Welcome to the Party

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What’s up, Party People! Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King welcome you to the women’s sports party. Whether you’ve been here all along or are looking to get in the game, you're invited. Twice a week, soccer legends and forever teammates Abby and Julie will be hanging with the change-makers and shot-takers in women’s sports while giving their perspectives on big issues and hot topics. Plus, there will be regular appearances by the LEGEND of legends Billie Jean King.

This show is on a mission to build a community that celebrates and elevates women’s sports. So bring it in, Party People, because Welcome to the Party is for YOU and the first Party Rule is: have a sh*t ton of fun.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

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49 episodes
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Thursday · 50 min
Seattle Reign Could Stun #1 Seed Gotham FC (And Here's Why)
Get your brackets ready, party people! The NWSL playoffs are here, and former NWSL player, broadcaster and Denver Summit FC minority owner Jordan Angeli joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to break down all four win-or-go-home quarterfinals. Can Seattle knock off top-seeded Gotham FC? Can Angel City get past the Kansas City Current? With San Diego Wave facing Utah Royals and Washington Spirit taking on Portland Thorns, Jordan gives each team a key to winning, Abby picks the players she’d trust with the game on the line, and everyone has to sum up each matchup with an emoji. ⚽️ Plus, Julie remembers breaking the news to her USWNT teammates that their pro league had folded, and Abby and Jordan tell the story of the night Abby met Glennon Doyle. Yes, the one with 5,000 librarians. Turns out Jordan played a part in that love story, too. This episode is presented by Google Pixel. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: FOLLOW JORDAN ANGELI: @jordangeliInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordangeli/X: https://x.com/jordangeli MORE JORDAN PLAYOFF BRAIN, PLEASE. Jordan co-hosts SoccerWise, and she and David Gass just did a full NWSL quarterfinal preview. Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/na/podcast/soccerwise-u-s-soccer-mls-nwsl/id1752138229 BRACKETS, BABY. The NWSL quarterfinals are here. Four games, no second chances. Full schedule, matchups and where to watch: NWSLhttps://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/quarterfinal-round-set-ahead-of-2026-nwsl-playoffs-presented-by-google-pixel JORDAN SAID GO BACK AND WATCH IT, SO WE’RE DOING AS TOLD. Portland’s build-up on Sophia Wilson’s goal against Houston was a beauty. Watch the match highlights here: NWSLhttps://www.nwslsoccer.com/match/957badcf899e40fc9fa3e1009df3c679/houston-dash-vs-portland-thorns Thank you to our sponsor: Learn more about Google Pixel 11 at googlestore.com
Wednesday · 24 min
Bonus: How Natalie Nakase Built the Valkyries’ Championship Culture
Party people, we’re deep in our violet haze and the coach is joining the party! Fresh off the Golden State Valkyries’ first WNBA championship, head coach Natalie Nakase joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy for a special bonus episode on building a team that wins with love, trust, and a strict “no assholes” rule. Natalie takes us inside the honest conversations that changed her approach during the Finals, why listening to her players mattered more than yelling louder, and how a roster with something to prove became champions in just the franchise’s second season. Plus: the magic of Valhalla, Glennon’s Valkyries obsession, and why Natalie was planning her next championship just 15 minutes after the buzzer. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and throughout the month, a portion of Welcome to the Party merch sales will support JoshProvides, which helps people and families living with epilepsy access medical services, seizure detection devices, support groups and other resources: https://joshprovides.org/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC: ally.com/party
Tuesday · 55 min
Ashley Sanchez’s Heartbreak on NWSL Decision Day
Glennon Doyle is back at the party—and taking a victory lap! She joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King to celebrate her winning WNBA bracket and the Golden State Valkyries’ championship run. From Gabby Williams’ Game 7 takeover to Glennon’s very physical experience of watching basketball, the crew breaks down what happens when investment, love, and team culture come together. Then it’s NWSL Decision Day drama: Gotham’s Shield, Jess Fishlock’s emotional send-off, Angel City’s playoff path, and the big question of what’s next for Marta. Plus, the women who helped change the New York City Marathon, why joy deserves a spot on your calendar, and Glennon’s story about the unexpected matchmaker behind her relationship with Abby. In honor of Abby’s brother Peter and National Epilepsy Awareness Month, a portion of November WTTP merch proceeds will support JoshProvides and families living with epilepsy. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Come party with us in D.C.! We’re taking Welcome to the Party live to Ally House for NWSL Championship Weekend. If you’re in town, come hang with us, talk soccer and be part of the show. RSVP to save your spot: https://www.ally.com/ally-house?CP=TPM-NWSLCHAMP-RECAP-ALLYHOUSE THIS ONE IS CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS. November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and a portion of WTTP merch proceeds this month will support JoshProvides, helping individuals and families living with epilepsy access medical care, seizure detection devices and other resources.Learn more: https://joshprovides.org/ WTTP merch: https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/ THE NWSL PLAYOFFS ARE HERE. Eight teams. One trophy. Plenty of chaos coming. Check out the full playoff schedule, bracket and where to watch: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/playoffs COLLEGE HOOPS IS BACK, BABY. Keep up with the full women’s college basketball schedule and scores here: https://www.ncaa.com/scoreboard/basketball-women/d1 THE BEST EIGHT IN THE WORLD. Follow the WTA Finals schedule and results here: https://www.wtatennis.com/tournaments/wta-finals/match-schedule Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 28 · 1 hr 10 min
Andraya Carter on the WNBA Finals: Why Is Game 6 at Lunchtime?!
Andraya Carter is at the party, and she has thoughts! The ESPN analyst joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to break down the WNBA Finals: what Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream need to force a Game 7, why the Golden State Valkyries are so tough to beat, and how a potential championship-clinching game ended up with a lunchtime tip. Yes, Abby has some words about that. Plus, Dre previews JuJu Watkins’ return, shares what she’s seeing from her Tennessee Lady Vols, and makes her pick to win the college national championship. Then, she gets real about finding confidence on camera, whose feedback actually matters, and her “post and ghost” approach to social media. Come for the hoops. Stay for the Halloween costumes and a surprisingly persuasive case for cuddling a python. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Follow Andraya Carter: @andraya_carter on Instagram and @Andraya_Carter on X. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andraya_carter/X: https://x.com/Andraya_Carter Want to understand why Angel Reese is such a ridiculous rebounder? Abby’s rabbit hole started with Katie Barnes’ ESPN feature breaking down the instincts, positioning, strength and anticipation behind Reese’s rebounding.https://abc7chicago.com/post/secrets-behind-angel-reeses-legendary-rebounding/19682352/ And yes, someone actually studied the “mebounds.” Data scientist Chester Ismay analyzed how often Reese rebounds her own misses compared with the rest of the league.https://ismayc.github.io/mebounds/ Missed our Sheroes episode? Go back and meet the women who inspired Julie and Abby to ask Party People to send in their own sheroes.She Ran Into a Collapsing Building to Save a Child (Then Lost Her Legs) Who’s your shero, Party People? Keep them coming.partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 27 · 1 hr 10 min
How Cori Close Will Rebuild UCLA's Championship Team
What does it take to build a championship team and who do you become along the way? UCLA women’s basketball head coach Cori Close joins Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King to reflect on a historic title run and why her definition of success goes far beyond the trophy. From lessons learned in John Wooden’s den to the voice memo from Abby she’ll keep forever, Cori shares the power of having people who believe in you before you believe in yourself. She also gets candid about rebuilding trust with Lauren Betts, owning her mistakes and helping a new roster write its own story. It’s a conversation about leadership, accountability and proving that kindness and competitive greatness can coexist—with a little evidence of Abby’s completely unhinged UCLA fandom. Plus, the Party Starter dives into the WNBA Finals, the NWSL’s Decision Day drama and Catherine Breed’s extraordinary swim along the California coastline. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Cori Close was recently honored with UCLA Anderson’s John Wooden Global Leadership Award, which feels especially fitting after hearing how much Wooden shaped the way she leads.https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/news-and-events/signature-events/john-wooden-global-leadership-awards The book Cori referenced: Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf, all about falling in love with the process instead of obsessing over the outcome. https://books.google.com/books/about/Chop_Wood_Carry_Water.html?id=RPPdnAAACAAJ Want to go down the Catherine Breed rabbit hole with us? Catherine just completed her 900-mile swim of the California coast, and her nonprofit Sea Dreamers is focused on getting more women and girls into the ocean while protecting the coastline. https://www.swimcalifornia.com/https://www.seadreamers.org/ Kinger’s documentary is coming. Give Me The Ball! premieres November 22 on ESPN and looks at Billie Jean King’s life, career and impact far beyond tennis. https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/espn-films-award-winning-documentary-give-me-the-ball-to-premiere-november-22-on-espn/ Follow UCLA Women’s Basketball: @UCLAWBBInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/uclawbb/X: https://x.com/UCLAWBBWebsite: https://www.uclawbb.com/ Follow Coach Cori Close: @coachcoricloseInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachcoriclose/X: https://x.com/coachcoriclose Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 23 · 54 min
How Sports Betting Can Be An Addiction
Behind every betting app, ad and winning parlay are real people and sometimes, a cost no one else can see. In Part 2 of our series on sports gambling, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy move from the business of betting to the personal toll, welcoming Saul Malek to share how a love of sports and fantasy baseball spiraled into a gambling addiction that consumed his college years. Saul opens up about chasing bets, hiding debt, the strain on his family and the support that helped him find recovery. Drawing on her own sobriety, Abby joins him for an honest conversation about shame, secrecy and why getting help is rarely a straight line. Together, they explore the warning signs parents can miss, the pull of betting culture for young people, and why prevention needs to start long before someone hits a crisis. It’s a conversation about what gambling can take and what it means to build a life beyond it. Missed Part 1? Start with our conversation with sports historian Dr. Victoria Jackson about how we got here and what’s at stake for women’s sports. Content warning: This episode includes discussion of gambling addiction and suicidal thoughts. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you love, there are places to start. National Problem Gambling HelplineCall or text 1-800-MY-RESET https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/ Gamblers Anonymous Find in-person, virtual and telephone meetings.https://gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/ Gam-Anon Support for family members and loved ones affected by someone else’s gambling.https://gam-anon.org/ Follow Saul Malek’s work on gambling harm, prevention and recovery. https://saulmalek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/saulmalekspeaking/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/ If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. https://988lifeline.org/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 22 · 1 hr 3 min
The Rise of Sports Gambling
Women’s sports are growing and the gambling industry wants in. But what’s the real cost of all that new money? In Part 1 of this two-part series, Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy welcome sports historian Dr. Victoria Jackson to unpack how sports betting went from something leagues opposed to something they actively promote. From betting apps and prediction markets to broadcasters with a financial stake in the action, they explore how gambling is reshaping the way we watch, cover and experience sports. Together, they dig into the consequences for young fans, the harassment athletes face, and the responsibility leagues have to protect the people who make their businesses possible. As women’s sports enter a new era of investment and opportunity, can they chart a different path? Plus, a look ahead to Part 2, when Saul Malek joins Abby and Julie to share his personal experience with gambling addiction. That will be this Friday 10/22. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: The article Julie referenced of longtime ESPN investigative producer Nicole Noren explains why the network’s embrace of sports betting ultimately led her to leave after 24 years. READ: “I’m Not Going to Have Blood on My Hands” https://www.cjr.org/the-interview/nicole-noren-espn-producer-quit-protest-sports-betting-gambling-addiction-draftkings-im-not-going-to-have-blood-on-my-hands.php The athlete harassment is real, and women are taking a disproportionate amount of it. The NCAA’s online-abuse study found that 12% of verified abuse was directly tied to sports betting, and women’s basketball players received roughly three times more threats than men’s basketball players:https://www.ncaa.org/news/media-center-ncaa-calls-on-fans-social-media-platforms-to-curb-abuse-as-it-releases-first-online-harassment-study/ “This is our normal after every game.” We played Natasha Cloud talking about the abuse WNBA players receive from angry bettors and her call for leagues to do more to protect players. MORE ON NATASHA CLOUD + BETTING HARASSMENT: https://frontofficesports.com/article/natasha-cloud-calls-engelbert-silver-address-sports-betting-threats/ Who actually wins on prediction markets? Julie referenced The Wall Street Journal’s investigation into prediction markets, which found profits heavily concentrated among a tiny fraction of sophisticated traders while most users lost money. READ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL INVESTIGATION https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/polymarket-kalshi-betting-profits-prediction-markets-eb23ac11 And the leagues are starting to react. The NBA announced tighter restrictions around certain types of sports betting, while the WNBA was ultimately added to the leagues’ effort pushing for tougher action against bettors who threaten or harass athletes. NBA BETTING RESTRICTIONS https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nba/2026/10/16/nba-sports-betting/3f77053e-c97b-11f1-aefb-abe4112d087e_story.html WNBA + ATHLETE HARASSMENT EFFORT https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nba-players-unions-amend-betting-200106272.html If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you love, there are places to start. National Problem Gambling Helpline Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/ Gamblers Anonymous Find in-person, virtual and telephone meetings.https://gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/ Gam-Anon Support for family members and loved ones affected by someone else’s gambling.https://gam-anon.org/ Follow Saul Malek’s work on gambling harm, prevention and recovery. https://saulmalek.com/ https://www.instagram.com/saulmalekspeaking/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/saulmalek/ If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988. https://988lifeline.org/
October 20 · 1 hr 3 min
The Most Dominant Team in Sports History Is Facing a Reality Check
Has the balance of power in women’s soccer officially shifted? After the USWNT’s 2-0 loss and dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against reigning World Cup champions Spain, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach are breaking down the good, the bad, and the big questions facing Emma Hayes’ squad ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. From defensive struggles and goalkeeping concerns to physicality, leadership, and the return of Mallory Swanson and Ashley Sanchez, Abby and Julie get candid about what the US needs to fix, why Spain has set a new standard, and which players need to step up when it matters most. Is there reason to panic, or could these tough lessons be exactly what the USWNT needs? Plus, the WNBA Finals are heating up, the NWSL playoff race is coming down to the wire, and Steph Curry shows some love to Valkyries star Veronica Burton. Abby and Julie also revisit some hilariously iconic women’s soccer commercials from the ‘90s, and answer Party People questions about dreaming big and which athletes from other sports they’d recruit to the USWNT. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Before they were legends… Three absolute gems from the archives: Abby nails an innocent bystander: https://www.instagram.com/p/Deh69NIMdyH/ Julie in her Starsky & Hutch era: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dej3b8rkSH2/?img_index=3 and the iconic Nike “I will have two Filling” ad campaign: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dej3b8rkSH2/?img_index=4 Steph Curry in a Veronica Burton jersey? We love to see it. Steph warmed up in Burton’s No. 22 Valkyries jersey, which sent us straight down the rabbit hole on the family history behind that number:https://x.com/NBCSWarriors/status/2111259600569909471 Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 15 · 40 min
She Ran Into a Collapsing Building to Save a Child (Then Lost Her Legs)
What makes a hero? In this special episode, Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King celebrate two extraordinary women who stepped up when it mattered most. Rose Veldman was just 10 years old when she risked her life to save a three-year-old girl during Haiti’s devastating 2010 earthquake. After losing both legs when the building collapsed, Rose went on to become a champion adaptive golfer. Then, UC Davis water polo player Lillie Vehling shares how she instinctively jumped into Lake Washington to rescue three drowning girls. Through these remarkable stories, the hosts reflect on everyday heroes, the power of service and what it means to be the person who steps in to help. Because making a difference doesn’t require fame or recognition—just the courage to act. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Who’s your shero, Party People? We want to keep this parade of sheroes going. Tell us about the woman who showed up for you, believed in you, pulled you up or changed your life. Email us at partypeoplequestions@gmail.com. Meet Rose Veldman. Rose survived the 2010 Haiti earthquake after running back into a collapsing building to save a three-year-old girl, losing both of her legs in the aftermath. Today, she’s one of the top adaptive golfers in the country and a three-time winner of the women’s Multiple Limb Amputee category at the U.S. Adaptive Open. Learn more about US Adaptive Golf: https://www.usaga.org/ Lillie Vehling didn’t just save three girls from drowning. She’s working to prevent the next one. Lillie and UC Davis teammate Sadie Henry co-founded SWAG, Swim AGs, which provides free water-safety and swim instruction for adults in the UC Davis community:https://swagswimags.org/ Be a scooper, not a pointer. Julie brought up The Dog Poop Initiative, Kirk Weisler’s very real children’s book about the difference between pointing out a problem and actually stepping up to fix it. Very on brand for our sheroes: https://kirkweisler.com/product/the-dog-poop-initiative Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 13 · 1 hr 24 min
Ali Krieger & Joanna Lohman Reveal The Crazy Reality of The Amazing Race
What’s harder than winning a World Cup? According to Ali Krieger,competing on The Amazing Race. Ali and longtime friend and former teammate Joanna Lohman join Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to go behind the scenes of their reality TV adventure—from airport chaos and sleepless nights to sprinting through Madrid carrying a leg of ham. They reveal how their soccer careers prepared them for the pressure, why Ali needed a reminder to make friends, and what it means to represent women’s sports and the queer community on a whole new stage. Plus, the unexpected joy of giving up their phones—and which sports legends they’d pick as their dream race partners. Also joining the party: 79-year-old golfer Donna Warner, who just won her 35th club championship, more than 50 years after her first. She shares what keeps her competitive, why she still walks the course, and the ultimate perk of winning: a reserved parking spot. New challenges, same competitive fire. These women are nowhere near done. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman are racing around the world, and yes, we are fully invested. Catch up on Season 39 of The Amazing Race on Paramount+ and follow along as Ali and Jo take on the race: https://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/ If you missed our conversation with Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole, go back and listen. Jesse talks about building Banana Ball around joy, community, belonging and putting the fan first: https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow USWNT gets another shot at Spain. The U.S. faces the reigning World Cup champions again Tuesday, October 13 at 7 p.m. ET on TNT: https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/uswnt Meet Donna Warner, the 79-year-old golf legend the internet just discovered. She has won 35 club championships at Wanumetonomy Golf & Country Club, with her first title coming more than 50 years ago. Here’s the post that sent golf fans down the Donna Warner rabbit hole: https://www.reddit.com/r/golf/comments/1vpigkt/was_visiting_my_familys_new_club_but_discovered/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 8 · 1 hr 21 min
First Trans Supreme Court Lawyer Exposes the Truth About Women’s Sports
In Part 1, we invited you to slow down, ask questions and listen longer. In Part 2 of this special three-part series, Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King continue that conversation with Dr. Anna Baeth and Ellie Roscher, authors of Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports, taking a closer look at what fairness means—and how policies meant to define it affect real people. Together, they explore the distinctions between transgender and intersex athletes, the scrutiny placed on women’s bodies and the consequences of exclusion at every level of sport. Abby gets candid about her own evolving perspective, including a moment on the sidelines of her daughter’s cross-country team that prompted questions about fairness, friendship and belonging. From elite competition and sex testing to the joy of simply playing alongside your teammates, this conversation builds on Part 1 with a question at its heart: How do we protect opportunity in women’s sports while honoring the humanity of everyone who wants to play? Wherever you’re coming from, there’s room to keep listening, keep learning and stay in the conversation. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: If you want to learn more or go deeper on some of the things we discussed today, here are a few resources we recommend: Missed Part One of our transgender athletes series? Start there. Julie, Abby and Kinger sit down with Dr. Anna Baeth and Ellie Roscher, authors of Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports, to dig into the science, fairness questions, policy and lived experiences behind the debate.What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes Read Nancy Armour’s USA TODAY reporting on the IOC bringing SRY gene testing back for female athletes ahead of LA28, nearly three decades after abandoning a similar testing policy: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/06/10/ioc-gene-testing-female-athletes-2028-olympics/89824319007/ Want to see the legislation for yourself? The Trans Legislation Tracker follows bills affecting transgender people across the country, including the more than 1,000 bills it tracked in 2025: https://translegislation.com/bills/2025 Go deeper on the Supreme Court case Chase discussed. The ACLU’s Little v. Hecox case page includes the history, court decisions and legal filings surrounding Idaho’s transgender student-athlete law:https://www.aclu.org/cases/hecox-v-little Want to follow more of Chase Strangio’s work? Chase is Co-Director of the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Rights Project and works on litigation and advocacy around transgender rights across the country: https://www.aclu.org/bios/chase-strangio Chris Mosier's website is the place to go for action steps and the most up to date policy information: https://www.transathlete.com/ Fair Game by Ellie Roscher and Anna Baeth: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fair-game-trans-athletes-and-the-future-of-sports/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 6 · 1 hr 8 min
How 1.5 Million Followers Helped Coach Jackie Change Women’s Sports Media
Coach Jackie came for the party and immediately put Abby and Julie’s vibes under review in a classic “Are They Gay or Are They Just Podcast Hosts”. The women’s sports creator joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to talk about turning fandom into a career, using humor to tackle serious issues, and why standing up for trans inclusion meant sending a very scary text to her childhood hero: Abby. Plus, Jackie shares the story behind her new podcast, Is She Game?, working with the Obamas’ Higher Ground, and landing Billie Jean King as her first guest. Naturally, there’s also a WNBA-meets-Love Island detour. Before Jackie joins, Abby and Julie check their WNBA playoff brackets, break down the NWSL playoff scramble, preview the USWNT’s showdown with Spain, and ask why college athletes are logging so many miles just to play. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
October 1 · 1 hr 17 min
How The Savannah Bananas Built A Sports Empire
What happens when you build a sports business around the fans instead of the bottom line? Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to break down how a struggling baseball team became Banana Ball — a phenomenon selling out major stadiums while refusing to play by the traditional rules of sports business. Jesse shares why he’s committed to keeping tickets affordable, how a “Fans First” philosophy shapes everything from player contracts to the upper deck experience, and why he believes long-term trust matters more than short-term profit. He also takes Abby and Julie inside the evolution of Banana Ball, the upcoming first-ever Banana Bowl, and the joy, accessibility, and community he believes sports can never afford to lose. Plus, the three explore what women’s sports can learn from the Bananas as the industry grows: how to scale without losing the culture that made people fall in love with it in the first place. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Our October charity is Thriving Pink. A portion of proceeds from Welcome to the Party merch this month will support Thriving Pink and its work providing financial assistance, support groups, wellness programs and resources for people navigating breast cancer: https://www.thrivingpink.org/ and https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/ Women’s sports are booming, but the full pipeline tells a more complicated story. The new WSF Sport Report 2026 looks at girls and women in sports from youth participation through college and the pros, including access, belonging and the future of Title IX. Julie promised we’d link the full study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/wsf-sport-report/ Okay, so how exactly does Banana Ball work? Two-hour games, no walks, fans catching foul balls for outs and a whole different scoring system. Get all 11 rules here: https://help.bananaball.com/article-categories/banana-ball-rules Want to actually get to a Banana Ball game? Jesse explained why they use a ticket lottery and built their own Fans First Marketplace to keep resale tickets at face value and away from scalpers: https://help.bananaball.com/knowledge-base/how-to-get-tickets-the-lottery-interest-list/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 29 · 48 min
Welcome to the Peloton Party
The party hits the tread! Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy join Peloton instructor Kirsten Ferguson, aka Queen K, for a 20-minute walk/run and their most heated Minute to Win It yet. Between intervals, Kirsten shares how she went from hating running to training for a marathon, why community keeps her moving, and how to tell when it’s time to push or recover. First, Glennon Doyle joins the WNBA playoff bracket battle, where the last-place finisher has to wear the dreaded party-pooper hat. Then it’s back to the question Julie’s been chasing: can she finally beat Abby? Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Party People, come run with Queen K. Kirsten Ferguson put Julie and Abby through a 20-minute Walk + Run at Peloton Studios, complete with another Minute to Win It showdown. Find Kirsten’s Peloton classes here. https://www.onepeloton.com/instructors/Peloton_KF? From A to Z: This Is Me! Kirsten wrote her new children’s book with her daughters, Eden and Emery, using affirmations to help girls build confidence and see themselves reflected on the page: https://www.pelobuddy.com/kirsten-ferguson-book/ September may be ending, but Zoe’s Goal keeps going. You can continue supporting Zoe Suder and the fight for more childhood cancer research funding anytime. https://zoesgoal.org/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 24 · 44 min
The Greatest Athlete In Pitt History
Olivia Babcock has won just about every individual honor in college volleyball. The one thing missing? A national championship. After three straight Final Four heartbreaks for Pitt, the two-time AVCA National Player of the Year joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King to talk about what it takes to turn individual greatness into a team title. Olivia opens up about those losses, Pitt’s “want to” culture, how she builds her teammates’ confidence, and the “positive stress” of deciding what comes next. Plus, Glennon Doyle calls in to fact-check Julie on Abby’s snoring, and Abby and Julie share the new home of their San Francisco Love volleyball team: the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Is Olivia Babcock the greatest athlete in Pitt history? That’s the question, and the case is pretty compelling: https://bandwagoners-guide-to-pitt-volleyball.ghost.io/is-olivia-babcock-the-greatest-athlete-in-pitt-history-guest-post/ Want to follow Olivia and Pitt’s chase for that national championship? Check out the Panthers’ full 2026 schedule and results: https://pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/schedule Keep up with Olivia off the court too. Follow her on Instagram at @oliviiaabab. San Francisco Signal has a home. The new pro volleyball team will play its inaugural season at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium: https://www.lovb.com/news/san-francisco-signal-inaugural-venue-bill-graham-civic-auditorium?utm_source=chatgpt.com Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 22 · 1 hr 20 min
Rebecca Lobo Makes Her WNBA Championship Pick and Takes Us Inside UConn’s Dynasty
Basketball legend Rebecca Lobo joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy to break down a landmark moment for the WNBA and explain why the league has officially arrived. The Hall of Famer reacts to the WNBA’s historic new CBA, sizes up a wide-open playoff race and reveals which team she believes will win the championship. She also weighs in on Olivia Miles’ record-breaking rookie season, the crowded MVP conversation and who could lead the league following Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s departure. Then, Rebecca takes us inside Apple TV’s The Dynasty: UConn Huskies. She shares why she chose UConn before it became a powerhouse, what it was really like to play for Geno Auriemma and how his relentless coaching helped turn her Olympic and championship dreams into reality. Plus, Rebecca opens up about coaching her own kids, building a broadcasting career devoted entirely to women’s basketball and why she never needed to cover the men’s game to validate her work. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: WATCH: The Dynasty: UConn Huskies on Apple TV, featuring Rebecca Lobo, Geno Auriemma, Paige Bueckers, Diana Taurasi and more: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-dynasty-uconn-huskies/umc.cmc.38cvggceyd4sn4sfgl3kus89b FOLLOW: Rebecca Lobo on Instagram and Threads @promise50 and on X @RebeccaLobo: https://www.rebeccalobo.com/ WNBA FINALS: The 2026 Finals begin October 17, with a possible Game 7 on October 31: https://www.wnba.com/news/2026-wnba-postseason-faq WATCH: Billie Jean King Cup Finals, September 22–27 in Shenzhen, China. https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/ WATCH: LA Queens vs. San Francisco Fire Belles in the winner-take-all WPBL Championship Game 5 on ESPN+: https://www.espn.com/espnplus/ READ: Natasha Howard’s new memoir, The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond: https://www.akashicbooks.com/catalog/vision-through-my-lens/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 17 · 52 min
The Female Cyclist Stealing Strava Records & Breaking the Internet
What happens when a very fast cyclist decides men on Strava are taking themselves a little too seriously? Enter Laini Bones. Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach sit down with the viral cyclist who went from a few hundred followers to more than 160K by stealing men’s King of the Mountain crowns, talking an outrageous amount of trash, and creating one of the funniest alter egos in sports. Lainey breaks down what it means to “get boned,” why some men absolutely do not get the joke, the difference between Lainey and her WWE-style “Bones” persona, and how she balances internet chaos with being a legitimately elite endurance athlete — and the CFO of a growing company. She also opens up about her ambitions to race professionally, the realities of breaking into elite cycling, and why she wants more women to discover just how powerful they can be on a bike. Plus, Abby and Julie answer Party People questions about parents coaching from the sidelines, teaching young athletes to respect referees, and how coaches can set the standard for both kids and parents. And in “Know Your History,” they go back to the 1890s to uncover why the bicycle became a surprising symbol of women’s freedom and independence. Come for the Strava crowns. Stay for Abby seriously considering a new career in spandex. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: You have to go follow Laini Bones on Instagram. You’re welcome. Trash talk, Strava crowns, spandex and a whole lot of men getting boned: https://www.instagram.com/lainibones/ Lainey wants more women on bikes. If this episode has you cycling curious, she and Carbs Fuel put together a guide to getting started, bike boyfriend not required. https://carbsfuel.com/blogs/news/how-to-unlock-cycling-for-more-women Got a question for Julie, Abby or Kinger? Keep them coming. We love hearing from Party People and we want to keep answering more of your questions on the show. Email us at partypeoplequestions@gmail.com. Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything, nominate your friends and help Zoe’s Goal push for more funding for childhood cancer research. And this month, a portion of proceeds from every purchase in the Welcome to the Party merch store supports Zoe’s Goal too. https://zoesgoal.org/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 15 · 1 hr 21 min
Abby Wambach’s Emotional US Open Confession
Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are back with a packed Party Starter and first, a very proud-parent moment as Amma Melton scores her first collegiate goal for Santa Clara! Then, they break down the Ballon d’Or’s glaring lack of American representation, Team Europe reclaiming the Solheim Cup, Team USA storming back against France to win its fifth straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, and Elena Rybakina dethroning Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first US Open title and the world No. 1 ranking. Then, from the Power of Women’s Sports Summit in New York, Abby and Julie sit down with Billie Jean King and Deloitte US Chair Lara Abrash to ask the question that matters now: Women’s sports are booming, so what do we build next? They discuss how sports create leaders, why $3 billion is only the beginning, what sustainable growth will require, and Deloitte’s new collaboration with Billie Jean King to strengthen the infrastructure and leadership pipeline behind women’s sports. Plus: Kinger’s iconic signature shoes, nachos as a leadership test, and one clear message for anyone waiting to enter the space go build it. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Billie Jean King + Deloitte are teaming up to help build what’s next in women’s sports. The new collaboration will focus on leadership pathways, better infrastructure and building the business of women’s sports for the future: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/about/press-room/deloitte-teams-with-billie-Jean-king-to-help-grow-the-next-generation-of-leaders-through-womens-sports.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com **Run, don’t walk to watch Give Me The Ball! ** Julie and Abby finally got an early look at Kinger’s new documentary and, yes, they have FEELINGS. The film premieres November 22 on ESPN: https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/espn-films-award-winning-documentary-give-me-the-ball-to-premiere-november-22-on-espn/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Who’s in the running for the 2026 Women’s Ballon d’Or? Check out the full list of nominees ahead of the October 26 ceremony in London: https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/02a9-218b019cbca5-cb4b9be51c4b-1000--2026-ballon-dor-awards-nominees-revealed/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC - Thank you to Apple Card
September 10 · 1 hr 23 min
The Insane True Story of Mighty Mary
In 1995, sailing’s most prestigious competition had existed for nearly 150 years without an all-women’s team. Then came Mighty Mary. Dismissed as a publicity stunt, the groundbreaking crew took on the best sailors in the world, defeated four-time America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner—and nearly disappeared from sports history. Abby and Julie sit down with Mighty Mary director and Olympian Mary Mazzio, team captain Dawn Riley, sailor Merritt Carey, and executive producer and narrator Elizabeth Banks to unpack the team’s incredible rise, the leadership failures and shady backroom decisions that changed everything, and why women must be in the rooms where decisions are made. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on the moments they didn’t realize were history while living them, debate the 1999 USWNT vs. today’s team, and reveal Abby’s hilarious “logical consequence” for her kids: watching all 184 of her goals. Mighty Mary opens in select theaters September 11. Visit MightyMaryFilm.com to find a screening near you. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: GO SEE Mighty Mary. Seriously. The incredible story of the groundbreaking 1995 women’s America’s Cup team opens in select theaters September 11. Find a theater near you and grab tickets: https://www.mightymaryfilm.com/ Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Take the More Than 4 Challenge and learn more about Zoe’s Goal, our September charity supporting childhood cancer research. A portion of proceeds from our merch store this month goes to Zoe’s Goal, too. https://zoesgoal.org/ Want to see where Dawn Riley is building the next generation of sailors? Check out Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, New York, where Dawn serves as Executive Director and trains sailors for the America’s Cup, Olympics and beyond. https://www.oakcliffsailing.org/ Mighty Mary awakened your inner sailor? The Women’s Match Racing World Championship is coming to San Francisco September 30–October 4: FOLLOW ALONG: https://www.sailing.org/our-sport/types-of-sailing/sailing-match-racing/ “Historically Speaking”? “The Party Before the Party”? We still need a name for our new history segment. Got something better? Send it to partypeoplequestions@gmail.com. And mark your calendars for the next America’s Cup. The 38th America’s Cup heads to Naples, Italy, in 2027, with the Match beginning July 10. https://www.americascup.com/38th-americascup And learn more about the woman who finally brought Mighty Mary’s story back to life. Mary Mazzio is an Olympic rower turned award-winning filmmaker whose work centers on overlooked people doing extraordinary things: https://www.50eggs.com/about/ From Mighty Mary to Maine lobster. Merritt Carey now works in fisheries and rural economic development and helped build the Tenants Harbor Fisherman’s Co-op, connecting local fishermen more directly with consumers and helping protect a working waterfront in Maine. https://lobsterfrommaine.com/lobstermen/merritt-carey/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
September 8 · 1 hr 4 min
How Women Athletes Are Taking Back Ownership of the Game
Party people, actor, producer and entrepreneur Gillian Anderson and former New Zealand captain and Crux Football founder Bex Smith are joining the party! Bex breaks down why women’s football can’t reach its full potential by simply copying the men’s model—and how Crux is building dedicated ownership, investment and infrastructure around the women’s game. Gillian shares why she invested in the mission, how Sex Education inspired her bestselling book Want and her G-Spot drinks, and why creating spaces for women to speak openly about desire has become part of her purpose. Plus, Billie Jean King explains why women’s teams need their own sales and commercial operations, Abby and Julie reflect on athletes becoming owners, and the group gets into player power, financial literacy, five Coca-Colas a day—and why the G-Spot remains so hard to find. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Want to see what Bex is building with Crux? Learn more about Crux Football and its mission to build women’s football around the women’s game, not just copy and paste the men’s model: https://www.cruxfootball.com/ Party People, Abby said it: get this book. Gillian Anderson’s Want is a collection of anonymous fantasies from women around the world — and yes, Gillian’s own is hiding in there somewhere: https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/want_9781419777301/ After all that G-Spot talk, obviously we had to give you the link. Meet Gillian Anderson’s line of functional drinks:https://us.thisisgspot.com/ The party before the party is WILD. Go deeper on the Dick, Kerr Ladies, the enormous Goodison Park crowd and the FA ban that pushed women’s football off its grounds for nearly 50 years: https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/stories/12-games-1920/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

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