The dimly lit basement of a Cape Breton home has become an unlikely epicenter for women’s hockey advocacy, thanks to 15-year-old Tessa Churchill. Armed with nothing more than a microphone, determination, and an undeniable passion for the sport, Churchill has created “Women’s Hockey Talk”—a podcast that’s quickly gaining attention for its authentic portrayal of female athletes in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“I started this because women’s hockey doesn’t get the attention it deserves,” explains Churchill, a Grade 10 student who balances school work with her growing media presence. “These athletes train just as hard, sacrifice just as much, but still fight for basic recognition.”
What began as a modest project with local guests has evolved into something far more significant. Churchill has now interviewed over 60 players, coaches, and officials from across North America, including several Olympians who’ve represented both Canada and the United States on the international stage.
The podcast’s growing influence reflects a larger cultural shift happening within hockey. As the Professional Women’s Hockey League launches its inaugural season with unprecedented media coverage, Churchill’s grassroots approach complements these professional developments by highlighting personal stories that often go untold.
“These women aren’t just athletes,” Churchill says. “They’re pioneers breaking barriers for the next generation. Their stories need to be shared.”
The teenager’s enthusiasm has proven contagious. Local hockey organizations have taken notice, with the Cape Breton Blizzard Female Hockey Association integrating Churchill’s episodes into team building activities. Young players are discovering role models through her interviews, while coaches gain valuable insights into the psychological aspects of developing female athletes.
“Tessa asks questions experienced journalists miss,” notes Shannon MacPherson, a youth coach who regularly shares episodes with her team. “She connects with these athletes on a different level because she’s experiencing many of the same challenges they faced growing up.”
Perhaps most remarkable is how Churchill has turned personal struggles into a platform for change. After experiencing firsthand the limited opportunities for girls in rural communities to pursue hockey, she channeled that frustration into productive action rather than resentment.
The podcast represents a new model of cultural advocacy in sports—one where digital platforms allow passionate individuals to circumvent traditional gatekeepers. Churchill demonstrates that meaningful change doesn’t always require institutional power or massive resources, just authentic commitment and consistency.
Her parents, initially surprised by their daughter’s ambition, have become essential behind-the-scenes supporters. “We never expected this to grow beyond a few episodes,” admits her father, James Churchill. “Now she’s corresponding with professional athletes and leagues. It’s surreal.”
The podcast’s impact extends beyond inspiration. Churchill has created a living historical record of women’s hockey during a pivotal period of transformation. As the sport continues evolving at both professional and grassroots levels, these recorded conversations provide valuable documentation of the challenges, breakthroughs, and personalities shaping its development.
For the young podcaster, the future holds exciting possibilities. She hopes to study sports journalism after graduation while continuing to develop her platform. “I want to be part of making women’s hockey as respected and celebrated as men’s,” she says with characteristic determination.
Churchill’s story reminds us that cultural change often begins with seemingly small acts of passion. In an era when young people frequently face criticism for excessive screen time, her productive use of technology to amplify overlooked voices offers a compelling counternarrative.
What started in a Cape Breton basement may ultimately contribute to reshaping how we value women’s sports. And that might be the most powerful message embedded in Churchill’s growing media platform: sometimes the most effective advocates for change are those who refuse to wait for permission to make their voices heard.
