Malika Andrews: Confidence, Criticism & Preparing for High-Pressure Moments
Post Run High
iHeartPodcasts
1.1 • 4.5K Ratings
🗓️ 9 February 2026
⏱️ 59 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
ESPN’s lead NBA host and one of the most trusted voices in sports media joins Kate for a thoughtful conversation about preparation, confidence, and performing under pressure. They explore what it takes to succeed in high-visibility roles, from building self-trust and handling criticism to staying grounded while expectations and scrutiny continue to rise.
The discussion also dives into the mindset behind consistent performance, why preparation creates confidence, and how to balance growth with self-compassion in demanding careers. This episode offers insight for anyone navigating ambition, visibility, and the pressure to show up at a high level—on camera or off.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | In 2022, you were the first woman to ever host the NBA draft. |
| 0:05.1 | There's not a single moment that represents everything you've worked for. |
| 0:09.1 | The draft is that. |
| 0:10.1 | In the 2025 NBA draft, the Dallas Maverick select Cooper Flagg. |
| 0:16.0 | Hit comes in. |
| 0:17.2 | I get a tap on my shoulder. |
| 0:19.0 | Okay, I see that it's Cooper Flag. |
| 0:20.8 | I flip to that page in my binder so that by the time Adam Silver says it, I'm into my page of notes. |
| 0:26.0 | Malika Andrews is ESPN's lead NBA host and reporter. |
| 0:29.8 | One of the most trusted, versatile voices in modern sports media, recently covering the Australian Open. |
| 0:35.1 | Today, she shares how obsessive prep helped her handle comparison, criticism, and public pressure. |
| 0:40.4 | I moved out at a very young age, and I never went back. |
| 0:44.3 | I've grown up at ESPN, and I've grown up and found my everything that you want is on the other side. |
| 1:01.0 | Hi, guys, it's your host, Kate Max. Thank you so much for tuning into today's episode. Your support truly allows us to keep growing this show and bringing you conversations we can learn from |
| 1:06.1 | together. If you've been enjoying the podcast, please make sure to follow us wherever you listen |
| 1:10.5 | and connect with us on social at Post Run High and my personal account at Kate Max. We always love hearing from you. We have a really great episode coming up today with Malika Andrews. She's ESPN's leading NBA journalist and host of NBA today. Malika is trusted with the league's biggest moments, |
| 1:29.6 | live interviews, breaking news, and high pressure conversations. Malika was also the first woman |
| 1:35.5 | to host the NBA draft in 2022 and has done it every year since. She has become one of the most |
| 1:42.0 | respected voices in modern sports media. |
| 1:45.0 | And after this short break, we're going to get to hear our conversation with her. |
| 1:49.2 | We'll be right back. |
| 1:55.4 | This is an I-Heart podcast. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from iHeartPodcasts, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of iHeartPodcasts and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.