Napheesa Collier on the Lynx Dominance, UConn Hoops, and Being an Elite Defender
Napheesa Collier sits down with Sue Bird to discuss her journey from Jefferson City, Missouri to UConn—why her freshman year was such a challenge, and how she turned that struggle into becoming an elite defender. They explore the influence of Maya Moore on her career, and how Collier has anchored the Minnesota Lynx atop the WNBA standings this season.
Phee also talks about playing under Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, and how her style compares to Geno Auriemma’s at UConn. She shared how impactful the veteran leadership of Sylvia Fowles was early in her professional career, and how playing overseas helped her develop by experiencing the unique styles and physicality of different leagues. They also discuss Collier’s experience co-founding Unrivaled with Breanna Stewart.
Plus, Sue answers listener questions about her statue at Climate Pledge Arena and which historical WNBA moments new fans should watch.
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Kelsey Plum Opens Up About Leaving the Aces, Proving Herself, and Leading the Sparks
Two-time WNBA champion, Four-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist Kelsey Plum joins Sue Bird to open up about her decision to leave the Las Vegas Aces, how she’s fought to prove herself in every stage of her career, and what it means to lead the Los Angeles Sparks. They also discuss her incredible career at the University of Washington and Plum's early years in the league.
Plus, Sue breaks down how this season will impact the 2026 draft order and what is leading to both the Aces and the Sparks' recent success.
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Caitlin Clark on Returning From Injury, Her Legendary NCAA Career, and Navigating WNBA Defenses
his week, we welcome the one and only Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Caitlin opens up about so much, starting with her iconic run at Iowa and making two NCAA Championship games, and how she stayed grounded while becoming a household name. Caitlin also shares how she’s learning to adjust to the physicality and defensive tactics of the WNBA, her “risk assessment” in the passes she makes and shots she takes, and why the Fever have been the perfect organization to start her career. She also candidly discusses what it’s been like dealing with her injuries this season — including what she’s missing most about being on the court, but also what she’s come to learn from the sideline and how she thinks her career will benefit going forward. Caitlin also explains how she manages the high praises and harsh criticisms she receives, before closing with her top three shots of her career.
Plus: Sue breaks down the latest WNBA trades, and gives a big shoutout to Naz Hillmon and the Atlanta Dream.
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Dearica Hamby on Her Basketball Journey, Motherhood in the W, and Building Culture with the Sparks
Two-time All-Star Dearica Hamby joins Sue to talk about her late start in basketball, winning a title with the Aces, and balancing motherhood with pro hoops. She also gives us her perspective on her iconic buzzer-beater in the 2019 playoffs, and opens up about how impactful her Sparks teammates were in helping ease the transition from the Aces to LA. Plus, she talks about reuniting with Kelsey Plum in LA and helping shift the culture with the Sparks while continuing to grow her game.
Lastly, Sue discusses Skylar Diggins' historic triple-doubles, Arike Ogunbowale's post-All-Star bounce back, and the Sparks' upward trajectory.
Subscribe to the Bird’s Eye View podcast with Sue Bird YouTube channel today for more interviews, reactions and highlights. New episodes out every Friday!
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Kayla Thornton on Going from Undrafted to the Valkyries’ First WNBA All-Star
Last week at WNBA All-Star, Sue sat down with Kayla Thornton to talk about her incredible journey from going undrafted out of UTEP to becoming the Golden State Valkyries’ first-ever WNBA All-Star. They discuss how Kayla developed her game overseas, grew through tough early-career moments, and built a reputation as one of the most reliable defenders in the league. They also discuss Kayla’s time with the Dallas Wings and what it was like to win a WNBA championship with the New York Liberty.
Plus, Sue answers some wild audience questions—including a brutal bench/start/cut between her first UConn championship, her first gold medal, and her first Seattle Storm title.
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Bird’s Eye View is your courtside seat to the WNBA, hosted by Hall of Famer and four-time champion Sue Bird. Every week, Sue offers sharp insight, candid analysis, interviews, and behind-the-scenes stories that spotlight the brilliance of women’s basketball — on the court.
From the Vox Media Podcast Network and TOGETHXR.
New episodes drop every Friday here and on YouTube.