ESPN’s Rising Star & Studio Host Julie Stewart-Binks Shares Her Inspiring Sports Story

Solidifying her place as a rising star in the states at ESPN, talented and versatile sideline reporter, update anchor and studio host Julie Stewart-Binks is a name you need to know. Currently working with ESPN Stewart-Binks is a reporter and host who is emerging as one of soccer’s best sideline reporters, but who also can speak to pretty much anything sports-related. Stewart-Binks is the most knowledgeable friend a sports fan can have while becoming a household name worldwide.

Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness catches up with Julie Stewart-Binks on movies, TV and motivational tips.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

You have selected a profession of an expert sports anchor, which requires a lot of knowledge about different sports and different faculties to succeed, how did you achieve that?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

Everyone’s answer to this will be unique, because there’s no set career path. There are so many elements that have gone into getting this job – from knowledge, to hard-work, networking, and never saying no to an opportunity. You have to have a thick skin – to deal with everything from rejection to sexism, while continuing to walk out the door every day with the utmost confidence. If you want something enough, you do everything in your power to get it. I interned at as many networks as I could, I convinced news directors to let me file stories for free, I took buses all around Ontario to volunteer report. Once I completed my Masters degree in England, I came back to Canada and sent packages of my demo reel and personalized cover letters to 40 different networks ranging from Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories to Prince Edward Island. No one responded. But, I kept going, and finally someone gave me a shot.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Your professional career has propelled you to the height where you are leading a double duty at both ESPN & FOX Sports. Where do you picture yourself in 5 years?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

That’s a great question and one I ask myself daily. With how rapidly the media industry is changing, I might not have a choice. I could be working for Facebook or Amazon as a “content creator” on the sideline of a game. Regardless the platform, I’d like to be in a position where I’m in a prominent role hosting and reporting on all of the marquee sports events – Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, Stanley Cup, NBA Finals, etc., while also being able to show personality and opinion on a daily platform. I’ve always been a dreamer, you NEED to think big, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t. I’m currently inspired by the words of US soccer player Clint Dempsey in an interview I did with him, “if you work hard enough and you fight for something long enough, you’ll make it happen.” I love the role Bob Costas has, and of course I’m a huge fan of Rachel Nichols and Michelle Beadle. I want to incorporate hosting, reporting, and personality while creating something unique. Vague, but I’m keeping my options open. I never thought I would work in the US. I never thought I would work at ESPN. Here we are.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What exercises make-up your fitness regime or workout routine?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

I travel so much, so I’m usually squeezing in workouts at the hotel gym. I want to sweat, so I’ll likely run/ bike/ elliptical for 20-30 minutes intense, maybe do 15 minutes each on all three, then I’ll do some weights, usually a variety of exercises with kettle balls, squats, and lunges. I like working on my core, so using a 10 pound medicine ball to do various floor ab exercises. If I don’t have an hour, I’ll still do all these things just for a lower amount of time. You need to switch it up and keep your body guessing. If it’s a beautiful city, I might run outside, or go for a hike, but I’m always cognizant about my safety in unknown surroundings. I also check the local area for hot yoga classes – a fantastic way to clear your mind and put down your phone!

When I’m at home, I like to play hockey in a pick-up men’s hockey league. We will skate for about 2 hours, and it’s an incredible anaerobic workout. As a former competitive athlete, and general fitness nut, it’s hard for me to go a day sitting still, so even if all I can get is a bike ride, or a long walk, I’ll do that.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Are you currently on any special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

I don’t have any diets, but I am aware of what I’m putting into my body. Since I work in a job that is a visual medium, I know how my looks directly relate to my job. I tend to pack extra snacks on the road so I’m not snacking on the mini bar, or ordering a big breakfast. I like Vega Protein powder in a blender bottle; I’ll also mix in some chia seeds, and bring granola bars. We have a weird eating schedule in media, usually having dinner around 5 pm before the game, and you’re at the mercy of the press box food. It’s not always bad for you, there are healthy options like salad – so I tend to go that route, make my own salad and add protein. The hardest part is not eating after the game, when it’s 10 or 11 at night, but I’ll usually have a snack. When you’re travelling so much, and in a demanding job, I try not to limit myself, just focus on putting good nutrients into my body. Everything in moderation though, because sometimes we go for food and drinks after the game J

There was a time in my life where I was so concerned about every little calorie I put into my body, and needing to burn it off instantly, like so many women. I drove myself bonkers. It really affected my well-being and happiness. While I need to look a certain way on TV, it’s easy to do that without weighing yourself every second and condemning yourself if you eat a bag of chips. I’m much happier and healthier not being overly concerned with every calorie.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What is your hair care and skincare routine?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

Hair tends to dry out on the road, so I like bringing products that will help combat the breakage. I color my hair and have hair extensions so there’s a lot of pressure being put on each strand. After shampooing and conditioning my hair, I’ll brush it in the shower (limited breakage) and then put in a detangler/leave in conditioner. I will let my hair air dry as long as possible before blow drying it, then I’ll curl and style it.

For skincare, I love Juice Beauty products. They make your skin feel so smooth, and they’re organic. I use an age defy serum before I go to bed, as well as when I wake up. I love the stem cellular under eye patches – these are a life savior – if I have bags under my eyes from jet lag, or too much wine the night before, these really brighten up my eyes. They’re like magic. I like using the Mac Illuminating Primer with SPF 30, since I work on the sideline in the sun so much it helps protect me. Before bed, I always take off my makeup with makeup wipes, and clean my face with a gel cleanser.

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Ms. Namita Nayyar:

You were a roving reporter during FOX Sports’ presentation of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Covering the sport in your home country, you earned critical acclaim for your insightful reporting from 20 games in seven different Canadian cities during the tournament. Tell us more about this memorable experience.

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

It was really one of those assignments where it was such a privilege to go to work every day – learning about so many fascinating people from around the world and their stories. I covered almost every team in the tournament besides the United States, and some of those countries didn’t speak English, so I very quickly had to be resourceful in finding out information – talking with local reporters and translating newspaper articles from their countries. I even picked words I would hear being yelled in a soccer game and got someone from Germany to help me figure out the German equivalent so I could understand what was going on. The women we covered were so inspiring, strong, and influential. They went out of their way to be respectful and helpful.

The whole tournament hit home for me even more because it was held in my home country, Canada. We traveled to 7 different cities (multiple times) and I got to showcase and re-explore a country that is so vast, unique and welcoming. It was fun to introduce my American co-workers to all things Canadian. On a journalistic front, it tested me in every single way. Sometimes I would fly into a city on a red-eye, go right to the stadium and report on back to back games, then fly to another city and do the same thing all over again. I had a wildly talented and equally ambitious producer, Jeff Heyman, who was the catalyst for us being able to create and tell so many stories.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Who has been your inspiration and motivation behind your success in this career?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

I can’t even begin to describe how much of a support my mom has been. She was a TV and radio news reporter (now a writer), and was the one who first introduced me to the idea of potentially trying TV. I knew from my first interview that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Whatever it is, my mom has been behind me every single step of the way. While I was volunteering, or doing my masters, she supported me financially while I chased my dreams. She encouraged me to dream big and to never let the closed doors get my down. She is 100% the reason I am at this point in my career.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What is your advice and motivational words for aspiring female sport anchors? How can they climb the ladder of success in sports journalism?

Ms. Julie Stewart-Binks:

Don’t give anyone an excuse not to hire you. As a woman, you walk into the room with some people immediately thinking you don’t know what you’re talking about. Prove them wrong. Work harder than them. Knowledge is power – study, learn what you don’t know. Over prepare. Take people for coffee, get on their radar, and never turn down an opportunity to network at the pub. Seek out people you admire, or executives you know and ask to bring them a coffee, or for 10 minutes of their time.

Have something to show them, an idea, a demo, a story or interview you’re proud of. Get experience anyway you can. Create on your own – social media is so great that you can have your own YouTube channel and you never know who can see it. There are hundreds of people doing exactly all these steps, so figure out what makes you unique. People will tell you “No” a hundred times. You can’t take it personally; you have to brush it off. No job is too small to start at. People can take away everything from you, but they can’t take away your experience.

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