Briide Kennedy-Hopoate: Playing Basketball in 10+ Countries and the Truth About Modern Relationships
Briide Kennedy-Hopoate joins the searchers
In this episode of The Searchers Podcast, Atem Bior and Kirron Byrne sit down with Briide Kennedy-Hopoate — a professional basketball player who has taken her game to over 10 countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Briide opens up about what life as a global athlete really looks like — navigating new cultures, building resilience far from home, and finding purpose in every challenge the road throws at you. But this episode goes well beyond basketball. It's an honest, funny, and genuinely thoughtful conversation about modern relationships, self-discovery, and what travel and sport teach you about love and life.
From breaking out of the friend zone to recognising toxic people, to reflecting on what it all means — this one has something for everyone.
Topics covered:
Briide's journey through 10+ countries as a professional basketball player
What life overseas really teaches you beyond the game
How many genuine friendships survive when you're constantly evolving and moving
The art of breaking out of the friend zone
Why Atem and Kirron started The Searchers Podcast — the deeper mission
Recognising and letting go of toxic people
What travel, sport, and love have collectively taught Briide about herself
Modern dating in 2025 — unfiltered takes from someone who's seen the world
Timestamps: 0:51 — Getting to know Briide: the journey through 10+ countries 10:26 — How many real friends does Briide actually have? 14:22 — The art of breaking out of the friend zone 18:45 — Why we do The Searchers Podcast — the deeper mission 23:53 — Pop the Balloon Show — where the chaos begins 30:55 — Recognising and letting go of toxic people 36:40 — Final reflections: what travel, sport, and love have taught Briide
Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
