While the world fixates on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce‘s headline-grabbing romance, Kayla Nicole is proving that her story is more than just an asterisk in someone else’s narrative.

Known by some as “Kelce’s ex,” Kayla is reclaiming her voice-and doing it loudly.

From interning at TMZ and the Oprah Winfrey Network to launching her own media brand, Nicole has never shied away from the grind.

But on her new podcast, The Pre-Game, she’s letting the world know the road here wasn’t smooth.

In a recent episode, Kayla reflected on an old college relationship with a then-NBA hopeful. The dreamer she once supported crushed her own goals.

“It’s not that simple. It’s not going to happen,” she explained.

Ironically, Kayla now lives the dream she was told was unreachable-blending journalism, sports, and pop culture on her terms.

She is hoping that her popularity comes across on screen.

Beyond the exes and headlines

The drama hasn’t stopped in adulthood. Last year, on Angel Reese‘s Unapologetically Angel podcast, Nicole teased fans with a story about her NBA ex, later linked to Iman Shumpert, and how she once hilariously dressed up as his new famous girlfriend for Halloween.

But even as her stories go viral, Kayla insists there’s more to her than past relationships.

Her latest venture into podcasting hasn’t been free of controversy, either. A promotional photoshoot sparked backlash online when a background magazine featuring the headline.

“Remembering Gianna” was visible behind her in a mirror shot. Critics called it tone-deaf, sparking debates across Reddit threads and snark pages. Yet Nicole, unfazed, keeps it moving.

Now 33, she’s focused on building her brand-hosting events, collaborating with major names, and owning her narrative.

Yes, trolls are louder since Kelce started dating Swift, but Nicole has no interest in playing the victim: “This time, I’m doing it my way.”