At 41, after years of injuries and a major knee replacement, Lindsey returned to competitive racing with one goal: another shot at Olympic gold. But just days before the Olympic Games began, a devastating crash and a ruptured ACL changed everything—forcing her to make the hard choice to race anyway, only to crash again on the Olympic downhill. 

Maria and Lindsey dive deep into the harrowing physical and mental aftermath of that crash, how she is navigating grueling surgeries and recovery, and how she’s weighing whether or not she will ever race again.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction: The Comeback, the Crash, and What Comes Next

02:13 | "Too Old to Do Anything, Expected to Do Everything"

04:00 | Training in Your 40s: Physical Evolution and Body Changes

06:10 | A Glutton for Pain: Why Hard Work Is Therapeutic

07:05 | Put Your Phone Away: Avoiding Social Media Scrutiny

09:55 | The Fantasy of a Perfect Ending vs. Reality

12:20 | Letting Go of Control: Navigating Delays and Uncertainty

15:10 | Why Are People Threatened by Ambitious Women?

18:50 | The Hospital Recovery, Vulnerability, and Journaling Publicly

26:45 | Fear, Severe Injury, and the Reality of Near-Tragedy

31:10 | Redefining Pain: Why Ligaments Have Nothing on Broken Bones

32:20 | Trading Adrenaline: From 100 MPH Downhill to Tennis

35:45 | Processing the Online Negativity and Finding Perspective

38:50 | The Science of Peak Fitness: Diet, Recovery, and the Glucose Goddess

42:30 | Using Doubt as Fuel: Why Haters Make the Best Motivation

46:30 | The Power of Self-Belief: Lessons From Coach Eric

50:00 | The Next Generation: Why Kids Need to Experience Adversity

52:45 | Looking Forward: The Path to Next Spring and Potential Closure

56:15 | Pretty Tough Rapid Fire: Unlearning Control, Misconceptions, and Feeling Pretty

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About Pretty Tough

Pretty Tough is the weekly interview podcast hosted by five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova. Each week, Maria sits down with founders, CEOs, athletes, creatives, investors, and other high achievers for candid conversations about leadership, ambition, decision-making, performance, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building exceptional careers.Drawing from her own experience at the highest levels of sport and business, Maria explores what it really takes to succeed—from navigating failure and reinvention to scaling companies, leading teams, and pursuing excellence over the long term.

About Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, former World No. 1 tennis player, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation. Since retiring from professional tennis, she has built businesses, invested in consumer, technology, and lifestyle companies, and become a respected voice on leadership, performance, and entrepreneurship. 

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Marie-Louise shares her remarkable journey from watching her mom’s hotel parties from behind the rosemary bushes to securing a $200 million investment and expanding across Italy. 

Together, Maria and Marie-Louise laugh, drink Negronis, and ponder the true meaning of luxury. Tune in as they sip, share stories, and unpack what it really takes to build an unforgettable brand and customer experience.

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LISTEN:►Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠:  https://pod.link/1893437254CHAPTERS

00:00 | Introduction: Negronis at Noon and Perfecting Italian Luxury

01:17 | The Quote: Why Sex, Fun, and Joy Never Go Out of Style

04:00 | Growing Up Il Pellicano: Hiding Behind Rosemary Bushes and Lobster Rescues

06:55 | Taking the Leap: Designing Bathrooms and Rethinking the Hotel Brand

10:45 | The Power of Details: Stolen Ashtrays and the Iconic Pellicano Book

12:00 | Launching ISSIMO: Bringing Italy's Cabinet of Curiosities Digital

14:40 | Breaking the Rules: Cold-Writing Birkenstock and Embracing Bold Risks

17:15 | Respecting Heritage: Evolving a Legacy Hotel Without Destroying Its DNA

21:05 | Scaling Up: Raising €200 Million and Acquiring New Tuscan Gems

26:40 | The Ultimate Taste Test: Comparing Cocktails with Hotel Il Pellicano’s Legendary Barman

28:30 | Disconnecting in Luxury: Why Phones Are the Enemy of Relaxation

33:20 | The Ultimate Hotel Checklist: Mattresses, Lighting, and Bathrooms

34:40 | Marie-Louise’s Top 3 Hidden-Gem Hotels Outside of Her Group

38:50 | Constant Growth: Finding Lessons and Inspiration in Everything

40:00 | Pretty Tough Tips: Moving at the Speed of Opportunity

43:10 | Pretty Tough Rapid Fire: Unlearning Control, Misconceptions, and What Makes Her Feel Pretty

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About Pretty Tough

Pretty Tough is the weekly interview podcast hosted by five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova. Each week, Maria sits down with founders, CEOs, athletes, creatives, investors, and other high achievers for candid conversations about leadership, ambition, decision-making, performance, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building exceptional careers.Drawing from her own experience at the highest levels of sport and business, Maria explores what it really takes to succeed—from navigating failure and reinvention to scaling companies, leading teams, and pursuing excellence over the long term.

About Maria Sharapova

Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, former World No. 1 tennis player, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation. Since retiring from professional tennis, she has built businesses, invested in consumer, technology, and lifestyle companies, and become a respected voice on leadership, performance, and entrepreneurship.

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Come see Maria live in New York. Tickets Here https://prettytoughlive.splashthat.com/
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LISTEN:
►Listen to every episode on your favorite podcast platform⁠:  https://pod.link/1893437254
CHAPTERS
00:00 | Introduction: Finding More Women in the Boardroom & Owner's Box
00:30 | Malala Yousafzai: Activist and Investor
02:15 | Surviving the Hedge Maze of Life
03:40 | Waking Up in Birmingham: The First Moments After the Attack
06:00 | Losing Control of Your Own Narrative at 15 Years Old
08:50 | The Reality of Activism: A Lifetime Commitment
11:15 | Surviving and Thriving as a Student at Oxford
14:50 | Shifting Perspectives on Marriage, Love, and Patriarchal Institutions
16:30 | The Philosophy of Activism: Drawing Inspiration from Family
19:40 | Why Sports? Malala’s Mental Health Journey and Running
21:40 | Competitive Gym Sessions: Weightlifting with Her Husband
25:00 | The Contrast of Winning a Nobel Prize vs. Losing Student Council
28:10 | Fighting for the Afghan Women’s Soccer Team in Exile
31:15 | Launching Recess Capital: Changing Women's Sports Ownership
36:00 | The Caitlin Clark Effect and Shifting Public Narrative
38:50 | Balancing Nonprofits and For-Profit Venture Funds for Financial Independence
42:15 | Redesigning Sports for Women: Maternity Care, Apparel, and Equal Pay
45:30 | Preparing for High-Stakes Meetings with Global Leaders
49:00 | Owning Mistakes and Evolving Public Image
54:30 | Prioritizing Mental Health, Therapy, and Self-Care
00:59:00 | Lightning Round: Unlearning, Routines, and Misconceptions
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About Pretty Tough
Pretty Tough is the weekly interview podcast hosted by five-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova. Each week, Maria sits down with founders, CEOs, athletes, creatives, investors, and other high achievers for candid conversations about leadership, ambition, decision-making, performance, entrepreneurship, wellness, and building exceptional careers.
Drawing from her own experience at the highest levels of sport and business, Maria explores what it really takes to succeed—from navigating failure and reinvention to scaling companies, leading teams, and pursuing excellence over the long term.
About Maria Sharapova
Maria Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion, former World No. 1 tennis player, entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation. Since retiring from professional tennis, she has built businesses, invested in consumer, technology, and lifestyle companies, and become a respected voice on leadership, performance, and entrepreneurship.YouTubeMaria SharapovaFive-time Grand Slam champion, entrepreneur, and bestselling author Maria Sharapova brings her trademark intensity and drive to a weekly podcast that challenges how female ambition is defined and discussed. In each episode of Pretty Tough, Sharapova sits down with high-achieving women across industries for candid, wide-ranging conversations about their pursuit of excellence without apology. Inspired by Sharapova’s own journey as a world-class athlete and entrepreneur, the show serves as a space where discussions about peak performance, career strategy, wellness, and leadership aren't diluted by gender-specific expectations and where being gritty and being female aren't seen as contradictory states of being.
New episodes drop Wednesdays. Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack⁠⁠⁠ 00:00:00 Intro: The unexpected journey to leadership 00:01:48 Dressing superstars: The experience behind the Golden Globes 00:03:00 Balancing legacy and the future of Schiaparelli 00:05:13 Elsa Schiaparelli’s avant-garde history and influence 00:06:23 Defining the brand identity without traditional logos 00:08:08 The collaborative design process: Creating "selfish details" 00:10:35 Building a dormant brand: The conviction to take time 00:13:28 Applying lessons from luxury cruises to haute couture 00:15:20 Performance, struggle, and the athlete-creative connection 00:16:33 Leading young talent through passion 00:17:35 The leader as a facilitator: Navigating collective roles 00:19:10 Discovering Daniel Roseberry’s creative vision 00:20:45 Aligning creative magic with business needs 00:22:27 The psychology of the showroom experience 00:23:55 Why Schiaparelli shows are deeply emotional 00:25:00 The CEO's role behind the scenes of a runway show 00:26:27 Managing controversy: The lion head show and beyond 00:28:35 Future expansion: Ready-to-wear, fragrance, and exclusivity 00:32:38 Maintaining personal balance, discipline, and routines 00:35:10 Lightning Round: Unlearning, perfectionism, and confidence

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Susie opens up about racing through injury, the power of saying no, and getting tough love from her husband, racing legend Toto Wolff.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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• 00:00 Introduction: Resilience in Business and Sports

• 02:00 Defining Calculated Risks

• 04:55 Childhood Influence: Equal Opportunity and Drive

• 06:50 The Reality of Racing: Noise, Gender, and Performance

• 10:07 Finding Comfort in the Uncomfortable

• 12:20 Navigating Career Setbacks and Injury

• 18:15 The Intuition Behind Career Pivots

• 21:30 Ambition, Motherhood, and Identity

• 24:25 The Power of Saying "No"

• 27:00 Life After Retirement: Self-Discovery

• 32:00 Challenging Perceptions: Femininity and the "Pink Car"

• 35:30 The Future of Women in F1

• 38:30 Taking the Helm at F1 Academy

• 43:10 The Strength in Asking for Help

• 46:30 Breaking Barriers in the Workplace

• 49:25 Working with Toto: Directness, Honesty, and Partnership

• 54:30 Raising a Son in the Motorsport World

• 57:20 What’s Next for Susie Wolff

• 58:15 Pretty Tough Tips: Resilience

• 1:01:15 Rapid Fire: Unlearning Selfishness and Finding Confidence

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Misty and Maria also dive into the reality of performing through injury: the physical toll, the mental resilience required to keep going, and what these challenges taught her about her body and its limits. Misty Copeland is the true embodiment of Pretty Tough.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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• 00:00:00 – Intro: The Evolving Athlete

• 00:02:15 – Finding Her Voice: Overcoming "Little Mouse"

• 00:07:30 – Survival Mode to Artistic Passion

• 00:09:30 – The First Ballet Class: From Basketball Court to Prodigy

• 00:13:45 – The Studio as a Sanctuary

• 00:14:15 – Stage Presence vs. Public Speaking Nerves

• 00:19:30 – The Power of Consistency in Performance

• 00:22:00 – Dancing Through Pain: The 2012 Firebird Season

• 00:27:15 – A Career-Ending Injury and the Road to Recovery

• 00:29:45 – Redefining the Relationship to Pain

• 00:32:00 – Lifelong Learning: Evolving Technique Post-Principal

• 00:33:45 – Art vs. Sport: Why Ballet is Subjective

• 00:36:00 – Breaking the Curtain: The Role of Social Media

• 00:39:00 – The Farewell Performance: A Thank You to the Journey

• 00:42:30 – The Prince Connection: Lessons in Identity and Excellence

• 00:47:00 – Returning to the Stage: The Oscars and Sinners

• 00:51:30 – Collaborating with Taylor Swift

• 00:53:00 – Addressing the Timothée Chalamet Comments

• 00:56:45 – Future of Dance: Production and Storytelling

• 00:59:45 – Closing the Financial Gap in Arts Education

• 01:01:15 – The Misty Copeland Foundation’s Mission

• 01:03:30 – Parenting and Letting Go of Control

• 01:09:15 – Strategic Partnerships and Protecting the Brand

• 01:14:00 – Life After Ballet: Defining a New Identity

• 01:15:30 – Rapid Fire: Unlearning Pain and Defining Toughness

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From her journey as an Army Captain to navigating the complex financial landscape of the NFL, Christine shares the leadership lessons and high-stakes decision-making that keep the league growing. We dive into the "Billion-Dollar" choices that impact everything from international expansion to the game-day experience. And of course ‘The Taylor Swift Effect.’

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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• 00:00:00 – The Power of Confidence and Humility

• 00:02:00 – Learning to Lose: Lessons from Sports

• 00:03:45 – Leadership Lessons from the Army

• 00:06:00 – Taking a Big Promotion During Maternity Leave

• 00:09:40 – The Art of Saying "No" in Finance

• 00:10:45 – Moving into the Sports Industry

• 00:12:30 – Advice for Young, Ambitious Professionals

• 00:14:30 – Transitioning to the NFL

• 00:15:30 – Roger Goodell’s Leadership Style

• 00:18:00 – The "Taylor Swift Effect" on NFL Viewership

• 00:20:45 – Growing Girls’ Flag Football

• 00:22:45 – Mastering the Art of Negotiation

• 00:24:45 – Reflecting on the NFL-ESPN Media Deal

• 00:29:45 – Sports Betting and Protecting Game Integrity

• 00:33:45 – Global Expansion and New International Markets

• 00:38:15 – Evolving Fan Consumption Habits

• 00:41:00 – Lightning Round: Routine, Perfection, and Resilience

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Together, Maria and Amy talk about perfectionism, ambition, mentorship, self-doubt, and the pressure women often feel to prove themselves in leadership roles. They also discuss taste, storytelling, social media, creative risk-taking, and why curiosity may be the most important skill of all.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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• 00:00:00 Intro: Redefining Taste in a Borderless World

• 00:02:18 The "Dutiful Daughter" Archetype in Business

• 00:04:00 Ballet Beginnings: Learning Discipline and Letting Go

• 00:08:24 Career Lessons from Anna Wintour

• 00:10:04 The Power of Saying "Yes" and Taking Opportunities

• 00:12:44 Transforming Architectural Digest

• 00:14:14 The Mission Behind Teen Vogue

• 00:17:15 The Strategy Behind Magazine Covers

• 00:23:18 The Digital Evolution of Legacy Media

• 00:28:48 Pretty Tough Tips: Visualization for Success

• 00:33:55 The "Open Door" Series: Connecting Through Content

• 00:43:24 Facing the Future: AI in Publishing

• 00:51:57 Moving Beyond the "Tastemaker" Label

• 00:55:00 Integrating Personal Life and Professional Practice

• 01:00:17 NYC Design Recommendations

• 01:04:12 Pretty Tough Questions: Lessons, Routines, and Perfectionism

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Together, Maria and Ashley talk about perfectionism, motherhood, changing bodies, identity, resilience, and how to spot a good business opportunity. It all adds up to an inspiring conversation around how to live unapologetically.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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00:00:00 Introduction

00:01:45 Being Unapologetic: Identity & Career Longevity

00:03:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a CEO

00:04:45 Early Scrutiny: Dealing with Body Standards from Age 12 00:06:20 The Defining Moment: How Her Mother’s Advice Saved Her Career

00:07:45 The Evolution of the Body: Life After Three Kids

00:10:00 The "Banned" Lane Bryant Ad & Dealing with Public Scrutiny 00:12:35 Handling Negative Comments & Mental Toughness

00:15:15 The Historic 2016 Sports Illustrated Cover

00:18:00 The Power of the Platform: Changing Lives Through Authenticity 00:20:00 Tony Robbins & The Importance of Celebrating Wins

00:21:40 Impact of GLP-1s & Modern Body Image Trends

00:24:00 The Future of Modeling & AI

00:26:00 Postpartum Realities & Balancing Motherhood

00:28:15 Managing Mental Drainage: Routines, Boundaries, & Parenting 00:31:00 Broadway Debut: Making It Happen Through Grit

00:34:00 Debunking the Myth of "Overnight Success"

00:36:00 From Model to Founder: Building Her Wine Company, Luce 00:43:00 Strategic Planning & The Value of Intergenerational Friendships 00:44:45 Pretty Tough Q&A: Unlearning Hard Habits & Finding Power

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Dr. Becky shares why she believes struggle is an essential part of development, how parents can stay grounded during emotional moments, and why perfectionism often starts much earlier than we think. Together, she and Maria talk about self-worth, boundaries, anxiety, shame, and the pressure parents feel to “get everything right.”

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Maria and Chelsea first connected at the 2012 Olympics and have been friends ever since. 

Maria explores what drives Chelsea’s independence across every chapter of her life and how she continues to evolve through therapy, travel, and psychedelics. They discuss reinvention, freedom, and what it really means to live life on your own terms. Maria also asks the question she’s been curious about for years: after all the success, what keeps Chelsea pushing forward?

The result is a conversation that is funny, honest, and unexpectedly thoughtful, everything you’d expect when Chelsea Handler is in the room.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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As a longtime journalist and now the dean of USC Annenberg, Willow has worked across nearly every major television network, building a career at the intersection of media, leadership, and storytelling. Alongside her husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, she’s also the co-owner of Angel City FC, one of the most valuable teams in women’s sports.

Willow also shares her perspective on why giving athletes the tools to tell their own stories may be the most powerful shift happening in sports today.

Maria and Willow also discuss what it means to reimagine an entire sports ecosystem with women at the center, how to spot opportunity early, and the challenge of overcoming imposter syndrome at the highest levels. 

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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00:00 – Intro: Beating Imposter Syndrome 

01:14 – Welcome Willow Bay

02:49 – The Power of Listening More & Speaking Less

03:57 – Investing in Angel City FC: Why Now? 

05:07 – Convincing Bob Iger to Buy into the NWSL 

06:53 – The Business of Storytelling in Women's Sports 

08:44 – Breaking Barriers in the Sports Boardroom 

11:09 – Early Days: NBA Inside Stuff & Athlete Storytelling

13:58 – The Rise of Athlete-Owned Media Brands 

17:16 – Closing the Gap for Women in Sports Media

18:24 – Reimagining the Sports Universe for Women 

20:00 – Traditional Media vs. Athlete-Controlled Narratives 

21:40 – The Enduring Power of Live Sports 

23:45 – Maria Sharapova on Losing Control to the Press 

26:26 – Dealing with Harsh Headlines & The "Banana" Story 

30:54 – Standing on Your Skills to Beat Imposter Syndrome 

32:45 – The Shaq & Suzy Shuster Story: Accountability in Journalism 

35:48 – Dinner at the Iger-Bay Household

41:00 – Pretty Tough Questions: Erasing Self-Doubt 

41:43 – The Morning Routine for a Resilient Mind 

42:15 – Getting "Under the Hood" of Leadership 

43:40 – Final Thoughts: What Makes Willow Bay Pretty Tough

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But her story begins on a cattle ranch in Uruguay, where quality, durability, and respect for the land shaped everything she does today.

In this conversation, Maria and Gabriela discuss the reality of the creative journey, why success rarely comes fast, how a chance elevator encounter with a design legend changed her life, and what it takes to stay grounded in an industry built on hype.

She also shares how she approaches biohacking to maintain her mind and body in one of the most demanding industries in the world.

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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On this episode of Pretty Tough, Jeanie sits down with Maria for one of her most candid conversations yet. She takes Maria behind the scenes of the secret Luka Dončić trade — kept hidden from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Mark Cuban, and even Luka himself. 

Jeanie also opens up about the people she's lost — her father, Dr. Jerry Buss, Kobe Bryant, and the 15-year relationship with Phil Jackson that shaped how she leads today. 

All that and more on this episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

01:46 - Jeanie’s opening quote on why being underestimated is an advantage

05:04 - Becoming the GM of a pro sports team at 19 years old

09:50 - What the legendary Dr. Jerry Buss saw in her

13:16 - The Lakers as a luxury brand or "beachfront property"

14:46 - Sports as entertainment and evolving with viewers

19:07 - Why she still sits with the fans

20:42 - What she learned from Phil Jackson

24:26 - How the Luka Doncic trade came together in secret

28:40 - Realizing Luka “left his heart in Dallas,” helping him acclimate to Lakers nation, and the Kobe/Gigi connection

32:50 - Selling 85% of the Lakers for $10 billion

36:51 - Working with family and firing her own brother

40:59 - The pain of selling the team

42:13 - Jeanie’s interests outside of the Lakers - Women of Wrestling, Running Point, and what's next

48:56 - What Kobe meant to Jeanie

51:06 - Maria’s little-known story about meeting with Kobe

54:40 - Jeanie Buss answers some Pretty Tough questions

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You probably know Zoe from starring in some of the most iconic movie franchises of our lifetimes — Avatar, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy. But she’s also taken on roles in indie films and different genres. Just last year, she won an Oscar for Emilia Pérez, becoming the first Dominican-American to do so.

Maria and Zoe get into how she went from a little girl in Queens doing ballet to reaching Hollywood's greatest heights.

All that and more on the inaugural episode of Pretty Tough.

Pretty Tough is produced in partnership with VOX MEDIA.

You can watch Pretty Tough every week on YouTube at ⁠youtube.com/@mariasharapova⁠ or listen in your favorite podcast app.

Follow us on Instagram @⁠prettytough⁠ and TikTok @⁠prettytough⁠

Subscribe to Pretty Tough on Substack at ⁠prettytough.substack.com

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