Kailey Hood shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kailey, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What battle are you avoiding?
The battle I’m avoiding is trying to call every single play in life the same way I do on my show, Kalling Plays with Kailey. When I’m on-air, it’s my job to break down every move, anticipate what’s coming next, and share my take with energy and confidence. But in real life, that approach can get exhausting — for me and the people around me. I’ve realized not every situation needs a play-by-play, and sometimes it’s better to let moments unfold naturally without overanalyzing them. I’m still working on striking that balance between being prepared and simply being present, but I think learning when to step back is just as important as knowing when to step in and make the call.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kailey, the creator and host of Kalling Plays with Kailey, a sports talk platform where strategy meets storytelling. My goal is to make sports conversations as exciting and relatable as the games themselves — whether we’re breaking down a game-winning play, exploring the mindset of top athletes, or connecting sports to life’s bigger lessons. What makes my brand unique is the way it blends sharp analysis with genuine personality, creating a space where fans feel informed, inspired, and part of the conversation. Right now, I’m focused on expanding Kalling Plays with Kailey through new interviews, live event coverage, and fresh content formats that bring even more energy to the sports community.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was pure curiosity, raw emotion, and untamed possibility. I moved through life with instinct, wonder, and the freedom to feel without judgment. That self—the part unshaped by rules, expectations, or fear—still whispers beneath the surface, reminding me who I really am.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been moments when everything felt like it was closing in, when the weight of doubt, fear, and uncertainty made giving up feel like the easiest choice. But in those moments, I learned to listen to a quieter voice inside me—the one that remembered why I started, the one that still believed in possibility even when I couldn’t see it. Leaning into that voice, holding on to small sparks of hope, is what kept me moving forward. And looking back, those moments almost breaking me became the very moments that defined my resilience.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I’ve realized that some of the most important truths guiding my life are almost invisible in conversation because they’re so fundamental. For me, curiosity outweighs certainty—I try to ask more questions than give answers. I also see discomfort as a signal rather than a threat; the moments that feel hardest are often the ones where growth happens. And ultimately, time and connection matter more than most of the things we chase—how we spend our attention and who we share it with shapes life far more than any achievement or acquisition.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I’ve come to realize that the most important work we do isn’t always the work that earns applause or recognition. Giving everything my best—even when no one will ever praise it—has become a kind of personal principle. It’s not about proving anything to anyone; it’s about honoring the effort itself. There’s a quiet power in showing up fully, in committing to your craft or your choices with integrity, and trusting that the value of what you do isn’t always visible right away. Often, the growth, insight, and impact that matter most come from the work we do in private, unseen, and uncelebrated. And paradoxically, it’s in those moments—when no one is watching—that we learn the most about ourselves, build real resilience, and create ripples that show up later in ways we could never anticipate.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailey-hood-0a3a7b353
- Twitter: https://x.com/kallingplays
- Other: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-kalling-plays-with-kailey-111300713/
Image Credits
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