A Chat in the Garden with Monique AJ Smith
A Chat in the Garden with Monique AJ Smith
Podcast Description
A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith: Where Significance Blooms in Athletics and Sports Business. A Chat in the Garden is a nationally recognized, weekly, interview-style podcast where women of color in athletic administration and sports business are spotlighted. Each guest shares her career journey, advice for others and current initiatives.Fall 2024 marked the show's 11th season, with a listener base that has grown to 1.7K members in our private Facebook community: A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes themes such as women's empowerment in sports, career development in athletics, and initiatives for inclusivity in sports business. Episodes feature discussions on current trends, female leadership, and personal experiences in sports, with examples like Natasha Camy's journey as an NCAA basketball official and Inez Turner's success as a collegiate track coach.

A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith: Where Significance Blooms in Athletics and Sports Business. A Chat in the Garden is a nationally recognized, weekly, interview-style podcast where women of color in athletic administration and sports business are spotlighted. Each guest shares her career journey, advice for others and current initiatives.
Fall 2024 marked the show’s 11th season, with a listener base that has grown to 1.7K members in our private Facebook community: A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.
As the founder and owner of BallHers Choice Sports, Maria LaChelle Barber is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment through sports. With a vision to create a platform that celebrates female athletes and provides opportunities for growth, Barber has established herself as a trailblazer in her community.
In 2023, Barber turned her vision into reality by founding BallHers Choice Sports Initiative, LLC. The organization aims to provide a platform for female athletes to thrive, connect with resources, and access opportunities for growth. Through BallHers Choice, Barber has created a community that fosters empowerment, confidence, and leadership among women and girls.
In addition to BallHers Choice Sports, Barber is also the founder of Let Her Be Sports Collaborative, her nonprofit entity that furthers her desire to eliminate barriers to success and bring together female athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to share knowledge, resources, and experiences. This creates a network of support and mentorship that helps women navigate the sports industry while increasing visibility.
Barber’s work has had a profound impact on women and girls in the sports community. Through her organizations, she provides opportunities for the little girl inside to come outside and play in a safe environment. access to training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This support enables female athletes to develop their skills, build their confidence, and pursue their passions.
Through her work, she challenges stereotypes and promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect. She partners with local organizations, schools, and businesses to create programs and initiatives that support female athletes. These partnerships provide opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sports, develop their skills, and build their confidence.
As she steps into the direction of those who have gone before her, Barber’s dedication to women’s empowerment through sports has created a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of leaders, change-makers, and individuals committed to promoting visibility and giving access to those who are often overlooked.
Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives…A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 – 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

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