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 — [email protected]   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

Motherhood, basketball, and a brand new WNBA season collide in this special Mother’s Day episode of Welcome to the Party. Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy reflect on the many forms of “mothering,” share stories about the women who shaped them, and celebrate the love, toughness, and community behind women’s sports, before diving into one of the wildest WNBA offseasons yet. Then, the Party welcomes Dallas Wings star and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd alongside her mom, former WNBA draft pick Katie Fudd, for what might be the best Party Popper yet. The two open up about Azzi’s journey through injuries, rehab, pressure, family support, and finally reaching the WNBA together on the other side of it all. From rookie life in Dallas to hilarious family stories and emotional moments about resilience, this episode is packed with heart, laughs, and everything we love about women’s sports.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: WNBA Schedule For anyone who would love to donate to Debbie Antonelli, click here. All proceeds go directly to Special Olympics to help their athletes continue to have a place to train, compete, organize, and socialize. Follow Katie Fudd on Instagram Follow Azzi Fudd on Instagram Check out the Fudd Around and Find Out Podcast Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Malala. Yes, that Malala. The youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, global activist, and one of the most powerful voices of our time joins Welcome to the Party and she’s bringing that same fearless energy to women’s sports. At just 11 years old, Malala began speaking out for girls’ education. At 15, she survived a Taliban assassination attempt, and never stopped fighting. Now, she’s turning her focus to a new frontier: investing in and growing women’s sports through her platform, Recess. In this episode, Malala sits down with Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King to talk about: * Why women’s sports are a global movement, and a business opportunity * How sport can drive equality, access, and real change * The fight to support the Afghan Women’s National Team under Taliban rule * What it actually means to “do the work” beyond the headlines Plus: birthday hype for producer Asia, Billie Jean King in Chicago, and a Party Starter packed with PWHL playoffs, UEFA Women’s Champions League, and Kentucky Derby history. This one’s bigger than sports, it’s about impact, courage, and what happens when one voice refuses to be silenced.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: Citizens of Humanity x Welcome to the Party x BAWSI limited-edition capsule. Citizens of Humanity will donate 100% of the retail selling price from each style sold to BAWSI, supporting their work to expand access and opportunity for girls through sport. Shop HERE. PWHL Playoff Schedule Follow The Skim The cutest thing you will see all month, the Gigi and Josie meet up! Trainer Cherie DeVaux watching Golden Tempo win the Kentucky Derby Marta Kostyuk’s Madrid Open celebration Malala The Malala Fund Follow Malala on social media: TikTok Instagram Listen to Malala address the United Nations at 16 Malala’s Recess Fund Finding My Way by Malala Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

“Burnout isn’t laziness. Burnout isn’t failure.” In this episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach take on one of the biggest issues in youth sports right now: why kids are walking away, and what we’re getting wrong. With nearly 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13, Julie and Abby break down the real drivers behind burnout, from nonstop schedules and early specialization to pressure from parents, coaches, and the system itself. Drawing from their own experiences as elite athletes and parents, they get honest about: What burnout actually feels like (and why it’s often misunderstood) The pressure kids carry today vs. when they were growing up Why taking a break might be the best thing for long-term success How parents can support without adding more pressure The moments that matter more than any game (yes, go to the prom) Plus, they answer a listener question about expensive club sports—how to tell if a program is truly helping your child grow or just cashing in. The takeaway:
Your kid’s relationship with sport matters more than their résumé. Because joy isn’t a bonus, it’s the fuel.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Welcome back to the party, Party People 🎉 This week, we’re joined by one of the most fearless and fascinating young stars in the game, Olivia Moultrie, and trust us, she’s not waiting her turn…she’s taking it. At just 20 years old, Olivia is already in her sixth professional season with the Portland Thorns FC, but her story goes way beyond the stats. She opens up about the mentality that’s fueled her rise, from training with pros as a kid, to suing the National Women's Soccer League at 15 to change the rules, and winning. We get into the mindset behind her confidence (“whatever I decide my reality is… that can be the truth”), the competitive fire that’s been there since day one, and the role her dad played in building that belief system from the ground up. Then things get interesting… Abby challenges Olivia on what it really means to be a forward, pushing her to embrace the responsibility of impacting every single game. And Olivia doesn’t shy away. Instead, she leans in, revealing the internal standard she already holds herself to, and how close she is to unlocking another level. Plus: The moment she knew she belonged at 15  Why she’s never been fazed by her age The mentality that separates good players from great ones And whether she’s coming for Christine Sinclair’s all-time international goal record 👀
 This is a conversation about confidence, pressure, leadership—and what it actually takes to become the best in the world. Let’s get into it.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: More on the award Billie Jean King received from Harvard: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cpl/leaders-in-practice/gleitsman-program-leadership-and-social-change Sebastian Sawe SAY WHAT! Marathon record shattered. https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/48598786/sabastian-sawe-wins-london-marathon-record-1st-finish-2-hours PWHL Playoff Schedule: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2026/april/26/2026-pwhl-walter-cup-playoff-matchups ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf’s article about the NWSL flipping it’s schedule: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48516363/nwsl-players-calendar-flip-womens-soccer The WNBA is everywhere! Here’s where you can find them this season:https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all ESPN article detailing how Olivie Moultrie paved the way for young soccer players: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39946072/olivia-moultrie-paved-way-nwsls-youth-movement Follow Olivia Moultrie: https://www.instagram.com/olivia_moultrie/reels/ Heather O’Reilly’s rise with COMO 1907’S Women’s Team:https://comofootball.com/en/heather-oreilly-shaping-como-1907s-womens-squad/ Support and follow the Somoa Women’s Football Team: https://www.instagram.com/samoawnt/   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

From Stagecoach chaos and teenage parenting dilemmas to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. This episode takes a turn in the best way possible. Julie and Abby kick things off with a very real conversation about parenting teens, festival price tags, and the absolute logistics nightmare that is Stagecoach. (Spoiler: someone is absolutely on pickup duty.) But then, the party pivots… Because women’s rugby is having a moment and it’s bigger than you think. With nearly half of fans brand new in the last two years and record-breaking growth across the board, Julie and Abby sit down with Carly Waters (Denver Onyx) and Lesley Paterson (WER board member, 5x world champion triathlete & Oscar-nominated screenwriter) to break down why this sport is exploding right now. They get into: * Why rugby is built for every body * The culture that makes it one of the most inclusive sports in the world * What actually happens in a scrum (we finally understand it… kinda) * The rise of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) and what’s next in the U.S. * And why this sport might be the next obsession for Party People everywhere By the end, you won’t just know what a scrum half is, you’ll be debating lineouts and planning your first rugby match watch.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: Follow WER all season long: https://www.instagram.com/rugbyevolved/ WER Schedule: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2026-schedule WER Statement on Transgender Athletes: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXK4bTTgZQK/ Rugby Explained, thank you to the Leicester Tigers for this explainer video:Rugby Explained: Rugby Players and Positions   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Get flavorful, high-quality proteins delivered by visiting OmahaSteaks.com, plus $35 off when you use promo code WELCOMETOTHEPARTY at checkout.Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code WELCOMETOTHEPARTY at OSEAMalibu.com

Party People… this one had EVERYTHING. From a sold-out crowd and championship energy at the LOVB Championship, to a full-on momentum swing, this match came down to the smallest margins and the biggest moments. LOVB Austin was down, backs against the wall, and somehow forced a golden set with the entire season on the line. Enter Logan Eggleston. Fresh off a dominant performance (15 kills, 14 digs 💅), the LOVB Austin star joins us to break down what it actually feels like inside that chaos, how her team stayed locked in, why they never thought they were out of it, and how they turned pressure into back-to-back championships in League One Volleyball (LOVB). We’re talking: The insanity of the LOVB golden set (15 points for EVERYTHING) The moment the momentum flipped in the LOVB Championship match Why LOVB Austin’s team culture hits different And yes… the trophy’s trip to In-N-Out 🍔 Plus, in our Party Starter: USWNT vs Japan recap as the Emma Hayes era builds momentum USA Women’s Rugby takes down Australia in the Pacific Four Series ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup Major WNBA contract shakeups with A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston landing record-breaking deals + new expansion teams announced And a wild Pickleball Slam update featuring Anna Leigh Waters vs Andre Agassi Trust us, you don’t need to be a volleyball fan to feel this one. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: What is Billie Jean King’s award she is receiving from Harvard: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cpl/leaders-in-practice/gleitsman-program-leadership-and-social-change USA Rugby’s Pacific Four Schedule: https://usa.rugby/pac4 Follow Logan Eggleston on Social: https://www.instagram.com/loganeggleston_/ Follow LOVB Austin on social: https://www.instagram.com/lovbatx/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Use Yahoo Mail. It’s new feature, Planner brings your tasks and events together in one place, so everything stays organized and you don’t miss what matters. Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Shop deals and member-exclusive savings all season long at https://www.shipt.com/

Fresh off a national championship and straight into the WNBA, Lauren Betts is back, and her life has officially gone bonkers (in the best way). In just a few weeks, Lauren led UCLA to its first-ever title, became a top-five WNBA draft pick, signed major deals, and somehow stayed grounded through it all. She joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to break down the whirlwind: winning it all, draft night with her teammates, and stepping into the next chapter with the Washington Mystics. They also get into the real stuff—team culture, confidence, handling pressure, and why vulnerability has been her biggest superpower. Plus: WNBA Draft chaos, UCLA’s historic takeover, and the emotional moments that made this week unforgettable.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: Follow Sophia Wilson’s instagram to see the cutest baby on the planet: https://www.instagram.com/sophiawilson/ Bruce Springsteen Land of Hope and Dreams Tour: https://brucespringsteen.net/ Follow Lauren Betts:https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariebetts/ Watch the LOVB Championships this weekend: https://lovb.com/tournaments Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/. After your place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and Welcome to the Party! -Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.

Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean King sit down with pickleball phenom Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed GOAT of the fastest-growing sport in America. She’s already out-earning the men, dominating singles, doubles, and mixed, and now she’s taking on tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake in a pickleball “Battle of the Sexes.” From turning pro at 12 to becoming the face of a global movement, Anna Leigh breaks down her rise, her mindset (hint: she talks to herself a lot), and why pickleball’s culture got something very right from the start: pay equity. Plus: WNBA chaos, a historic coaching hire in Europe, and a Party Starter stacked with headlines across women’s sports. Party People… this one’s different. And it’s just getting started.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: WNBA Draft Results: https://www.espn.com/wnba/draft/rounds LOVB Positional Awards: https://lovb.com/news/260410-lovb-announces-2026-season-awards Follow Anna Leigh: https://www.instagram.com/anna.leigh.waters/?hl=en and https://www.tiktok.com/@anna.leigh.waters   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean King kick things off with the Billie Jean King Cup, the “World Cup of women’s tennis”, and what makes playing for your country hit different, from pressure to pride to full-on chaos in the locker room. Then, U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes joins the party, and this one goes way beyond X’s and O’s. From building a dynasty at Chelsea to winning Olympic gold in her first 10 games with the USWNT, Emma is now focused on something even bigger: completely redefining how women’s soccer is built. She breaks down her “female lens” approach, why 95% of sports science is still based on men, how that impacts everything from injuries to performance, and what it actually takes to design systems that work for women. We get into her groundbreaking approach to supporting athletes through pregnancy, the return of stars like Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson, and how she’s building a scalable blueprint that could change the entire future of the women’s game. Plus: the personal side of Emma, balancing motherhood, coaching at the highest level, and why this job isn’t just about winning…it’s about legacy.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected]   Keep the Party Going: More information about the Billie Jean King Cup: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en How to watch America in the Billie Jean King Cup: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/more/where-to-watch USWNT Upcoming Friendlies with Japan:  https://www.ussoccer.com/all-matches 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