Here’s Why Gymnasts' Bodies Have Changed So Much! w/ Jennifer Sey
Aug 19, 2024
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Jennifer Sey, a former Levi's executive and top gymnast, discusses her journey from corporate America to launching her own athletic clothing line after opposing COVID lockdowns. She reveals the dramatic shifts in female gymnasts' physiques over the decades, emphasizing the impact of societal pressures and changes within the sport. The conversation also critiques monopolistic practices, focusing on the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Google, and engages in debates around gender participation in sports, particularly in relation to fairness and inclusion.
Jennifer Sey's dismissal from Levi's for opposing COVID lockdowns highlights the oppressive uniformity of thought in corporate America.
The shift towards older female gymnasts underscores a positive evolution in the sport that promotes better training and recovery practices.
Debates surrounding gender inclusion in sports reveal ongoing cultural tensions and differing opinions on fairness and competition in athletics.
Deep dives
Tour Announcements
The speaker shares details regarding an upcoming tour, which includes stops in Luth, Georgia, Jacksonville, Florida, Tempe, Arizona, and Burbank, California. Tickets for the tour can be found on the official website. This announcement underscores the continued engagement of the speaker with their audience, aiming to encourage live participation. Such tours are not only for entertainment but also create opportunities for direct interaction with fans.
Presidential Banter
The podcast features a humorous conversation between the speaker and a character impersonating President Joe Biden. The dialogue touches on Biden's public perception and recent criticisms about his mental state, juxtaposed with a comedic image of him riding a bicycle to challenge those narratives. This exchange highlights the use of satire in discussing political figures while providing commentary on the media's portrayal of them. The playful back-and-forth serves to lighten the political discourse while still addressing serious topics.
Jennifer Say's Advocacy
Jennifer Say, a former gymnast and business executive, discusses her experiences in gymnastics and her advocacy for reform within the sport. She emphasizes the pervasive culture of abuse and the negligence of governing bodies towards the safety of athletes, particularly in light of the Larry Nassar scandal. Say also critiques the corporate world, recounting her dismissal from Levi's after voicing her opposition to school closures during the pandemic. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability in both athletics and corporate governance.
Changing Dynamics in Women's Sports
The conversation reveals a significant shift in women's athletics, especially in gymnastics, highlighting increased age and physicality among competitors. The speaker observes that many female gymnasts today are in their 20s, compared to earlier decades when competitors were much younger, often leading to more balanced training regimens. This change is seen as beneficial, allowing athletes more time to develop and recover from injuries without the same pressures faced in the past. The discussion notes that this evolution contributes to a healthier environment where athletes can perform at their best.
Gender and Sports Controversy
The podcast dives into the ongoing debates surrounding gender in sports, particularly in reference to a transgender athlete's participation in women's boxing. The speaker highlights the mixed reactions from various public figures regarding inclusion policies and performances in women’s sports. Comments made by personalities such as Elon Musk, J.K. Rowling, and others point to a cultural clash regarding how gender identity is defined and respected in competitive settings. This contentious topic illustrates the complexities and differing opinions about fairness and competition in athletics.
When she spoke out against COVID lockdowns, and specifically the extended school closings in her hometown of San Francisco, Levi’s executive Jennifer Sey says she was driven out of her job and eventually fled California for Colorado. There, she says, she realized that corporate America had no place for her, so she decided to launch her own athletic clothing line.
Jimmy and Ms. Sey discuss the uniformity of thought demanded by the corporate system and why she felt she had to strike out on her own. Jimmy and Sey, a former top ranked gymast, open the conversation by discussing the dramatic change that has come over female gymnasts’ physiques in the past 50 years.
Plus featuring segments on the Justice Department’s recent successful antitrust lawsuit against Google and the Olympics controversy over Algerian boxer Imane Khelif.
Also featuring Stef Zamorano and Mike MacRae. Plus a phone call from Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer!
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