ICE BREAKERS

by Lilah Sweillam

Season 1

Ep. 14 – Grace Harbaugh: D1 Water Polo, WOLV TV, Life Beyond the Block M and Growing Up a Harbaugh

In this episode, Grace Harbaugh dives into everything from her time repping the Block M as a Division 1 water polo player to her transition from undergrad to graduate school at the Ross School of Business. We talk about her involvement with campus orgs like WOLV TV, the story behind her viral graduation photos in the pool, and what it was like growing up in the Harbaugh household. Grace also shares how she’s now paving her own path at United Talent Agency and drops some thoughtful advice for incoming freshmen just starting their Michigan journey. If you're looking for insight, inspiration or just a great Michigan story, you’ll want to hear this one.

S1 · E14

Jun 11, 2025

50:07

Ep. 13 — Kat Ellis: From BU Hockey to the Four Nations with ESPN, WAG Jackets & Building a Career in Sports Media

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Kat Ellis to talk all things hockey, media, and making a name for yourself in a competitive industry. Kat shares her journey from working with Boston University Hockey to covering the Four Nations Face-Off with ESPN. Now the host of Out of His League, she’s quickly made her mark in the sports media world—leveraging social media, building key industry relationships, and redefining what it means to be a woman working in sports. They discuss what it’s like balancing a career in sports media while dating a professional hockey player, how Kat keeps professional boundaries in such a close-knit industry, and the importance of trust behind the scenes. She also opens up about the evolution of sports fashion, the rise of WAG jackets, and how women are helping shift the culture of game day coverage. If you’re interested in working in sports or just want a closer look at the NHL world, this episode is full of stories and tips you don’t want to miss. Instagram: @theicebreakerspodcast TikTok: @theicebreakerspodcast https://linktr.ee/icebreakerspod

S1 · E13

Jun 3, 2025

1:04:26

Ep. 12 - Delaney Galbraith: CEO & Founder of Sports Girls Club — How to Get Experience, Land Internships & Use TikTok for Your Career

In this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Delaney Galbraith, founder and CEO of Sports Girls Club — a brand dedicated to celebrating and empowering women in sports. Together, they dive into how to get early experience in the sports world, what companies actually look for on your resume, and how tools like TikTok can boost your career. They also chat about what it really takes to land internships in a competitive industry, the challenges (and rewards) of building a brand from scratch, and why the rise of women in sports is shifting the game. Plus, Delaney shares her take on the current NHL and NBA playoffs and gives a look at what’s next for Sports Girls Club. If you’re looking to break into sports or want insider tips on navigating the industry, this one’s for you!

S1 · E12

May 27, 2025

57:47

Ep. 11 – Tracy Wolfson: From Michigan Days to Super Bowls and What It Takes to Succeed in Sports Media

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with one of the most iconic women in sports broadcasting — Tracy Wolfson. From covering five Super Bowls to sharing the sideline with Taylor Swift, Tracy opens up about her journey from Michigan student to CBS Sports star. We talk about her favorite career moments, how she prepares for live TV, and what it's really like balancing NFL Sundays with being a mom. Tracy also shares the biggest mistake she made early in her career and what it taught her moving forward. Plus, she gives advice for young professionals, weighs in on NIL and the transfer portal, and reveals her go-to Ann Arbor spots. If you’ve ever dreamed of working in sports media or just want to hear what it’s like behind the scenes of the biggest games in the world — this one’s for you.

S1 · E11

May 20, 2025

1:01:58

Ep. 10 – Paul Juda: 2024 Paris Olympics, NCAA Championship, Michigan Gymnastics, and Post-Championship Proposal

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Olympic bronze medalist, NCAA champion, and three-year team captain Paul Juda. He opens up about everything—from growing up with Polish roots in Illinois to the intense grind of elite gymnastics, the pressure-filled NCAA Championship moment that came down to his vault, and what it was like leading Team USA on the Olympic stage. Paul also shares the story behind his post-championship proposal and what’s next as he wraps up his Michigan journey and looks ahead. This is one you don’t want to miss!

S1 · E10

May 11, 2025

53:15

Ep. 9 – Luca Fantilli: Inside Michigan Hockey, Growing Up in Canada, Playing with Adam, and Fantilli Family Traditions

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam is joined by Michigan Hockey defenseman Luca Fantilli. Luca opens up about what it was like playing alongside his brother Adam and the bond they’ve shared both on and off the ice. He shares his full recruitment story, his “Why Michigan,” and what made the program the right fit. Luca walks us through a classic Fantilli family Christmas, his favorite Italian foods, and gives his top recommendations for anyone visiting Canada. Plus, he offers an insider look at the Michigan Hockey team and some of his favorite memories with his teammates.

S1 · E9

May 4, 2025

36:50

Ep. 8 – Jake Butt: From Michigan Football to the NFL, Transfer Portal, Jim Harbaugh, Mental Health, and Life After Football

On today’s episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam is joined by Jake Butt—Michigan football legend, 2-time All-American, 2-time Big Ten Tight End of the Year, Mackey Award winner, and former NFL player. Jake walks us through stories from his incredible career, from choosing Michigan and playing under Coach Harbaugh to winning major awards and battling through adversity. He opens up about tearing his ACL before the NFL Draft, making it to the league with the Denver Broncos, and how he transitioned into a new chapter as a college football analyst. Jake also shares powerful advice about mental health, identity after sports, marriage, and what he wishes he could relive one more time at the Big House. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

S1 · E8

Apr 28, 2025

46:24

Ep. 7 – Natalie Kerwin: Detroit Pistons, FanDuel Sports, and Making It in Sports Media

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Natalie Kerwin, a rising star on the sidelines and one of the faces of FanDuel Sports Network. Natalie primarily covers the Detroit Pistons, but her resume includes work with the Tigers, Red Wings, and even the NFL. She opens up about how she broke into the sports media world, shares some of her favorite moments from this past Pistons season, and gives real, honest advice for anyone trying to land a job in the industry. We also dive into standout players like Cade Cunningham and what Malik Beasley brings to the team, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of the Pistons. If you're dreaming of working in the sports industry or just love all things Detroit, this episode’s for you.

S1 · E7

Apr 16, 2025

1:14:02

Ep. 6 – Davis Warren: Michigan Football, Beating Leukemia, and Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Michigan Quarterback Davis Warren for a powerful and inspiring conversation. From the highs of the 2023 National Championship season to unforgettable Jim Harbaugh moments, Davis opens up about life on and off the field. He shares his personal journey battling leukemia, what it taught him, and why using his platform to give back and speak out matters now more than ever. This episode is a reminder that you never know who’s listening—and who might need to hear your story to feel seen, understood, and a little less alone. Tune in!

S1 · E6

Mar 30, 2025

43:52

Ep. 5 – Jordan Marshall: Life as a Michigan Freshman, Beating Ohio State, and What Fans Don’t Know About Sherrone Moore

On this episode of Ice Breakers, Lilah Sweillam sits down with Michigan freshman running back Jordan Marshall, a four-star recruit who had 29 offers before choosing the Wolverines. Jordan gives an inside look at what it’s really like to be part of Michigan football—breaking down his daily schedule, the locker room setup, and the intensity of game days. He also reveals something fans don’t know about Sherrone Moore, what it was like playing against Alabama, and, of course, beating Ohio State. Plus, we talk about his love for cooking and what makes him who he is beyond football. Tune in!

S1 · E5

Mar 16, 2025

34:25

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