Billie Jean King

Shows

Episodes

  1. The Most Dominant Team in Sports History Is Facing a Reality Check

    1d ago

    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

  2. Ali Krieger & Joanna Lohman Reveal The Crazy Reality of The Amazing Race

    Oct 13

    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

  3. She Ran Into a Collapsing Building to Save a Child (Then Lost Her Legs)

    6d ago

    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

  4. First Trans Supreme Court Lawyer Exposes the Truth About Women’s Sports

    Oct 8

    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

  5. How 1.5 Million Followers Helped Coach Jackie Change Women’s Sports Media

    Oct 6

    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

  6. How The Savannah Bananas Built A Sports Empire

    Oct 1

    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

  7. What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes

    Jul 23

    What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes

    In Part 1 of this special three-part series, Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King take on one of the most complex and emotionally charged conversations in sports today: transgender athletes and the future of women's sports. Joined by Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports authors Dr. Anna Baeth and Ellie Roscher, they explore the facts, science, history and policy behind a debate that has become deeply politicized. Together, they examine questions of fairness, inclusion and opportunity while challenging common misconceptions with data, expert research and the lived experiences of transgender athletes. From the role of Title IX and the realities of elite competition to youth sports, body autonomy and what fairness in sports truly means, this conversation invites listeners to slow down, ask questions and engage with empathy. Even when the answers aren't simple. Whether you're uncertain, curious or firmly opinionated, this episode offers space to listen, learn and better understand one of the defining issues in sports today. *Since this episode was recorded, the WTA announced that all players will be required to undergo one-time SRY gene testing to compete on the women’s tour, bringing tennis into compliance with the IOC’s eligibility requirements ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.* 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: 1. Chris Mosier's website is the place to go for action steps and the most up to date policy information: https://www.transathlete.com/ 2. Fair Game by Ellie Roscher and Anna Baeth: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fair-game-trans-athletes-and-the-future-of-sports/ 3. There are free resources to pair with the book-- a book discussion guide for folks who want to read FAIR GAME in groups and go deeper and writing prompts for cis folks to explore their cis identity: https://ellieroscher.com/books/fair-game 4. Testosterone: An Unauthorized Biography by Rebecca Jordan-Young and Katrina Karkazis:  5. Fair Play by Katie Barnes: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/fair-play-how-sports-shape-the-gender-debates_katie-barnes/  Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  8. We Interviewed The Cast of Ted Lasso!

    Aug 4

    We Interviewed The Cast of Ted Lasso!

    Believe it, Party People: Ted Lasso is back and this time, women’s soccer is taking center stage. Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Billie Jean King sit down with Emmy-winning stars Jason Sudeikis and Hannah Waddingham for a joyful, thoughtful and very funny conversation about the long-awaited fourth season. Jason reveals how his daughter, the Lionesses, the New York Liberty and years of watching women’s sports inspired AFC Richmond’s new women’s team, and how real players and leaders helped shape the stories behind the season. Then, Hannah opens up about Rebecca Welton’s evolution, the subtle sexism women face in leadership and entertainment, mentoring other women and why true feminism sometimes means confronting your own blind spots. Plus, Jason reflects on how playing Ted has changed him, Hannah learns a legendary USWNT cheer and the Party puts both guests through a little musical chaos. It’s an episode about representation, leadership, belonging and the power of women’s sports, with plenty of laughs, heart and, naturally, a whole lot of belief.   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 *for the month of August part of the proceeds will go to the Whale Foundation.   Keep the Party Going: Watch Season 4 of Ted Lasso this Wednesday:https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy WPBL - Women’s Professional Baseball Season Schedule:https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/schedule/ Learn more about the Whale Foundation: https://www.whalefoundation.org/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  9. Welcome to the Peloton Party

    Sep 29

    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

  10. Rebecca Lobo Makes Her WNBA Championship Pick and Takes Us Inside UConn’s Dynasty

    Sep 22

    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

  11. The Greatest Athlete In Pitt History

    Sep 24

    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

  12. How A World Cup Legend Became President of US Soccer

    Aug 6

    How A World Cup Legend Became President of US Soccer

    U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone joins Welcome to the Party for a candid conversation about leading American soccer through one of the most transformative eras in its history. From negotiating equal pay and rebuilding trust within U.S. Soccer to opening the new Arthur M. Blank National Training Center and preparing for the 2027 Women’s World Cup and a historic 2031 tournament on home soil, Cindy shares what it really takes to lead through uncertainty. Abby, Julie, Billie Jean and Cindy also break down FIFA’s abandoned private investment proposal, why the men’s World Cup changed the conversation around soccer in America, Mauricio Pochettino’s contract extension, Emma Hayes’ lasting impact, and the work still ahead to make youth soccer more affordable, accessible and fun. It’s an inspiring conversation about leadership, teamwork, and why the future of American soccer has never looked brighter.   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: Learn more about the Whale Foundation: https://www.whalefoundation.org/ U.S. Soccer Forward Foundation: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/06/us-soccer-launches-soccer-forward-foundation   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  13. Julia Gets Wise with Billie Jean King

    04/24/2024

    Julia Gets Wise with Billie Jean King

    Today on Wiser Than Me, Julia sits down with 80-year-old tennis pro, activist, and LGBTQ+ icon Billie Jean King. Billie Jean delves into the nature of leadership, visualization, and her long journey towards self-acceptance. Inspired by the sports legend, Julia asks Billie Jean for advice about her niece’s college soccer career, as well as revealing the original spark that lit her own love of sports. Additionally, Julia’s mom, Judy, reflects on her generation's acceptance of societal norms and the transformative power of the feminist movement.   Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast.   Keep up with Billie Jean King @billiejeanking on Instagram.   Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms.   Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.    For exclusive discount codes and more information about our sponsors, visit https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/.  For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  14. The Woman Behind Picking Women's Team USA Roster

    Sep 1

    The Woman Behind Picking Women's Team USA Roster

    Five-time Olympic gold medalist, Basketball Hall of Famer, and Team USA’s first-ever Women’s National Team Managing Director Sue Bird joins the party! Before Sue stops by, Abby and Julie go back to the loss that helped build one of the most dominant dynasties in sports history and how Team USA women’s basketball turned back-to-back bronze medals into a culture that hasn’t lost an Olympic game since 1992. Then Sue takes us inside her newest role shaping the future of USA Basketball, from making the brutally difficult calls behind a stacked World Cup roster to carrying forward the standard set by legends like Dawn Staley, Lisa Leslie, and Sheryl Swoopes. She talks about why winning remains the North Star, handling the pressure that comes with Team USA, and what today’s players need to understand about putting the team above individual stats. Plus, Sue opens up about life on the other side of retirement, becoming a broadcaster, navigating social media noise, and why the next phase of growth in women’s sports needs more than investment, it needs strategy. And with the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup tipping off September 4, the Party People are officially ready to cheer Team USA all the way to Berlin. 🇺🇸🏀   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 — and for September, a portion of proceeds supports Zoe’s Goal and childhood cancer research.   Keep the Party Going: Want more Sue Bird in your life? We do too. Follow Bird’s Eye View for Sue’s take on the WNBA, women’s basketball, the people shaping the game and everything happening around it: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-eye-view-with-sue-bird/id1812530040 UConn people, this one is for you. Want to hear more about what Geno really thinks of Sue — and go deep on anything and everything UConn? The Dynasty: UConn Huskies goes inside 40 years of Geno, championships, pressure, personalities and the players who built the standard: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/the-dynasty-uconn-huskies/umc.cmc.1xd5z7o77x0f6g6laf1vfbdn0 Party People, clear the calendar. Team USA is headed to Berlin. The FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup runs September 4–13, with the U.S. opening against China on September 4: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026 And yes, you can watch it all unfold. Find where to watch the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in the U.S.: https://www.fiba.basketball/en/events/fiba-womens-basketball-world-cup-2026/where-to-watch Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything more than four times, nominate four friends and donate more than $4 to help fund childhood cancer research through Zoe’s Goal. And this month, a portion of Welcome to the Party merch proceeds will support Zoe’s Goal too: https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal Meet Zoe Suder and learn more about the mission behind Zoe’s Goal: Scoring Against Childhood Cancer. LEARN MORE + DONATE: https://zoesgoal.org/    Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  15. It's Hard Not To Like The Person You Become

    Aug 11

    It's Hard Not To Like The Person You Become

    What deserves our attention in women’s sports and what are we choosing to amplify? Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Billie Jean King dig into the noise surrounding the WNBA, from Caitlin Clark and the league’s growing pains to the stories of joy, excellence and record-breaking performances they’d rather see dominating the conversation. Plus, they break down new research from the Women’s Sports Foundation on movement and body appreciation, react to the Cleveland Sirens’ vision for building a WNBA franchise around women’s sports fans, and somehow find their way to “Boob Gate” at the Tour de France Femmes. Then, record-breaking ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler joins the party fresh off spending 43 days, 17 hours and 55 minutes alone at sea, rowing more than 2,400 miles from California to Hawaii. Kelsey takes us inside the storms, extreme sleep deprivation, meticulous preparation and very real fear that came with becoming the fastest person, man or woman, to complete the solo crossing. She shares why bravery can’t exist without fear, how endurance is as much emotional as it is physical, and why getting older might actually make us better at doing really hard things.   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: Women’s Sports Foundation Built to Move Study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Built-to-Move.pdf  Our episode with the Authors of Fair Game where we take a deep dive into Transgender athletes: What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes Follow Kelsey Pfendler:https://www.instagram.com/kelseypfendler/?hl=en Part of our proceeds from our merch this month will go to the Whale Foundation, the organization that helped Kelsey through some of her toughest times:https://www.whalefoundation.org/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  16. How Sarah Spain Used Traditional Sports Media to Build the Future

    Aug 18

    How Sarah Spain Used Traditional Sports Media to Build the Future

    Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist and Good Game host Sarah Spain finally joins the party! Sarah gets into why she’s betting big on women’s sports, literally, what she learned from becoming a team investor, and why leaving the daily grind of men’s sports coverage has brought more joy and purpose to her work. She also opens up about navigating sexism throughout her career, the growing tension between journalism and rage-bait, and why trustworthy, thoughtful coverage will be essential as women’s sports continue to explode. Then, Sarah introduces Abby and Julie to the idea of “collective effervescence”, the shared energy we feel when we experience something together and perfectly explains why women’s sports can feel like so much more than sports. Plus: Kelsie Whitmore’s post-WTTP home run tear, a legendary weekend for women’s basketball, an unforgettable WAFCON run, the Maryland Charm make history, Sarah flexes her improv skills, and the Party tries the impossible: stumping Sarah Spain.   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: Get your daily women’s sports fix; listen to The Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-game-with-sarah-spain/id1752100672 More Spainer in your feed? Yes please. Follow: https://www.instagram.com/spain2323/ Want to go deeper on “collective effervescence”? Read Jia Tolentino’s: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/05/27/losing-religion-and-finding-ecstasy-in-houston Gio Canali’s possible goal of the year: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Db9poIHtl_O/ The Welcome to the Party effect is real! Here’s where it all started with Kelsie Whitmore: youtube.com/watch?si=EO3coHz3Wc-MxVAt&v=0rcw12-cvwc&feature=youtu.be Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  17. The Volleyball Star Who Changed The Game

    Jul 30

    The Volleyball Star Who Changed The Game

    Nebraska volleyball star Harper Murray joins Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy live from Fanatics Fest to talk about her rise as one of college volleyball’s biggest names. Harper reflects on playing in front of a record-breaking 92,003 fans, navigating NIL and social media, prioritizing her mental health and stepping into a leadership role ahead of her senior season. She also shares what she has learned from Nebraska’s toughest NCAA Tournament losses, what makes Cornhusker volleyball culture so special and how she is preparing for another national championship run, before facing Abby and Julie in a chaotic live volleyball challenge.   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 Harper on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/harpermurrayy/ Nebraska’s Schedule:https://huskers.com/sports/volleyball/schedule Nebraska to play a 1 Million Dollar Game at AT&T Stadium: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49471859/marquee-matchups-set-1m-women-volleyball-exhibition    Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  18. Abby Wambach’s Emotional US Open Confession

    Sep 15

    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

  19. Olivia Miles Is Making WNBA History—and She’s Just Getting Started

    Aug 25

    Olivia Miles Is Making WNBA History—and She’s Just Getting Started

    WNBA rookie sensation Olivia Miles is at the party! The history-making point guard joins Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy and Billie Jean King as her rare combination of old-school playmaking and modern scoring puts her squarely in the MVP conversation. The crew also celebrates record-breaking crowds and ratings across women’s sports, previews the star power returning to the US Open and gets the story behind Kinger’s iconic blue suede Adidas shoes from the Battle of the Sexes. Plus, University of Arizona sophomore Zoe Suder shares how Zoe’s Goal and the More Than Four Challenge are turning her cancer journey into action for childhood cancer research.   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: Kinger’s blue suede shoes are BACK. Check out the adidas re-release of the shoes Billie Jean King made history in during the 1973 Battle of the Sexes: https://news.adidas.com/racket-sports/adidas-honors-billie-jean-king-with-the-return-of-her-iconic-blue-suede-shoe/s/7594f56e-e7a8-4153-8e8d-93946e77df1a Party People, it’s time to do More Than Four. Juggle anything more than four times, nominate four friends and donate more than $4 to help fund childhood cancer research through Zoe’s Goal. TAKE THE CHALLENGE: https://zoesgoal.org/ Kinger gave us homework: Title IX is only 37 words. Go read them: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/title-ix-and-sex-discrimination Keep up with Swaggy. Follow Olivia Miles on Instagram for more of the goggles, the swagger and her rookie ride with Minnesota: ​​https://www.instagram.com/_oliviamiles_/?hl=en   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  20. The Female Cyclist Stealing Strava Records & Breaking the Internet

    Sep 17

    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

Billie Jean King on Apple