The Trending Podcast w/ Pastor Ed: EP 02 | The Riley Gaines Interview

Get ready for a conversation filled with power and truth! In this episode, Dr. Ed Newton has the incredible honor of sitting down with NCAA standout and 12x All-American swimmer, Riley Gaines. Riley dives headfirst into one of the most heated and important debates in sports today—the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s athletics. She opens up her heart, sharing her personal journey through collegiate swimming, offering deep, honest reflections on what this issue means for fairness, competition, and the future of women’s sports.

Together, we explore the critical topics of equality, the undeniable differences in biology, and the God-given right of every athlete to compete on a fair and level playing field. But we don’t stop there—Riley also speaks candidly about the discomfort and real safety concerns that arise when men enter women’s locker rooms, spaces designed for privacy and protection.

It’s a deep dive into the values that make sports what they are—the integrity of competition, the safety of athletes, and the challenges that lie ahead for the future of women’s athletics. You won’t want to miss this eye-opening conversation as we tackle these difficult topics head-on, with grace, truth, and a clear vision of how we can move forward while protecting the sanctity and safety of women’s sports.