Her Fifth Gear: Jody Jackson

Breaking Barriers, Balancing Life: How Jody Jackson Found Her Voice in a Male-Dominated Field

In the world of sports journalism - a field long dominated by men, Jody Jackson has built her career on persistence, preparation, and perspective. As a host and reporter for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jody has spent more than two decades proving that women not only belong in the locker room, but they belong at the center of the story.

From covering high-stakes games to raising two children, she’s learned that success isn’t about having it all, it’s about balancing what matters most and finding strength in both her profession and her family.

Growing up in Florida, Jody’s love of sports started early. Whether cheering for the Miami Hurricanes or Dolphins, or perfecting baton twirling routines in her backyard - competition and performance came naturally. At the University of Miami, she found her calling in broadcast journalism, and was determined to combine her passion for storytelling with her love of sport.

Her first big break didn’t come from luck, it came from grit and determination. Jody cold-called her local sports radio station, WQAM, asking for a chance. She started behind the scenes as a board operator before earning opportunities to cover live events. In a space often skeptical of women’s voices, Jody’s determination and willingness to outwork anyone became her calling card.

“Even though I was working in a male-dominated field, I never let it stop me,” Jody said.

Breaking into sports media meant earning trust, often twice over. Jody faced the scrutiny that comes with being one of the few women on the sidelines, where confidence and credibility were constantly tested. Yet, she never compromised her professionalism or empathy.

“Telling someone’s story is a privilege,” Jody said. “It’s important to understand what athletes go through, to treat others how they want to be treated, with respect, and to always listen.”

Through years of covering the biggest moments in Arizona sports, Jody built strong relationships with athletes and coaches - not by chasing headlines - but by earning trust. She learned that connection, consistency, and character go further than any press credential.

Behind the camera, Jody’s most meaningful role is mom. With two kids deeply involved in sports, she understands the daily juggle between travel, deadlines, and family dinners. Some nights she’s reporting from the ballpark while her children are on the field themselves.

It’s not easy, but balance rarely is. Jody credits her husband’s partnership as the foundation that makes it all possible. Together, they have built a home where flexibility, teamwork, and mutual respect drive everything they do.

“There’s no such thing as perfect balance,” Jody said. “But there’s support, understanding, and communication, and that’s what makes it work.”

She believes sports teach life’s most important lessons: how to handle adversity, celebrate others, and stay grounded in effort over outcome.

As a sports journalist, Jody has spent years observing the lessons athletics teach: resilience, emotional control, and sportsmanship, and she applies those same principles to parenting. She models composure in both wins and losses, emphasizing effort over outcome and accountability over blame. By encouraging respect for teammates, officials, and opponents, she helps her children understand that character matters as much as performance. Win or lose, Jody celebrates their effort, reminds them to learn from mistakes, and encourages them to have fun, helping them build confidence, perspective, and mental toughness. 

Her message to her kids is simple and powerful: “You can do anything. Have fun. Don’t give up.”

Amid the hectic pace of life, staying active keeps Jody centered. Her favorite outlets: yoga, hiking, running and now weight training. These aren’t just workouts; they’re forms of meditation and renewal. She truly gets enjoyment out of staying active and working out, even if it’s just a 20 minute run in the morning.

“Exercising helps you feel better both mentally and physically,” she said. “Any movement helps, and the more, the better, but what I have learned as I’ve gotten older is you really have to lift some weights.”

And when it comes to what she wears, comfort and confidence are non-negotiable. Jody’s go-to’s are the Goal Five Boxy Crop Tank and Indie 2.0—the perfect mix of mobility, softness, and strength to keep up with her every move.

“Give yourself time,” Jody said. “That’s how you build confidence—one step, one story, and one game at a time.”

For Jody Jackson, breaking barriers wasn’t about being the loudest in the room—it was about being the most prepared, the most authentic, and the most persistent. She’s living proof that women can thrive in high-pressure careers, raise families, and lead with both grit and grace.

Her story reminds us that balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about passion, perseverance, and believing that strength looks different on everyone.