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

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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. 1 DAY AGO

    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

  2. FEB 13

    The "WNT" Way: Explaining Emma Hayes' aim to revolutionize U.S. Soccer

    Emma Hayes has a new strategic vision for the U.S. women's national team, called 'The WNT Way'. Host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's Jeff Rueter to discuss how the new blueprint is attempting to revolutionize the existing approach to women's soccer in terms of anatomy, psychology, coaching and tactics. The duo also break down the latest USWNT roster for the upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the importance of a returning Cat Macario, and who are the new faces to watch. PLUS: Meg and Jeff open the show by examining how the NWSLPA and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman are responding to the latest government efforts to ban trans athletes. _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Jeff Rueter 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

  3. FEB 6

    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. JAN 30

    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. JAN 27

    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. JAN 23

    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

  7. JAN 16

    Casey Stoney explains her masterplan for Canada

    This week on Full Time, Casey Stoney joins the podcast to talk about her brand new job as the head coach of the Canadian women's national team. Sitting down with Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan, the former Manchester United and San Diego Wave boss reveals her thoughts on why she was the perfect fit, the importance of building trust with players, the legacy she wants to leave in Canada, and how to make the underdog nation a serious contender to win a World Cup in 2027. And, of course, they make time to chat a little about water coolers and long coats too. PLUS: Tamerra and Meg unpack and analyze Jaedyn Shaw's transfer from the Wave to the North Carolina Courage, and the Angel City and the community's response to the heartbreaking fires in Los Angeles County. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: Casey Stoney confirmed as new Canada Women head coach Mark Parsons, former NWSL coach, joins Angel City FC as sporting director: ‘I want to be here for as long as possible’ Canada’s new coach addresses drone scandal: ‘This is an opportunity for us to move forward’ USWNT’s Jaedyn Shaw traded to North Carolina Courage from San Diego Wave Los Angeles teams, Fanatics donate $11 million in money, merchandise to wildfire victims Soccer players Carlos Vela and Ali Riley lose homes in L.A. wildfires _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin GUEST: Casey Stoney PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Donations to LAFD foundation: https://supportlafd.org/ _______________ 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

  8. JAN 9

    Making sense of Gotham FC's 2025 offseason moves

    Happy 2025! It's a new year and a new season of Full Time with Meg Linehan! As the NWSL offseason heats up, one of the biggest talking points has been: What has been going on at NJ/NY Gotham FC? Well, to help answer that question, Gotham general manager Yael Averbuch West joins the podcast to talk about the transfers out of Lynn Williams and Yazmeen Ryan, the major signing of Brazilian international Gabi Portilho, and what it means for Gotham to be in the spotlight as a top club in the league. Meg Linehan and Theo Lloyd-Hughes also react to Emma Hayes' first U.S. women's national team roster of 2025, and break down the nuances of what it means for the U-23 players to also be joining up for the 'futures' camp in January. PLUS: Discussion on what to make of the NWSL dropping its schedule 'footprint' for 2025, the built-in summer break, and the return of the Challenge Cup as curtain raiser between the league's Shield and Championship winners. _______________ Articles mentioned on the show: USWNT head coach Emma Hayes looks to ‘bridge a gap’ for ‘lost generation’ with Futures Camp NWSL’s 2025 schedule footprint: Challenge Cup’s return, summer pause and updated roster rules San Diego Wave’s Jonas Eidevall says he has ‘no relationship’ with USWNT’s Emma Hayes after clash last year NWSL expansion adds Denver as 16th team, $110 million fee smashes record: Source _______________ HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Theo Lloyd-Hughes GUESTS: 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

    54 min
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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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