We had the good fortune of connecting with Bridget Case and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bridget, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
When it comes to taking risks and launching a business/brand, people always say “you’ll never feel ready, you just have to do it. You just have to start!” I 100% disagree. I think if I didn’t face so much adversity throughout my career and the many transitions that I’ve made within it, I wouldn’t be thriving today. Of course I still am figuring everything out as I go, but 2016 Bridget was SO not ready to go out on her own. She was NOT ready to be an entrepreneur. Fast forward to 2019 Bridget…now she was ready. It’s all about the mindset and skills we’ve developed along the way. I’ve been able to apply random skills from my days as a professional cheerleader in the NFL and as a Sports Anchor on TV…all stuff that’s helped me develop a very unique brand! So basically – if you don’t feel ready, wait. Give yourself the time to breathe and prepare. Set yourself up for success and don’t rush it!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was terrified after I left TV News that I would never get a job in the industry again. What initially felt like rejection forced me to pivot and create a space for journalists like myself – something that had never existed before. For how much we use the internet, few innovators take advantage of exploring new ways to create content. We resort to doing what everyone else is doing on social media, instead of taking risks and turning traditional media upside down.

I thought not working as a sideline reporter at a big sports network meant that I was a failure. It turned out to be the biggest blessing in my life. I’ve built a brand that allows me to still operate as a journalist, but instead telling the stories that I WANT to tell. I am in full control! I’ve been able to interview bigger guests than I ever did working as a Sports Anchor and Reporter. I get to be open and honest with my audience about the struggles I’ve faced. I can talk about dealing with depression, suffering from an eating disorder, and say “hey this is me, I’m not just a talking head throwing sports highlights in your face. I have something real to say.”

I use social media as a storyteller. TikTok and Twitch are my favorite platforms because my viewers get to engage with me directly, and watch me make mistakes. People are sick and tired of the filtered, perfect feed and the scripted content. We all want to feel like we belong, and see that nobody’s life is perfect – no matter how beautiful that avocado toast looks.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would head down to Laguna Beach – I run with my dogs from Heisler park through main beach a few days a week. No matter where you go in Laguna, you’re sure to find some hidden gem you never noticed before. An ocean view meal at Las Brisas or Nick’s is a must! The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I don’t care how cliche it is, but my parents are absolutely my biggest inspiration. When nobody believed in me when I said I wanted to launch a digital brand unlike any other, they encouraged me to follow my intuition. While my peers smiled and nodded, my mom and dad continued to support me. After leaving television, I moved back home with them and I was able to turn my childhood playroom into my broadcasting studio. My dad helped me set up my equipment, and my mom is my much needed sounding board. I’m building something so unique and they see my vision!

Website: bridgetcase.com

Instagram: bridgetcase_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-case-sports/

Twitter: bridgetcase_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqudodNv6mMsQK-TBW_T0Pg

Other: TikTok: @bridgetcase Twitch: @bridgetcase Watch my daily live show! Season 3 of After Orange Slices returns Summer 2021! Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-orange-slices/id1476330035

Image Credits
Lauren Cate Photography

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