Stories can play out in very different ways. It could be the pages of a newly released novel. Or it could be the storyline of a high-profile player signing a large contract extension. Both stories can be highlighted. Take the idea of two women discussing those stories, along with tales from the sports world in which they work. They have found an in-between.

The cold air of an ice rink is a familiar feeling to Lilah Sweillam. She’s not on the ice to play. She’s likely behind a camera, maybe on a headset, afterward recording interviews for her podcast, in the very arena where the pro arc begins for most of her interviewees. The all-encompassing energy of sports is something many can relate to. It certainly drew Sweillam in. What started as helping out on her high school hockey team has evolved into something much larger.

If you watch an interview with a retired player who lived through playoffs, record-breaking seasons, and intense moments, they may not mention the behind-the-scenes battles they faced. They may not reveal that they pushed through injuries, mental strain, or the difficulty of recovering, both physically and mentally. While playing with grit remains true even now, it’s likely those retired players didn’t have the assistance players and teams currently have.