Full Time with Meg Linehan: A show about women's soccer

Full Time with Meg Linehan: A show about women's soccer

Full Time with Meg Linehan is a weekly soccer podcast expanding The Athletic’s coverage of the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international soccer. Meg and co-host Tamerra Griffin tackle the culture, context, and conversations about the sport here in America and beyond, with help from fellow writers, guests and insiders from all corners of the game.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Don't panic over the USWNT's loss to Japan, plus Mark Parsons' Angel City vision

    This week on Full Time, Meg Linehan and Jeff Rueter break down the USWNT's SheBelieves Cup performance, including the 2-1 defeat to Japan. Is it time to push the panic button? Or do we need to lean into Emma Hayes' call for patience and development? In addition to picking the bones on the first defeat for the USA under Hayes, Meg and Jeff give their takes on USA newcomers, give lots of flowers to Japan, and debate the state of the USA midfield. After all that, Angel City FC sporting director Mark Parsons then joins the show for an exclusive interview to talk about his vision for the Los Angeles NWSL club, as well as the latest on their head coaching vacancy. PLUS: Meg and Jeff close out the show by getting their fashion on. Yes, over a dozen new NWSL kits have been released, and it's time to have some fun unpacking the good, the bad, and the ugly. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team 2025 NWSL jerseys: What the teams say about the new releases and our favorites Japan unseats USWNT in SheBelieves Cup, ending 5-year tournament winning streak Angel City narrows coaching search to 4 candidates, sporting director says _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Jeff Rueter GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Megan Feringa PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Mykah Rodriguez EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  2. 20 FEB

    Talking USWNT and SheBelieves Cup with former captain Becky Sauerbrunn

    Special guest Becky Sauerbrunn joins host Meg Linehan to talk all things USWNT, the SheBelieves Cup, and her post-career transition to broadcasting with TNT Sports, as well as her podcasting with Sam Mewis. The conversation also dips into being on the other side of the media divide, USWNT leadership, and what Sauerbrunn's latest books and TV recommendations are. Later on in the show, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei joins Meg to report on the ground from Houston, Texas, where the SheBelieves Cup kicks off. What is the atmosphere like in camp? How is Emma Hayes and her experimental team approaching these matches? And, could the three visiting nations be in more of a 'win-now' headspace? PLUS: Meg gets you caught up on all the Luis Rubiales trial, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's powerful statement, and other international and NWSL news from another busy week in women's soccer. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault and fined €10,000 for kissing Jenni Hermoso at World Cup Chloe Kelly on Arsenal, England and what happens next: ‘I’m ready to learn and be happy again’ USWNT names to watch during the SheBelieves Cup. Plus, Khadija Shaw’s powerful moment 2025 NWSL Competition Manual: What’s New _______________ HOST: Meg Linehan GUESTS: Becky Sauerbrunn, Melanie Anzidei PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
  3. 6 FEB

    Why NWSL is paying players $5 million in restitution over past abuse scandal

    This week Full Time unpacks the outcome of a joint investigation by the attorneys general of the District of Columbia, Illinois, and New York into systemic abuse within the National Women's Soccer League from 2013 until 2021. As a result, the NWSL must create a $5 million player compensation fund as part of a settlement regarding its role in widespread allegations of abuse. We examine how we got here and what made the 2021 NWSL reckoning so impactful. What does this restitution fund mean for the league and women's soccer worldwide? Why is it important to note that the NWSL Players Association is the one forcing the league to be accountable? Hear from former players Erin Simon and Tori Huster as well as NWSLPA executive Meghann Burke as they reflect on the week's historic settlement. PLUS: The trial of former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales is underway in Madrid. How does it intersect with the NWSL's landmark changes and the broader landscape of making women's soccer safer around the world? _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: NWSL agrees to pay $5 million to players who suffered abuse in new settlement NWSL players pause games in protest as games return in wake of Paul Riley investigation ‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion Luis Rubiales trial: Jorge Vilda spoke of ‘consequences’ for Jenni Hermoso, claims her brother _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Theo Lloyd-Hughes PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  4. 30 JAN

    How Denver won the bid to become NWSL’s 16th team

    Denver has officially been announced as the NWSL's 16th expansion team. But how did this ownership group win the bid? This week on Full Time, Meg Linehan and Theo Lloyd-Hughes focus on understanding what made Denver special. To help do that, NWSL commissioner Jess Berman joins the show to give the inside scoop on how the league evaluated the bids. Then, Athletic staff writer Melanie Anzidei discusses her report on the bidding process, the latest news on a stadium, and anecdotes from talking to lead investor Rob Cohen. Finally, Full Time catches up with For Denver FC co-founder, broadcaster, and Colorado native Jordan Angeli to talk about the community aspect and what NWSL fans can expect as Denver joins the chaos. There's even time to contemplate who could be Denver's first-ever player. PLUS: The latest transfer news from around the NWSL, Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger leave Gotham FC, and plenty of stars extend their contracts, too. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Inside Denver’s winning NWSL bid: How grassroots and confidence beat stadium plans and Caitlin Clark After Naomi Girma’s record-breaking transfer, who will be the next major-money move? Alyssa and Gisele Thompson agree new Angel City contract extensions USWNT’s Crystal Dunn, Gotham FC agree to mutually part ways Arsenal and Gotham FC agree to $100,000 transfer of USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger Chelsea’s unveiling of USWNT star Naomi Girma, the support act to main event of stamping authority on WSL Portland Thorns, Sophia Smith agree to contract extension: ‘I’m in the prime years of my career’ _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Theo Lloyd-Hughes GUESTS: Jessica Berman, Melanie Anzidei, Jordan Angeli PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    56 min
  5. 27 JAN

    What Naomi Girma’s record $1.1 million transfer to Chelsea means for NWSL

    It's an emergency episode of Full Time.  On Sunday, Chelsea officially announced the transfer of U.S. women's national team defender Naomi Girma from the San Diego Wave for a record fee of $1.1 million.  Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan break down the deal, from the timeline of Girma's transfer request to the chain reaction around the globe.  Jessy Parker Humphreys joins from Stamford Bridge where Girma was unveiled ahead of Chelsea's WSL match against Arsenal. Then, Matt Slater unpacks the business and economics of this historic transfer.  Before closing out, Tamerra and Meg discuss listeners' burning questions about the stunning move, and what it means to see one of the biggest USWNT players leave the NWSL.  _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Chelsea and San Diego finalizing record $1.1 million transfer for USWNT’s Naomi Girma: Sources USWNT’s Naomi Girma completes Chelsea move for record transfer fee in women’s soccer The first $1m female footballer will be a defender and that feels just right USWNT defender Naomi Girma as $1m transfer pioneer should surprise nobody _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin GUESTS: Jessy Parker Humphreys, Matt Slater PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    53 min
  6. 23 JAN

    How rookies navigate a world without an NWSL draft

    This week on Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take a deep dive into the new world of NCAA rookie free agency. Since the NWSLPA inked a new CBA with the league in 2024, which abolished the draft, what has it been like to navigate turning pro in this historic offseason? To help with the discussion, Tamerra and Meg spoke to rookies out of UCLA, Quincy McMahon (now San Diego Wave) and Lilly Reale (now Gotham FC), soccer agent Gabriel Chapman from Inspired XI, and Gotham FC GM Yael Averbuch-West. PLUS: Meg unpacks her reporting on the impending world-record transfer of Naomi Girma to Chelsea. And, while talking a little NWSL and English WSL crossover, The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur joins the show to give the latest on the title race, an instantly classic Manchester Derby, and what Girma's signing means. Oh, and yes, the schedule is out. Meg says so. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Chelsea and San Diego finalizing record $1.1 million transfer for USWNT’s Naomi Girma: Sources Manchester City complete signing of Kerolin from North Carolina Courage USWNT defender Naomi Girma as $1m transfer pioneer should surprise nobody NWSL schedule release: Key matchups, how to watch and the return of Decision Day Manchester United’s intensity forced City into the errors that sealed historic win _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin GUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Quincy McMahon, Lilly Reale, Gabriel Chapman, Yael Averbuch-West PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
4.7
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Full Time with Meg Linehan is a weekly soccer podcast expanding The Athletic’s coverage of the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international soccer. Meg and co-host Tamerra Griffin tackle the culture, context, and conversations about the sport here in America and beyond, with help from fellow writers, guests and insiders from all corners of the game.

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