Billie Jean King

Shows

Episodes

  1. Inside the Mind of England’s Greatest Footballer

    12h ago

    Inside the Mind of England’s Greatest Footballer

    Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are back from vacation with family reunions, wakeboarding injuries and one very bold Tahoe bear, then it’s straight into a packed week in women’s sports. They break down the biggest moments from WNBA All-Star Weekend, celebrate new champions in softball and women’s tackle football, catch up on the U.S. track and field championships and unpack the World Cup Google searches that had everyone asking the important questions…like whether Europe has ranch. Then, live from Gotham FC’s record-breaking Queens Classic at Citi Field, Abby and Julie sit down with English football legend Lucy Bronze. The most decorated English footballer of all time opens up about watching the women’s game transform around her, the childhood Google search that led her to UNC, playing through the Euros with a broken leg and why “Tough” is quite literally her middle name. Lucy also reflects on her autism and ADHD diagnoses, the response she received after speaking publicly about them, the future of women’s football and whether an NWSL chapter could ever be in the cards. It’s a conversation about toughness, visibility, untapped talent and the barriers women’s sports continue to smash, one record-breaking night at a time. 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 Lucy Bronze: https://www.instagram.com/lucybronze/ Gotham’s Record Breaking Queen’s Classic: https://www.gothamfc.com/schedule/washington-spirit-2026-07-16 Check out the WNBA’s Instagram for all the great highlights of the weekend: https://www.instagram.com/wnba The StudBudz excited when “The President” Caitlin Clark stops by the Stream to drop off her new Nike Caitlin 1 shoe: https://x.com/sluggahjells/status/2081147650900922446?s=48 President Obama dropping by the WNBA All Star Practice: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbLj6QfxQVO/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  2. What Everyone Gets Wrong About Trans Athletes

    5d ago

    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

  3. The Biggest World Cup Reunion

    Jul 16

    The Biggest World Cup Reunion

    It’s the ultimate World Cup reunion as Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy bring together generations of U.S. Women’s National Team legends, including Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, Kristine Lilly, Becky Sauerbrunn, Julie Ertz and more. The group reflects on the joy, energy and community surrounding this World Cup, breaks down the U.S. men’s heartbreaking exit and gets candid about what was missing when the pressure was highest. Then, the ’99ers and 2015 champions share emotional, hilarious and rarely heard stories from their own World Cup runs, from the moment they realized an entire country was behind them to the goals, saves, locker-room memories and lifelong sisterhood that changed women’s soccer forever. It’s a celebration of the players who built the game, the generations who carried it forward and the unforgettable feeling of representing your country on the world’s biggest stage. Follow the 99er’s movie and celebrate all things 99ers: https://www.instagram.com/the99ersteam/ Becky Sauerbrunn - Catch Teaming Up With Becky Sauerbrunn weekly podcast (part of Sam Mewis’s The Women’s Game podcast). https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtNimwVrgGBLKQYK-7MgDDmZFIywBhKrx And follow Becky on social @reeba04 https://www.instagram.com/reeba04/  Julie Ertz - Listen to Julie’s amazing new podcast Style of Play, co-hosted with Kealia Watt - https://styleofplayshow.com/ - And follow Julie on social @julieertz - https://www.instagram.com/julieertz/  Michelle Akers - Co-founder of Storied Sports, a storytelling and athlete IP company - https://www.storiedsports.com/team-2 - And follow Michelle on social at @officialmichelleakers - https://www.instagram.com/officialmichelleakers/  Briana Scurry - Follow Briana at https://briscurry.com/ - And follow Briana on social, @briscurry - https://www.instagram.com/briscurry/  Mia Hamm - Co-founder of the Mia Hamm Foundation and part-owner of Angel City FC - https://www.miafoundation.org/ - And follow Mia on social, @miahamm - https://www.instagram.com/miahamm/  Kristine Lilly - Runs the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy, Author of POWERHOUSE, and member of the NWSL team Boston Legacy’s Athlete Advisory Board. - https://kristinelilly13.com/book/ and https://kristinelilly13.com/klsa-camp/ - And follow Kristine on social, @kristinelilly - https://www.instagram.com/kristinelilly/  Brandi Chastain - Co-founder of NWSL team, Bay FC. - https://bayfc.com/ - And follow Brandi on social, @bchastain6 - https://www.instagram.com/bchastain6/ Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  4. The Wild Story of Hockey’s Ultimate BFFs

    Jul 21

    The Wild Story of Hockey’s Ultimate BFFs

    Olympic gold medalists, three-time national champions and lifelong best friends K.K. Harvey and Laila Edwards are joining the party—along with tennis icon Billie Jean King. For more than a decade, K.K. and Laila have trained, lived and won together. Now, after being selected by different PWHL expansion teams, they're preparing to face off as professional rivals. They take us behind their unforgettable Olympic gold-medal run, winning another NCAA championship with Wisconsin just weeks later, and the friendship that gave them the confidence to believe they belonged on the world's biggest stage. Laila reflects on making history as the first Black woman to win Olympic hockey gold for Team USA and what it means to inspire the next generation of young athletes. K.K. shares why she always knew Laila would make the national team—even before Laila believed it herself. Plus, they reveal the truth behind their hilariously short-lived attempt at raising a bunny, put their TikTok skills to the test with Julie, Abby and Billie Jean, and answer who is most likely to lose an Olympic medal, miss the team bus or own the dance floor. In the Party Starter, we celebrate the record-breaking rise of women's rugby, professional women's hockey, and adaptive and para sports. Come for the Olympic champions. Stay for the bunny drama. Welcome to the Party!   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 KK on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kkharvey/ and TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@kkharvey4/ Follow Laila on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/laila_edwards/ and TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@ledwards21 Women’s Elite Rugby Schedule:https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2026-schedule   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  5. USMNT Red Card Was Overturned

    Jul 7

    USMNT Red Card Was Overturned

    Abby has officially lost her voice but luckily, Glennon Doyle is here to sub in, translate, and somehow survive being pulled off the bench at Taylor and Travis’s wedding. Julie, Abby, and Glennon kick things off with a hilarious recap of Abby’s weekend of screaming, soccer, wedding small talk, and one very stressful pocket watch. Then, the crew dives into the World Cup red card controversy that has everyone talking unpacking what happens when politics, power, FIFA, and fairness collide on the biggest stage in sports. Plus, they celebrate record-breaking rower Kelsey Fiedler, react to the 2026 WNBA All-Star starters, check in on Billie Jean King at Wimbledon, and break down the latest tennis headlines from Venus, Serena, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Madison Keys, and more. And because this is Welcome to the Party, the episode wraps with a psychic cat, a Balogun chant, and one very important reminder: when women in sports win, we all have a reason to party. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:YouTube — @welcometothepartyshowInstagram — @welcometothepartyshowTikTok — @welcometothepartyshowEmail — partypeoplequestions@gmail.comSubstack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.comWelcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going:Follow Kelsey Pfendler: https://www.instagram.com/kelseypfendler/?hl=enListen to Glennon on We Can do Hard Things: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things/id1564530722WNBA All-Stars: https://www.wnba.com/news/all-star-starters-2026Billy the Cat Predictions: https://www.instagram.com/billy_heartnose/ Thank you to our sponsors:-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  6. Julie Foudy & Abby Wambach Answer Your Crazy Sports Questions

    Jun 25

    Julie Foudy & Abby Wambach Answer Your Crazy Sports Questions

    In this Party People Q&A episode, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King hand the mic over to the listeners and tackle the questions everyone actually wants answered. From the very real challenge of returning to sports in midlife, when your brain remembers one body and your knees remember another, to the eternal mystery of soccer’s offside rule, the trio brings their signature mix of wisdom, honesty, and chaos. Billie shares why strength, patience, and listening to your body matter more than trying to jump back in at full speed, Abby talks about learning new sports and taking ownership of your own growth, and Julie makes a passionate case for why offside keeps soccer beautiful, strategic, and just confusing enough to keep parents yelling from the sidelines. They also get into youth coaching, how kids can build confidence and skill outside of formal training, what makes a women’s sports league worth investing in, and the story behind the Welcome to the Party theme song. Plus: Billie’s iconic red glasses, Julie’s fancy hats, and a reminder that this party belongs to the Party People.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store  SUBSTACK - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  7. E.R. Fightmaster & Katie Kershaw Take Over Welcome To The Party

    Jul 2

    E.R. Fightmaster & Katie Kershaw Take Over Welcome To The Party

    This week, Welcome to the Party gets a full Pride Month takeover as Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are joined by Jockular’s E.R. Fightmaster and Katie Kershaw for a hilarious, heartfelt crossover episode about queering up the World Cup, the undeniable LGBTQ+ roots of women’s sports, and why the gayest team always wins. From rewriting FIFA rules with short shorts, “Are We Sure, Babe?” VAR reviews, and Brandi Carlile opening ceremonies, to honoring the queer athletes and fans who helped build women’s sports culture from the margins, this episode is equal parts chaos, comedy, and celebration. Plus, the group debates the gayest USWNT era, the 1999 sports-bra moment, WNBA Pride energy, Abby’s LA Sparks doppelgänger, Jockular’s Queer Madness bracket, and Julie’s official induction as “the gayest non-gay person” they know. It’s Pride, it’s soccer, it’s women’s sports, and yes, it’s absolutely for the gays.   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 Jocular Here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jockular/id1732760459 See Jocular’s Queer Madness Bracket: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWwKcilEjTo/?hl=en   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  8. Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Reinventing Herself

    May 12

    Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Reinventing Herself

    This week, Megan Rapinoe joins the party and this might be one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Pinoe opens up about the emotional reality of retirement, losing the structure and identity that came with elite competition, and what happens when one of the most recognizable athletes in the world suddenly has to figure out who she is outside of the game. She talks candidly about the grief of leaving soccer behind, navigating public life and parasocial relationships, struggling to find purpose in year two of retirement, and learning how to separate “Megan Rapinoe the person” from “Megan Rapinoe the icon.” She also shares what’s exciting her now: photography, storytelling, investing in women’s sports, creative freedom, and building the future of the game through media and culture. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on their own retirements, the pressure of elite sports, and why life after competition can be so much harder than anyone prepares you for. Before the interview, the crew dives into WNBA opening weekend, Allyson Felix’s possible comeback, Rachel Entrekin making ultramarathon history, Abby receiving her fourth honorary degree at Duke, and more women’s sports headlines from around the party.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Follow Ultramarathoner Rachel Entrekin Check Out the UCLA teammates Reunited in the WNBA Learn More About Allyson Felix’s Fight For Mothers: Allyson Felix Took On Corporate Sports—and Won | Welcome To The Party and https://www.olympics.com/en/news/advocacy-allyson-felix-fight-for-maternal-rights-sports NCAA Women’s Softball Tournament Schedule Follow the UCLA’s Women’s Beach Volleyball Team Dallas Pulse split Major League Volleyball’s 1 Million dollar prize A Touch More Podcast - starting June 11th, Megan Rapinoe will be telling the story of the 2026 World Cup Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  9. Serena & Venus Are Back at Wimbledon?! Billie Jean King Spills the Tea

    Jun 30

    Serena & Venus Are Back at Wimbledon?! Billie Jean King Spills the Tea

    Wimbledon is here, and the Party People are going across the pond for a very proper tea party with Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss. Abby and Julie kick things off with World Cup fever, breaking down the USMNT’s knockout-round path, Cape Verde’s historic run, Gotham FC’s Challenge Cup win, and the latest NWSL shakeups. Then it’s all things Wimbledon: Billie’s 65th straight trip to the tournament, the traditions that make it unlike any other Grand Slam, Ilana’s own Wimbledon history, and the stories only these two legends can tell. Plus, Serena and Venus Williams are back, and Billie and Ilana weigh in on what it really takes to return to the sport’s biggest stage in your 40s.   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 Easter Seals: https://www.easterseals.com/ Wimbledon Schedule: https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/scores/schedule Foudy’s Football Store: https://foudys.com and on social https://www.instagram.com/wearefoudys/ USA Special Olympics: https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

  10. Rachel Entrekin is the First Woman To Win Cocodona 250 Ultramarathon

    May 21

    Rachel Entrekin is the First Woman To Win Cocodona 250 Ultramarathon

    This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with ultra marathon phenomenon Rachel Entrekin after her historic win at the Cocodona 250, where she became the first woman ever to win the entire field, beating every runner, male and female, across more than 250 brutal miles through the Arizona desert and mountains. Rachel opens up about the mental side of endurance, the self-doubt that crept in while leading the race for nearly 200 miles, and why ultra running has become less about winning and more about discovering who she is when things get hard. She talks candidly about therapy, body image, eating disorders, learning to trust herself without obsessing over data, and the surprising “vibes-based” mindset behind one of the greatest endurance performances the sport has ever seen. Before the interview, Abby and Julie catch up on the upcoming Netflix 99ers project, the Indigo Girls concert that had Abby scream-singing all night, and the emotional milestone of Tish finishing her freshman year. Then the Party Starter dives into the biggest women’s sports storylines heading into summer, from new women’s lacrosse, softball, and baseball leagues launching across the country to growing youth sports burnout and what parents can do to help kids actually enjoy sports again. Plus: the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera, Ally House in Los Angeles, WNBA and NWSL summer storylines, and why women’s sports fans are heading into one of the biggest summers yet.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Reserve Your Spot at The Ally House - June 4, 2026 in Santa Monica, CA: https://www.ally.com/ally-house Why Do Girls Drop Out of Soccer? Complete the HERStoPLAY Survey The Women’s Lacrosse League The Women’s Pro Baseball League Professional Softball League The Athlete’s Unlimited Softball League Our Burnout Episode - The Youth Sports Problem No One Talks About⁠ Follow Rachel Entrekin Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code WELCOMETOTHEPARTY at OSEAMalibu.com - Elevate your summer wardrobe at Quince.com/welcometotheparty

  11. Why 90% of New College Sports Revenue is Planned for Male Athletes

    Jun 23

    Why 90% of New College Sports Revenue is Planned for Male Athletes

    On the 54th anniversary of Title IX, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King look ahead at the future of women’s sports in a rapidly changing college athletics landscape. Joined by Women’s Sports Foundation President Swin Cash and CEO Danette Leighton, the hosts break down NIL, revenue sharing, the NCAA settlement, collectives, and the growing concern that women’s sports and Olympic programs could be left behind as new money floods the system. Together, they unpack why Title IX still matters as much today as it did in 1972, what’s at stake for girls and women at every level of sport, and how intentional investment, transparency, and advocacy can protect the next generation of athletes and leaders.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store    Keep the Party Going: Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/ Play to Lead Study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/articles_and_report/play-to-lead/?_gl=1*1eia117*_gcl_au*MjEwNDczOTczMy4xNzgyMTYzMTIw Title IX Resources Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/title-ix-and-sex-discrimination?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Learn more at Levi.com -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Goodles is available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers -Learn more about All Free Clear at https://www.all-laundry.com/ -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Use code Welcome to the Party at https://www.omahasteaks.com/ -Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.

  12. Why Messi is Proving the Haters Wrong

    Jun 18

    Why Messi is Proving the Haters Wrong

    Men’s World Cup fever has officially taken over the party. Abby and Julie break down the start of what feels like the biggest Men’s World Cup yet, from the USMNT’s electric opening win and the power of playing on home soil, to Messi making history, Marta still owning the record books, and the global fan chaos that makes this tournament so magical. Plus, they catch up on the latest across women’s sports: Serena and Venus reuniting at Wimbledon, Wimbledon increasing prize money, the WNBA expanding to a 50-game season, the Indiana Fever quieting the drama with wins, the Commissioner’s Cup heating up, USWNT-Brazil fallout, and major PWHL movement with Hilary Knight heading to Detroit. It’s Men’s World Cup obsession, women’s sports headlines, and a reminder that sports might just be the great unifier we need right now.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com   Keep the Party Going: We’ve got Welcome to the Party MERCH!! https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/ The PWHL Award Winners: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/awards The WNBA Commissioner Cup Standings:https://www.wnba.com/standings/commissioners-cup Follow Freddy the German Tourist: https://x.com/FreddyLA7?lang=en The World Cup 15: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZn4EZ9PjdS/ Follow Cape Verde Goalie: Vozinha:https://www.instagram.com/vozinha1/ Boston Loves Their Scots: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZl0_zltP_2/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Pick up a bottle of all® free clear detergent for your next laundry day -Sign up and get 10% off at http://betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty -Apple Card is reliable, straightforward, and built to keep up. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today -This Father’s Day, give your dad something meaningful. Go to www.remento.co and use code WELCOME to save $20 through Father’s Day

  13. The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil

    Jun 9

    The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil

    World Cup fever is officially here…but so are the complications. This week, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach dive into the magic, madness, and massive stakes of the World Cup returning to North America. From the U.S. Men’s National Team’s chances on home soil to the sky-high ticket prices, FIFA chaos, fan concerns, and the unifying power of soccer, Abby and Julie break down why this tournament still has the potential to be transformative. Plus, the Party Starter covers Nelly Korda’s historic U.S. Women’s Open comeback, a chaotic French Open, Texas going back-to-back at the Women’s College World Series, Sophia Wilson’s return to the USWNT, and a little golf etiquette mayhem from Abby and Julie’s trip to Ally House. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Reserve Your Spot at Our FIFA x Airbnb Watch Party - June 19, 2026 in Culver City, CA: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6995610?location=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States¤tTab=experience_tab&federatedSearchId=c744bc22-5a75-4e00-9eec-6e877b0a19f7§ionId=3be13c00-955a-4822-82b9-3075f7d5ef51 The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is a human rights organisation for the world of sport. Their mission is to advance a world of sport that fully respects and promotes human rights by generating awareness, building capacity and delivering impact: https://www.sporthumanrights.org/about-us/ Follow the No Laying Up podcast: https://www.instagram.com/nolayingup/?hl=en Follow Tisha Alyn: https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/?hl=en Athletes Unlimited Softball League kicks off today, schedule of games found here: https://theausl.com/schedule/?season=369 Professional Softball League (PSL) launches its inaugural season on Friday, June 12: https://www.instagram.com/professionalsoftballleague/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Get a $49 annual membership with promo code podcast at http://www.Shipt.com/offer. Terms apply. -Use code WELCOME at http://www.remento.co to save $20 through Father’s Day -Goodles are available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers

  14. The Hardest Part of Parenting No One Talks About

    May 19

    The Hardest Part of Parenting No One Talks About

    Motherhood is changing for Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy and this might be one of the most vulnerable conversations they’ve had yet. In this special episode of Welcome to the Party, Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King reflect on parenting, “mothering” beyond biology, and the emotional reality of raising kids who are learning to leave home. Abby opens up about preparing for empty nesting, why it feels strangely similar to retiring from professional sports, and how therapy is helping her navigate this next chapter. Julie shares the challenges of trusting teenagers to become independent adults, while Billie Jean King reflects on mentoring generations of athletes and why “mothering” can come from anyone. The conversation explores parenting, identity, therapy, trust, stepparenting, chosen family, youth independence, and the emotional transition of watching your children grow up. Plus, the hosts react to powerful clips from BetterHelp’s Motherhood With You series and discuss the balance between helping your kids and learning when to let go. This episode is presented in partnership with BetterHelp and features conversations around mental health, parenting, motherhood, empty nesting, therapy, family dynamics, and personal growth.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Therapy can be life changing, especially when it comes to understanding yourself and how you care for others. Our special episode on motherhood and mental health is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you're interested in therapy, learn more at https://www.betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty Watch the Betterhelp videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode.

  15. Charlotte North Opens Up About USA Women's Lacrosse

    Jun 16

    Charlotte North Opens Up About USA Women's Lacrosse

    Women’s lacrosse is having a major moment, and Charlotte North is one of the biggest reasons why. This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with Charlotte North, two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, national champion, Team USA world champion, Boston Guard captain, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and one of the most electric players in the game. Charlotte breaks down why lacrosse is growing faster than ever, what the new Women’s Lacrosse League means for the future of the sport, and why the 2028 Olympics could be a total game-changer for women’s lacrosse. Before Charlotte joins the party, Abby and Julie get into the World Cup fever taking over the country, the emotional power of sports to bring people together, Abby’s new role as unofficial USMNT lucky charm, and a special lacrosse-themed Party Starter covering the Olympics, pro leagues, NCAA dynasties, and the Indigenous history of “the creator’s game.” Plus: two-point goals, stick-drop celebrations, Whitney Houston vocals, and the very important question: when are Abby and Julie playing lacrosse?   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com   Keep the Party Going: Follow Freddy the German World Cup Fan: https://x.com/FreddyLA7/ Follow https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/ Women’s Lacrosse League Schedule: https://thewll.com/schedule Follow Women’s Lacrosse League: https://www.instagram.com/wll  Follow Charlotte North: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/