We were lucky to catch up with Kailey Hood recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kailey thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my life was deciding to launch Kalling Plays with Kailey. It might not sound like much, but for me, it was a leap into the unknown. I had always loved sports, and interviewing athletes fascinated me, but starting a show and putting myself out there every week was something I had never done before. It was a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

The idea for the show came from a simple conversation with some friends about how many young athletes don’t get the spotlight they deserve. I started wondering, “Why isn’t anyone talking about these amazing young talents?” That was my lightbulb moment. I knew I wanted to create something that focused on their stories, but I also had a lot of doubts. Would anyone care? Could I manage a weekly show alongside everything else going on in life?

The big risk came when I decided to just go for it. I didn’t have a lot of experience in media or interviewing. I didn’t have a huge production team behind me. It was just me, my passion, and a microphone. There were so many unknowns, but I knew that if I didn’t at least try, I would always wonder “what if.”

That first episode? Let’s just say it wasn’t perfect. There were technical issues, my nerves were off the charts, and the audience was small. But that risk turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Over time, the show gained traction, and now, four years later, Kalling Plays with Kailey has grown beyond what I ever imagined. Every Friday, I get to shine a light on these young athletes and hear their incredible stories.

The lesson I took from that risk is that you don’t need everything to be perfect to start. You just need to take the first step, even if it’s a little scary. Because that’s often where the magic happens.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m Kailey, the host and creator of Kalling Plays with Kailey, a sports interview series that focuses on highlighting young, up-and-coming athletes. I’ve always been passionate about sports, but more than that, I’ve been passionate about storytelling especially when it comes to people whose voices may not always be heard.

I got into this industry because I saw a gap. So much of the sports media world focuses on big-name stars and pro athletes, but what about the high school phenoms or the college athletes grinding away, hoping for their shot? I wanted to create a platform where these athletes could share their journeys—their highs, their lows, and everything in between. And so Kalling Plays with Kailey was born.

Every Friday at 7:30 PM, I sit down with these athletes and dive into their stories. What sets my show apart is its authenticity. It’s not just about stats or game highlights—it’s about the person behind the jersey. We talk about the sacrifices, the challenges, and the perseverance it takes to chase their dreams, often against the odds.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Over the years, Kalling Plays with Kailey has grown into a space where young athletes feel comfortable sharing their stories, and viewers feel inspired by their determination. Whether it’s a 16-year-old track star or a college soccer player balancing school and sports, the stories are relatable and real.

For anyone considering following the show or working with me, I want them to know that this is more than just a sports show—it’s a platform for inspiration. It’s for the dreamers, the grinders, and anyone who loves hearing about resilience and triumph. I’m here to shine a light on these amazing young athletes, and I’m committed to making sure their stories are told with the respect and passion they deserve.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building my audience on social media for Kalling Plays with Kailey was a journey that took time, consistency, and a lot of learning along the way. When I first started the show, I knew that social media was going to be key to reaching people, especially since my target audience—young athletes and sports fans—are so active online. But I didn’t have a huge following, to begin with, so I had to figure out how to get my show in front of the right people.

At first, I focused on Twitter because it’s great for quick, digestible content and are heavily used by athletes. I started by sharing behind-the-scenes clips, teasers for athletes, and shout-outs to the athletes I interviewed. I tagged the athletes and their schools or teams, which helped expand my reach because they would often share the content with their followers. This network effect was a game-changer it helped me connect with new audiences who were already interested in the people I was spotlighting.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to focus on a few key things:

1. Be consistent!!! It’s important to post regularly. Whether it’s once a day or three times a week, consistency helps keep your audience engaged and gives them something to look forward to.

2. Engage with your audience- Don’t just post and disappear. Reply to comments, ask questions, and encourage conversation. People want to feel connected, and social media is all about building relationships.

3. Do Collabs – Especially when you’re starting out, leverage partnerships and collaborations. Whether it’s featuring athletes, collaborating with other content creators, or interacting with popular pages, collaboration helps you tap into new audiences.

4. Be Yourself- This one’s huge. People can tell when something feels fake or overly polished. Don’t be afraid to show behind-the-scenes moments, talk about your challenges, or just be yourself. Authenticity resonates with people, and they’ll be more likely to stick around if they feel they can trust you.

5. Focus on value– Think about what value you’re providing to your audience. Whether it’s entertainment, inspiration, or information, people are more likely to follow you if they feel they’re getting something out of it.

Building a social media audience takes time, but if you stay authentic and focus on creating meaningful connections, you’ll find your community.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The core mission driving my creative journey with Kalling Plays with Kailey is to shine a light on the stories of young athletes who often don’t get the recognition they deserve. I’ve always believed that every athlete no matter where they are in their journey has a story worth telling. Whether they’re on the verge of going pro or simply giving their all for their high school team, their dedication, struggles, and triumphs deserve to be heard.

Beyond showcasing athletic talent, my goal is to highlight the human side of sports. Sports are so much more than just stats and scores they’re about resilience, teamwork, sacrifice, and growth. I want viewers to walk away from each episode feeling inspired, whether it’s by the athlete’s discipline, their overcoming of challenges, or their passion for the game. My hope is that these stories resonate not just with athletes, but with anyone pursuing their dreams, facing obstacles, or trying to find their way.

Ultimately, I want Kalling Plays with Kailey to be a platform where athletes can share their truth, where fans can connect with their stories, and where young people can see that they’re not alone in their journeys. If the show can inspire even one person to keep pushing toward their goals, then I consider it a success. That mission of elevating untold stories and inspiring others through them is what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kallingplays?lang=en
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/1S2euIK1AJxlKeVEGzvOsGhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kalling-plays-with-kailey/id1530219928

  https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-kalling-plays-with-kailey-111300713/