What Makes a Story PowHERful with AJ McCord
AJ McCord didn’t just pivot her career, she completely reimagined what sports media could look like. From gymnastics mats to newsroom floors, and now, to her own women-focused media company, AJ’s journey is one built on authenticity, resilience, and a fierce commitment to storytelling that uplifts women in sports.
In this episode of Tarin It Up, AJ opens up about everything from navigating male-dominated sports broadcasting to finding peace in outdoor adventures, and how freelancing gave her both freedom and new challenges. If you’ve ever questioned your path or wondered how to carve out your own version of success, this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now:
From Newsroom to Nature: A Nonlinear Path to Empowerment
AJ’s route wasn’t exactly conventional. Her path wove through Arkansas, Portland, California, and Colorado—and every stop added something to her story. From growing up as a gymnast to working in local sports broadcasting to guiding whitewater rafting trips, she’s built a career rooted in movement, meaning, and media.
"I want to humanize these athletes." – AJ McCord
Her storytelling isn’t just about sports, it’s about people, grit, and the moments in between. Whether she’s in front of the camera or behind the mic for her show, The PowHERful Podcast, AJ’s mission is clear: women’s sports stories deserve to be told—year-round.
Authenticity, Freelancing & The Power of Saying ‘No’
We talk about what it really takes to be a woman in sports media, how AJ had to alter her appearance early in her career to “fit in,” and how she’s since reclaimed that narrative by showing up as herself. She shares what freelancing has unlocked for her (freedom, creativity) and what it’s demanded (boundaries, confidence, self-worth).
"I learned how to stand up for myself."
Key Takeaways from This Episode
✅ AJ is a freelance sports broadcaster and founder of a women’s sports media company
✅ Her background in gymnastics and extreme sports fuels her storytelling
✅ Women’s sports deserve consistent, meaningful media coverage
✅ Authenticity in journalism is a superpower—not a weakness
✅ Freelancing has opened doors, but relationships and community are vital
✅ Nature and movement help her reconnect and recharge
✅ Age and identity don’t have to limit ambition—go after what you want
✅ Success is not linear, and your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s
Where to Follow AJ McCord & PowHERful
🎥 @aj_mccord on Instagram
🎙️ The PowHERful Podcast on Spotify
📺 The PowHERful YouTube Channel
🌐 Visit thepowherful.com
📲 Stay connected with us: @tarin.it.up.podcast
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