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In this inspiring episode of the Women's Motorsports Network Podcast, host Melinda Russell welcomes professional race car driver and mechanical engineer Sabre Cook. Based in Indianapolis, Sabre currently competes in the Porsche Carrera Cup North America and shares her fascinating journey from childhood karting to international racing success.

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In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell interviews MaKenna Long, a young woman who grew up in the racing world and is now building her career in motorsports.

MaKenna started racing quarter midgets at seven and a half years old at Little Kalamazoo Speedway in Michigan, thanks to her grandfather’s curiosity about a new track being built nearby. What started as a family hobby quickly became a family passion, with her parents, sister, and grandparents heavily involved in every aspect of her racing. MaKenna’s younger sister Alyssa also now races at Kalamazoo Speedway, continuing the family tradition.

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In this inspiring episode, host Melinda Russell sits down with Haily Unferdorfer, a dynamic force in motorsports marketing and a passionate advocate for women in racing. Haily shares her journey from growing up in a motorsports family to working behind the scenes with Lucas Oil, MAVTV, and now Racer Network, where she plays a key role in marketing and rebranding efforts. Her love for storytelling and connecting people shines through as she talks about working events, building sponsor relationships, and helping elevate women’s roles in the industry.

Haily also discusses her involvement with Shift Up Now, an organization committed to funding and supporting female racers. She reflects on how the motorsports community adapted during the pandemic and how today’s digital tools—like streaming and social media—are expanding racing’s reach. With humor, heart, and insight, Haily encourages listeners to build relationships, stay persistent, and never underestimate the impact of women supporting women in racing.

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In this episode, host Melinda Russell interviews 8-year-old junior dragster racer Karter Platt, who shares her early start and growing passion for motorsports. Karter, from Texas, began racing at just 4 years old after attending the Amarillo Dragway with her Gigi and Papa. Racing quickly became a family affair, with her mom, Gigi, and Papa supporting her at every event.

Karter races a lime green, purple, and pink half-scale Junior Dragster in the 11.90 class, running primarily in the Summit Junior Drag Racing League Series. She competes at several Texas tracks, including Amarillo Dragway, Mocan, Ennis, and Pinwell, often racing against both boys and girls—many older than her. Despite her age, Karter has already secured a third-place finish and has her sights set on winning her own Wally trophy in the future.

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A Lifestyle Post - Things I want My Kids To Know

1. Happiness is a lot of work. You can’t be lazy or entitled to achieve it.

2. You will make mistakes, and they will only define you if you give it that kind of power. If the lesson is learned, the mistake is worth it. It’s your choice whether or not it wins. You are not a prisoner to your past and you are allowed to grow.

3. The world owes you nothing. It does not care who you are, where you come from or what you think you deserve. Everything you achieve will have to come from your own dedication to what you love. It will not be handed to you easily.

4. People do not get to tell you who you are. Make peace with your own sould and give no one the power to tell you that you’re something you’re not. Know who you are and be okay when others do not understand you.

5. Work hard. Never go into anything with half your heart. Respect is earned by how you did the job and not the title by your name.

6. Show up your people. No matter what has happened, show up. That’s what people will remember about you in the end of all of this.

7. Choose grace for others and for yourself. No one gets it right. You won’t either. Bitterness is the anchor to the soul but grace sets you free.

8. Have fun. Be adventurous. None of us are getting out of this alive so make the time you have count with the people who actually matter.

9. Laugh in the good times and the bad. Your sense of humor and your ability to take a punch will set a strong foundation of stability.

10. Love God. He’s the most consistent source of peace and truth you’ll ever have.

11. Kindness is never wasted. Even when people don’t return it, you’ll always be proud of how you treated them.

12. Take care of your body and mind. You only get one of each, and they’ll carry you farther than you know.

13. Comparison is poison. Run your race, not someone else’s. Your story matters even if it doesn’t look like theirs.

14. Know when to walk away. Not everything deserves your energy. Protect your peace.

15. Ask questions. Curiosity leads to growth. Be willing to admit you don’t know everything and go find the answers.

16. Be honest, even when it’s hard. Integrity isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

17. Stand up for the underdog. You’ll never regret being someone else’s courage when they had none.

18. Keep showing up. The wins are great, but the growth is in the showing up—especially when it’s hard.

19. Never stop learning. Books, people, places—everything has something to teach you.

20. Say 'I love you' often. And mean it. Life is short, and love is the most powerful legacy you’ll ever leave.

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Granfluencers — Redefining Influence at Any Age

Welcome back to the show!

Today, we’re diving into a powerful and inspiring trend that's flipping the script on social media marketing — Granfluencers.

So, who are Granfluencers?

Granfluencers are social media stars typically aged 60 and above, who have built massive, loyal followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Their content spans everything from fashion and fitness to humor and life advice — all delivered with authenticity, experience, and a zest for life that challenges every outdated stereotype about aging.

What Makes Granfluencers So Special?

First, it’s their authenticity and relatability.

Granfluencers share real life experiences, real humor, and real wisdom. Whether they're giving dating advice at 90 or showing off the latest dance trends, their content resonates deeply — not just with their peers, but with younger audiences hungry for genuine voices.

Second, they’re breaking down age barriers.

Granfluencers prove that vitality, relevance, and influence aren’t confined to youth. By embracing trends and showcasing personal style, they demonstrate that life doesn’t slow down — it evolves.

And third, they offer cross-generational appeal.

Granfluencers naturally bridge the gap between generations. They foster respect, connection, and admiration between older and younger audiences — something brands have struggled to do for decades.

Meet Some of the Leading Granfluencers:

@grandma_droniak (Lillian Droniak):

At 94 years old, Lillian has over 13 million TikTok followers. She dishes out candid advice on everything from funerals to relationships — always with a wink and a laugh.

@baddiewinkle (Helen Ruth Elam):

Known as the original granfluencer, Helen is 95 years young and boasts more than 3 million Instagram followers. Her bold fashion and unapologetic attitude have made her an icon for living out loud.

@trainwithjoan (Joan MacDonald):

At 70, Joan decided to completely transform her health — and today, she inspires nearly 2 million followers with her fitness journey, showing that it’s never too late to take control of your well-being.

@iconaccidental (Lyn Slater):

A former professor turned fashion sensation, Lyn challenges ageism in the fashion industry, promoting self-expression and confidence at any age.

Why Are Granfluencers Gaining So Much Popularity?

Because their rise is about more than social media — it’s about society finally valuing the wisdom, experience, and vibrancy of older generations.

In a digital world often dominated by younger influencers, Granfluencers bring refreshing, authentic perspectives.

Brands are catching on too, realizing that collaborating with Granfluencers doesn’t just tap into a massive market — it brings credibility, authenticity, and cross-generational reach.

Now, Let’s Talk Numbers:

Here’s what marketers need to hear loud and clear:

Baby Boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — hold more than $2.6 trillion in spending power.

They control about 70% of all disposable income in the United States.

Yet too often, they're overlooked in favor of chasing Millennials and Gen Z.

Big mistake.

Boomers:

Spend more than younger generations in key industries like travel, healthcare, h

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How do you handle setbacks at the racetrack?

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In this episode, Melinda Russell sits down with 22-year-old Carolyn Fitzgerald, a rising star in the Formula 4 West Coast Pro Series. Carolyn shares her unique path into motorsports, beginning with indoor karting and quickly progressing through racing school, licensing, and now competing at California’s most iconic road courses. Off the track, she holds a culinary degree and works in a restaurant to support her racing dreams. Carolyn opens up about challenges, mental preparation, her superstitions, and her hopes to eventually get paid to race—or build her own karting team. It’s an inspiring look at passion, perseverance, and performance in a male-dominated sport. Balancing her culinary career with her dream of racing, Carolyn is currently 3rd in the championship standings and is gaining recognition for her skill and consistency.

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