Cupcakes with Kupcho

Jen and Lesley go back to where it all began, sitting down with Jen’s parents, Janet and Mike Kupcho, for a candid conversation about family, golf, and the journey that took Jen from a recreational junior golfer to an LPGA Tour champion.  When did they first realize Jen had something special? What was it like watching their daughter go from simply loving the game to competing at the highest level? Janet and Mike revisit childhood memories, early tournaments, and the moments that made them proud, overwhelmed, and occasionally a little nervous about where Jen’s golf journey might take her.  They also pull back the curtain on the family business of professional golf—from traveling to Jen’s first tournaments, to Dad stepping in as caddie and Mom serving as mediator, organizer, and unofficial Chief Operations Officer. Jen reflects on the sacrifices her parents made along the way, how their support shaped the way she handles pressure, and the lessons she continues to carry with her today.It’s a conversation filled with stories fans haven’t heard before, plenty of laughs, and a few emotional moments that offer a whole new perspective on Jen’s journey.  One minor issue: we jumped right into the conversation and had so much to talk about, we completely forgot to eat the cupcakes.  Follow along on Instagram @cupcakeswithkupcho  #CupcakesWithKupcho #JenniferKupcho #LPGA #GolfFamily #GolfLife #ProtivitiAtPlay

In this episode of Cupcakes with Kupcho, Jen and Lesley welcome Steve Martin, Chief Marketing Officer of Youth on Course, for a conversation about making golf more accessible and inspiring the next generation of players.  Since 2006, Youth on Course has helped young golfers play more than 5 million rounds for $5 or less, removing barriers to entry and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course. Steve shares the organization's mission, the impact it's having across the United States, Canada, and Australia, and why access is one of the most important issues facing the future of the game.  Jen fields questions from Youth on Course members, reflects on her role as a Youth on Course ambassador and discusses how professional athletes can use their platforms to create meaningful change. Together, they explore what it means to grow the game, why representation and opportunity matter, and how partnerships can help open doors for the next generation of golfers.  Whether you're a lifelong golfer, a parent, or someone passionate about expanding access to the game, this episode offers an inspiring look at how one organization is helping shape golf's future—one round at a time.  July is Youth on Course Month. Learn more about the organization's mission and how you can get involved at www.youthoncourse.org.  Follow along on Instagram: @cupcakeswithkupcho  #CupcakesWithKupcho #JenniferKupcho #YouthOnCourse #LPGA #GrowTheGame #JuniorGolf #GolfForAll #ProtivitiAtPlay

Jen and Lesley sit down with LPGA Tour caddie Josh Udelhofen for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important—and least understood—roles in professional golf.  Since joining Team Kupcho in 2024, Josh has been much more than the person carrying the bag. Together, they explore how trust is built between player and caddie, what it takes to prepare for tournament week, and how strategy, communication, and mental management can make the difference between winning and falling short.  Josh shares his journey from collegiate standout and aspiring professional golfer to caddying on the LPGA Tour, offering insight into everything that happens before the first tee shot. From course mapping and yardage books to club selection, reading conditions, and managing momentum under pressure, he reveals the countless decisions fans never see inside the ropes.Jen and Josh also reflect on memorable moments together, including the Solheim Cup, travel preferences, and the difficult conversations that have strengthened their partnership. Along the way, Josh shares practical course-management tips for everyday golfers and explains why preparation, trust, and teamwork are often the biggest competitive advantages in the game.  Whether you're curious about what a caddie really does or looking to lower your scores, this episode offers a rare look through the eyes of the operation.  Follow along on Instagram: @cupcakeswithkupcho  #CupcakesWithKupcho #JenniferKupcho #JoshUdelhofen #LPGA #GolfStrategy #CaddieLife #CourseManagement #ProtivitiAtPlay  

Jen and Lesley chat with professional golfer James Nicholas about perseverance, personal branding, and the realities of building a career in professional golf.  From his days as a multi-sport athlete at Yale University to competing on the Korn Ferry Tour, James reflects on the winding road to professional golf and the lessons he learned along the way. He shares what it was like balancing Division I football and golf, navigating the transition from college athletics to the professional ranks, and the challenges that tested his confidence early in his career.Jen and James revisit his memorable first U.S. Open journey, from surviving local and final qualifying to making the cut on one of golf's biggest stages. They discuss the unique pressure and adrenaline of major championship golf, the confidence gained from competing under the spotlight, and what that experience meant for James's future.  The conversation also explores a different side of James's career—his rise as one of golf's most authentic content creators. James shares how he built a loyal following through transparency and honesty, what goes into creating content while competing professionally, and his advice for young golfers looking to build their own platform.👉 Follow along on Instagram: @cupcakeswithkupcho  #ProtivitiAtPlay #CupcakesWithKupcho #JenniferKupcho #JamesNicholas #LPGA #KornFerryTour #USOpen #GolfLife #PersonalBrand #RoadToThePGA  

Jen and Lesley sit down with Jen’s older brother, Steven Kupcho, for a conversation filled with family stories, competitive energy, and the lifelong bond built through golf.  Growing up as siblings who constantly challenged each other, Jen and Steven reflect on childhood memories, early signs of Jen’s talent, and how their relationship evolved as the game became more than just a hobby. Steven shares what it was like watching his sister navigate the amateur ranks to the LPGA stage — including proud moments, sibling perspective, and behind-the-scenes stories fans may not have heard before. Jen opens up about Steven’s role as competitor, supporter, and one of the people who helped shape her journey.  Jen and Steven take their sibling rivalry onto the course for a head-to-head competition for all the cupcakes — bringing their dynamic to life in a way you can watch on YouTube.  👉 Follow along on Instagram: @cupcakeswithkupcho  #CupcakesWithKupcho #JenniferKupcho #SiblingRivalry #GolfLife #LPGA #GolfFamily #ProtivitiAtPlay

In this episode of Cupcakes with Kupcho, Jen and Lesley head to PING headquarters to sit down with Rose Fielder, Senior Manager of Engineering Operations, for a conversation at the intersection of golf, innovation, and representation in STEM.  Rose shares her journey from collegiate golfer to mechanical engineer and leader at PING, reflecting on mentorship, navigating a male-dominated field, and why representation matters for the next generation of athletes and engineers. Together, they explore how golf equipment has evolved, what fans rarely see behind the scenes, and how design decisions directly support elite performance.  Jen also brings Lesley inside PING’s iconic gold putter vault—home to gold-plated replicas of every PING player’s winning putter—revisiting some of her own victories in a moment you can see on YouTube.  👉 Follow along on Instagram: @cupcakeswithkupcho  #CupcakesWithKupcho #WomeninSTEM #WomeninSports #LPGA #JenniferKupcho #ProtivitiAtPlay #ChevronChampionship

Jen and Lesley are joined by Wake Forest Women’s Head Coach, Ryan Potter, for a conversation on player development, confidence, and the journey from college golf to the professional stage.  Together they reflect Jen’s time at Wake Forest, why the program was such a formative chapter in her story and how the team environment helps prepare players for the next level.   The conversation also dives into the evolving landscape of college golf, including the impact of NIL, what coaches look for when recruiting and developing elite talent and how today’s athletes can navigate new opportunities with intention. With the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) on the horizon, Jen and Ryan revisit her inaugural win and what aspiring players can take away as they pursue similar goals.  Follow along on Instagram @cupcakeswithkupcho.  #CupcakesWithKupcho #ANWA #CollegeGolf #LPGA #JenniferKupcho #ProtivitiAtPlay

In this episode, Jen and Lesley reflect on a year of growth—on and off the course. Jen revisits the highs and lows of her 2025 season, life beyond tournament ropes, lessons learned through podcasting, and fields listener questions—plus a look ahead at what’s coming in Season Two.  Follow along on Instagram @cupcakeswithkupcho.  #CupcakesWithKupcho #BonusEpisode #LPGA #JenniferKupcho #ProtivitiAtPlay

What’s it like to work with your spouse—on one of the biggest stages in sports?  In the season finale of Cupcakes with Kupcho, Jen’s husband, Jay Monahan, joins the pod for a candid and heartfelt conversation about life on and off the course. Jay is a major-winning caddie for LPGA’s Allisen Corpuz.Together, Jen and Jay get real about the unique dynamic of being a couple who both work in professional golf—reflecting on how they met, what it’s really like to travel and work together on the LPGA Tour, and how they navigate the balance between personal connection and professional performance.From tournament routines to their favorite video games, and the small moments that keep them grounded, Jen and Jay offer an honest look at partnership, teamwork, and resilience.Join us for an episode that brings together experience, authenticity, and more than a little friendly competition — this time, we’re serving wedding cake in place of cupcakes!Follow along on Instagram @cupcakeswithkucho

In this episode of Cupcakes with Kupcho, co-hosts LPGA pro Jennifer Kupcho and Lesley Gaudio are joined by Nichole Minice, Protiviti Managing Director, for a powerful and personal conversation about pressure, perseverance, and growth—on and off the course.  They talk about navigating nerves, handling regrets, and the people who’ve shaped their journeys—plus share some laughs about sand dunes, travel bags, and the beautiful chaos of golf life.  From leadership insights and mindset shifts to on-course confidence and career-defining choices, this episode is a must-listen mix of strategy, heart, and humor.  Grab a cupcake and tune in—because staying strong when it counts takes more than talent. Leave us a comment and let us know who is on your board of directors!  Follow along on Instagram @cupcakeswithkucho