Madison Pauly

Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter at Mother Jones, dives deep into the controversial figure of Riley Gaines. She explores Gaines’s rise as a conservative icon post-college swimming tie and the political machine behind her. Discussions highlight the toxic culture within the Kentucky swim program and media's role in shaping narratives. Pauly reveals financial ties and motivations, with Gaines's story influencing state policies on trans athletes. They dissect legal challenges, including a Title IX lawsuit, and the impact on trans rights moving forward.

Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter for Reveal/CIR, digs deep into Riley Gaines, a swimmer turned conservative activist. She highlights how a tied race with a transgender woman propelled Gaines into the spotlight. Pauly reveals the financial engine behind Gaines' anti-trans activism and unpacks the lawsuit she filed against the NCAA, which could reshape trans athlete policies. With insights from former teammates, Pauly explores the undercurrents of sport, politics, and personal narratives that fuel this ongoing controversy.

Imogen Sayers, a reporter who profiled trans swimmer Megan Cortez-Fields. Stephen Rescone, a producer who explains the science of gender-affirming hormones. Madison Pauly, an investigative reporter on Riley Gaines and the political movement. They discuss the pivotal Leah Thomas–Riley Gaines swim, how a national anti-trans campaign formed around "save women’s sports", the science on hormones and performance, and the human toll on trans athletes.