play a role, these challenges exist globally. So what makes South Korea so unique? Now You Know talks to Anna Kook, an AJ+ reporter who covers South Korean society and news. She explains why people in South Korea are not having enoug…
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When the Assad regime fell in December 2024, opposition forces opened prison doors across Syria. For many, Assad’s demise was both a shock and a moment of long-awaited freedom. Yet for those who had endured years of torture, the scars – both physical and emotional – remain. How did they survive the unimaginable? On this week’s episode of Now You Kn…
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Israel has resumed its assault on Gaza, shattering the ceasefire with Hamas. Hundreds of people were killed in the first week of renewed attacks and Palestinians have once again been given evacuation orders. As destruction mounts the hope of rebuilding Gaza is fading fast. This week on Now You Know, we talk to Ms. Paula Gaviria, UN Special Rapporte…
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Fighting for justice as a sexual assault survivor in India
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27:28In India, a woman or girl is raped every 16 minutes, according to India's National Crime Records Bureau. “To Kill a Tiger” tells the powerful story of a 13-year-old survivor and her father’s fight to get justice for his daughter – a fight that ultimately led to the three accused being sentenced to 25 years in prison each. On this week’s episode of …
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How Ibtihaj Muhammad made Olympic history
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21:53Ibtihaj Muhammad made history as the first American-Muslim woman to compete in the Olympics while wearing a hijab. This achievement holds immense significance, especially given the ongoing controversy surrounding the hijab in sports. This week on Now You Know, we chat with Ibtihaj about staying true to her identity, pushing back against discriminat…
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What happens to Palestinian women in Israeli prisons?
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20:31
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20:31Palestinians who emerge from Israeli prisons often speak of the physical abuse, solitary confinement and terrible living conditions that they’ve endured. But is it even tougher for women? Now You Know talks to Hadeel Shatara, a former Palestinian prisoner. She was released during the first wave of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. Hadeel shares…
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Witches of Bucha: Ukraine’s women protecting the skies
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18:31An unlikely group of fighters is on the frontline of Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. They’re called the Witches of Bucha – a group of volunteers, many of them suburban mothers, defending Ukrainian skies from drones. Their training is tough, and the stakes are high. For some, it’s a way to channel their rage. For others, it’s nerve-wracking but…
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AI: Who’s responsible for children's safety?
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34:23Megan Garcia says her teenage son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide after developing a harmful attachment to an AI companion chatbot. She has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, accusing the company of negligence. In this episode of Now You Know, Megan looks back on some of the warning signs other parents might find useful as they navigate this…
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How to amplify African voices in the art world
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25:21How can African art be reclaimed and re-defined so that African voices are amplified? Like in many other fields, people from the continent have been overlooked or underrepresented in the art world. So how can that change? In this episode of Now You Know, we chat with Adora Mba from ADA Contemporary Art Gallery in Ghana. She tells us about her missi…
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Diana Buttu is a Palestinian international human rights lawyer who’s previously been involved in negotiations with Israelis. Often the only woman at the negotiating table, Diana brings a unique perspective to the complex dialogue surrounding peace. In this episode of Now You Know, she shares her experiences navigating the challenges of high-stakes …
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On January 19, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect. But Gaza lies in ruins with at least 46,000 Palestinians killed, and two-thirds of all buildings now damaged or destroyed. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Gaza-based Communications Specialist for UNICEF, Rosalia Bollen, about what a ceasefire means for Palestinians i…
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Online dating is one of the surest and quickest ways to meet someone. The possibilities of finding what you’re looking for are as wide as the internet search. Sometimes you find who you want, but for more and more women, swiping left has exposed them to untold dangers. Increasingly, online dating has become a space where women are being exposed to …
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Why is thyroid cancer more common in women?
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32:10After going undiagnosed for years, Ayah Jaghoub discovered she had two autoimmune diseases and thyroid cancer. She speaks to Samantha about her journey, and the years of neglect she says she experienced by the medical industry. We also talk to an endocrinology consultant to better understand thyroid issues. On this episode of Now You Know, we want …
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Today, we bring you on the Now You Know feed True Crime Reports, a new global crime show from Al Jazeera Podcasts. Crime stories from the global south and beyond that often haven’t reached the outside world. Find them wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe. Thabo Bester: Prison Break Thabo Bester is South Africa’s most notorious con man. In 2…
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How did the first woman conquer the Barkley Marathons?
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21:24In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, a 100-mile race that snakes through Frozen Head State Park in the state of Tennessee. The runners have 60 hours to finish the course and Paris completed it with only seconds to spare. On this week’s Now You Know, we speak to Paris about what it takes, physically and men…
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Now You Know ... here’s what we’re working on next!
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0:34Hey, Samantha here. Now You Know is on a winter break. But please come back and listen on January the 6th, because I'll be talking to ultra runner, Jasmine Paris. She became the first woman to ever finish the Barkley Marathons. If you've never heard of the race, trust me, that's a triumph. Jasmine also has some great advice on how you can achieve w…
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Since April 2023, the civil war in Sudan has claimed more than 60,000 lives in fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Famine is imminent, sexual violence against women and girls is widespread. On this week’s episode of Now You Know, we talk to a young Sudanese woman who fled to neighboring Egypt, and a…
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When living under conditions of extreme violence, the burden of trauma becomes inescapable. For Palestinians, life under Israeli occupation and persistent bombardment, the struggle is profound. How can they embark on a journey toward healing? Now You Know speaks with Ashira Darwish, a Palestinian trauma therapist who shares her own story of perseve…
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Banned, but not broken: Afghan women in football
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23:50Khalida Popal’s passion is football and her purpose, fighting for women’s rights. Both put her life in danger in Afghanistan. Forced to flee and become a refugee, Khalida has found a new and stronger voice to help all women. In this episode of Now You Know, Khalida talks about creating the Afghan women’s national football team, and how football gav…
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Research by the United Nations highlights a critical issue: climate change could push an additional 158 million women and girls into poverty by 2050. Yet, despite this alarming statistic, just 8 out of 78 leaders at this year’s UN climate change conference were women. Why is that? Now You Know speaks with a scientist and climate advocate about the …
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Over the last 10 years, egg freezing has become a game-changer for many women, giving them a powerful tool to take charge of their reproductive futures. Yet, in some parts of the world, there is still a stigma attached to it, especially when it comes to unmarried women making this choice. Now You Know chats with one woman about her own egg freezing…
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Francesca Albanese is the first woman to serve as the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories. Since her appointment in 2022, and especially following the events of October 7, 2023, she has witnessed some of the worst aspects of humanity. She has also faced slander and threats for her commitment to holding those in power accou…
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Will abortion access decide the US election?
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20:27The US faces a pivotal election on November 5. Two years after Roe v. Wade was overturned by a conservative-led Supreme Court, abortion access and women’s reproductive rights are shaping the presidential race. Also on the ballot are every seat in the House of Representatives and about a third of the Senate. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak…
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Kamala Harris is the first African-American and South Asian woman running for president of the United States under a major party ticket. With over 34 million eligible Black voters ready to make their voices heard this election, we explore the shifting dynamics of their voting patterns. Will tradition hold, or is change in the air? In this episode o…
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Do you believe in unicorns? Successful women do.
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22:30When it comes to starting a business, or becoming an entrepreneur, the odds are stacked against women. Less support, less funding and fewer chances to succeed. When it comes to money in general, women still earn less. Sixteen percent less. In this episode of Now You Know, we find out what it takes to create a billion-dollar company. Tech entreprene…
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Navigating menopause can be a complex journey marked by a variety of symptoms. From brain fog and hot flashes to sleepless nights and mood swings. In this episode of Now You Know, during Menopause Awareness Month, we dive into discussions about navigating menopause and empowering women during this transformative phase of life. And, as the conversat…
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In the year since Israel’s war on Gaza began on October 7, more than 40,000 people have been killed, with nearly 30,000 of those being women and children. Medical staff are risking their lives to help Palestinians in unimaginable circumstances. Among them has been paediatric intensive care physician, Dr. Tanya Haj-Hassan. In this episode of Now You…
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Why aren’t we talking about endometriosis?
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32:26Anita Jones suffers from endometriosis, a disease that impacts more women than you may know. It is extremely painful and affects the lives of 1 in 10 women. Yet, most cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. That’s what happened to TV presenter Anita Jones. She was told by doctors that her debilitating period pains were normal. Sound familia…
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In 2022, Sara Sabry earned the opportunity of a lifetime. She was selected from thousands of international applicants for the Space for Humanity Citizen Astronaut Program, a program that provides every day citizens from all walks of life the opportunity to go to space. In this episode of Now You Know, we speak to Sara about being the first Egyptian…
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World Afro Day is a time to educate and celebrate the beauty and cultural significance of afro hair. For years, natural black hair and styles like braids, locs, and twists have been discriminated against. It was considered “unprofessional” or “distracting” in the workplace and schools. But that’s changing. Big time. In this episode of Now You Know,…
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When the odds feel stacked against you, how do you come out swinging and winning? Former TV producer Sam McAlister went from working behind the scenes to hitting the headlines after securing the high-stakes interview with Prince Andrew following the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In her autobiography, Scoops, and its recent Netflix adaptation, McAlister …
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Now You Know is a new series from Al Jazeera dedicated to amplifying women’s voices, stories, and, at times, some pretty uncomfortable topics. This is a safe space where we go all in so that by the end of each episode, you can say, 'Now I Know'. In this conversation-driven series, we dive into topics ranging from women in film, finance, sport, heal…
…
continue reading

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Sarah Adam: “Murderball” is for women, too
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23:14
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23:14Sarah Adam, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, is attempting to become the first woman to ever represent Team USA at a Paralympics in wheelchair rugby, a sport so violent it is nicknamed “murderball.” Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Sarah Adam Dr. Kerri Morgan (Sarah’s mentor and Paralympic wheelchair track medalist…
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Nick Mayhugh: Losing my best friends, my grandparents
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26:06
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26:06Paralympic sprinter Nick Mayhugh shares the lessons he learned from his grandfather Bill Mayhugh, a popular radio host, and his grandmother Shirley Culpeper Mayhugh, a performer who was signed by the same agency that represented Marilyn Monroe. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Nick Mayhugh Scott Mayhugh (Nick’s father)…
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Jennifer Lozano: What life in a border town is really like
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25:23
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25:23Jennifer Lozano, nicknamed “the Troublemaker,” started boxing after experiencing bullying, racism and cartel violence splitting her time between Mexico and the border town of Laredo, Texas. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Jennifer Lozano Yadhira Lozano (Jennifer’s mother)By NBC Sports
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Jesse Grupper: Helping climbers with disabilities reach new heights
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22:24Jesse Grupper, a climber who studied engineering at Tufts and Harvard, designs devices to help children with disabilities participate in climbing. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Jesse Grupper Jonathan Grupper (Jesse’s father) Randi Goldberg (NJ Rock Gym) Andrew Chow (Former Peak Potential coach)…
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Kelly Cheng: Beach volleyball’s mental health champion
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20:42Kelly Cheng, who has been open about her mental health challenges, started a mentorship program to help the next generation of beach volleyball players prioritize their mental health. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Kelly Cheng Jordan Cheng (Kelly’s husband and coach) Grace Hong (USC beach volleyball and Kelly’s mentee)…
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Jordan Chiles: Brown girls can excel at gymnastics
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23:19
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23:19Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles explains how the landscape has changed for women of color since she first started doing gymnastics — and what she’s doing to help with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Jordan Chiles Margzetta Frazier (UCLA Gymnastics) Coach Derrin Moore (Founder, Brown Girls Do…
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Lydia Jacoby: My battle with post-Olympic depression
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22:00Lydia Jacoby, who unexpectedly became an Olympic champion as a 17-year-old swimmer from Alaska, opens up about her battle with post-Olympic depression. Watch the video version of this episode HERE. Hear from: Lydia Jacoby Missy Franklin (6-time Olympic medalist) Carol Capitani (Texas women’s swimming and diving head coach) Dr. Michael Gervais (Psyc…
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Who should you root for at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics?
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1:20My New Favorite Olympian will introduce you to some of Team USA's most inspiring athletes and the causes they champion. New episodes hosted by 12-time Olympic medalist Natalie Coughlin and NBC's Zena Keita will drop June 12. And don't miss My New Favorite Paralympian beginning August 14! Watch the video version of the trailer HERE.…
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Meghan Klingenberg: Now is the time to invest in female athletes
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37:36As a bonus treat for our listeners, we're flipping the tables and having My New Favorite Futbolista host (and World Cup champion) Meghan Klingenberg answer questions from Andy Slavitt, the host of In the Bubble. Klingenberg discusses leading the charge along with other members of the USWNT to secure equal pay for all women competing in internationa…
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Lauren Holiday on Team USA’s World Cup mindset
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6:48How will Team USA handle the adversity they are facing at the Women’s World Cup? Olympic and World Cup champion Lauren Holiday discusses with soccer content creator Megan Reyes in this bonus episode of My New Favorite Futbolista recorded in front of a live audience at a Women’s World Cup watch party presented by our partners On Her Turf, TOGETHXR, …
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How Team USA phenom Sophia Smith strengthens her mental health
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22:01Sophia Smith, the reigning NWSL MVP, has become an advocate for student-athlete mental health after losing her best friend and Stanford teammate Katie Meyer to suicide. Hear from: Sophia Smith Michael Wilson (Sophia’s boyfriend and Arizona Cardinals WR) Dr. Robin Scholefield (Associate Director of Clinical and Sport Psychology Services, USC) Victor…
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How teenage phenom Linda Caicedo overcame ovarian cancer
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23:5718-year-old Colombian forward Linda Caicedo, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when she was just 15, is now one of the sport’s most electric goal scorers. Hear from: Linda Caicedo Herlinda Alegría (Linda’s mother) Diego Vasquez (Linda’s former coach) Rafael Murillo (Linda’s former coach and lifelong mentor -president of Club Real Juanchito) Epi…
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Naomi Girma: Team USA’s first-gen trailblazer
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21:42Naomi Girma, the first player of Ethiopian descent on the U.S. Women’s National Team, hopes to make it easier for first-generation Americans to succeed. Hear from: Naomi Girma Seble Demissie (Naomi’s mother) Girma Aweke (Naomi’s father) Episode reporter: Darnay Tripp (NBC San Diego) Rigo Villalobos (Telemundo San Diego) Read more about Naomi's stor…
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