Welcome to the Party

What does it really take to build a gold medal mindset and how do those lessons show up in everyday life? Julie and Abby welcome one of the most influential sports psychologists of all time, Dr. Colleen Hacker, whose work helped shape generations of champions, including multiple U.S. Olympic gold medal teams. In this wisdom-packed conversation, Dr. Hacker shares the psychology behind championship cultures, mental toughness, and sustained excellence. From confidence and communication to handling pressure and self doubt, she offers practical, relatable tools you can use far beyond sports. This episode is all about the gold medal mentality and the life lessons that come with it. Whether you are leading a team, chasing a goal, or navigating everyday challenges, this is a conversation that will stick with you.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Chapters: 00:00 Begin Billie Jean King Surprise + Battle of the Sexes “Before/After” Abby’s Anxiety: “How Do You Win Without a Scoreboard?” Stop Juggling: The Skeeball Rule for Adult Life The “Suffering = Self-Esteem” Trap (And Resetting It) Don’t Kill the Butterflies—Teach Them to Fly in Formation Boys vs. Girls Under Pressure: What’s Real, What’s Culture Parenting Without Ego: Autonomy, Mastery, Connectedness “They Want It”… or They Want Your Approval? When Kids Truly Want It, You Can’t Keep Them Away

It’s our final episode of 2025, and we’re closing the year the only way we know how — big. Julie, Abby, and Billie step onto the Party Podium for a snake draft of the moments that defined women’s sports in 2025, with the year delivering no shortage of contenders — from Coco Gauff’s French Open triumph and UConn reclaiming the NCAA title to England’s historic runs in soccer and rugby and a WNBA season flipped on its head behind A’ja Wilson and the Aces. These aren’t just championships or box scores — they’re the moments that shifted the conversation, changed the game, and stuck with us long after the final whistle. Three rounds. Nine picks. Plenty of debate. And because no draft is ever complete, we turn it over to you: what did we miss, and whose draft deserves the top spot? Draft day. The moments of 2025. Let’s get this party started. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: -Birch Bayh - Making a Difference - By Robert Blaemire: https://www.amazon.com/Birch-Bayh-Difference-Robert-Blaemire/dp/0253039177 -Good Game with Sarah Spain:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-game-with-sarah-spain/id1752100672 -The Women’s Game - Sam Mewis: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-womens-game/id1733926389-Coach Jackie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSvACYzkUPM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== -The Recap Show:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-re-cap-show-with-tobin-heath-and-christen-press/id1698132164 -Sports Are Fun:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-are-fun/id1522055041 -A touch More:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364 '-Birds Eye View:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birds-eye-view-with-sue-bird/id1812530040 -Post Moves:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/post-moves-with-candace-parker-aliyah-boston/id1825485084 -Bawsi: https://www.bawsi.org -Top Women’s Sports Moments of 2025:https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2025/12/29/ranking-top-10-womens-sports-moments-of-2025/87897430007/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Shop deals and member-exclusive savings all season long at https://www.shipt.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Billie Jean King’s Safari and Mercedes Benz $500 Million WTA Partnership 07:30 Our hosts shine the party spotlight on the organizations, authors, and influencers that matter to them. 20:50 Our top three women’s sports moments of 2025

Consider this our holiday gift to you. For this special Christmas episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach pull back the curtain and serve up the funniest bloopers of the year. From technical malfunctions and verbal slip ups to unexpected background chaos and cameras falling at exactly the wrong moment, nothing is off limits. As they relive the moments that did not go according to plan, the laughs keep coming, including one brand new live blooper from Julie that absolutely steals the show. It is unfiltered, unscripted, and guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Happy Holidays and welcome to the messiest party of the year.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   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

We shine our party spotlight on one of the most dominant dynasties in sports you’ve probably never heard of: the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Soccer Team. Julie and Abby are joined by legends Amy Griffin and Joy Fawcett, alongside current star Erin Cembrale, to break down the team’s unbelievable record—44 wins, zero losses, five Deaflympics gold medals, multiple world titles, and a culture built brick by brick through grit, fundraising, and community. They also chat the massive week in women’s sports, including Texas A&M’s historic NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championship run and record-breaking viewership, WNBA Players Association strike authorization amid ongoing CBA negotiations, and the soaring franchise valuations revealed in Forbes’ most valuable women’s sports teams rankings.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Come See Me in the Good Light: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/come-see-me-in-the-good-light/umc.cmc.27uh51l7oh3ghql2gxb6xvb1s Forbes releases the Most Valuable Women’s Sports Teams rankings: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2025/12/17/the-worlds-most-valuable-womens-sports-teams-2025/ Our Chat with Nneka Ogwumike, WNBAPA on the WNBA CBA negotiations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/welcome-to-the-party/id1835504451?i=1000741514338 How to Support the Women’s Deaflympics Team: https://usdeafsoccer.com/get-involved/ https://www.facebook.com/USADeafSoccerWnt/ https://www.instagram.com/usdeaf_wnt/?hl=en Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Get 20% off your first order at https://vuoriclothing.com/pages/pod_f -Get your business data all in one place using Intuit Quickbooks. Visit https://quickbooks.intuit.com/ to learn more. -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/

It’s a defining moment for the NWSL—and one that raises some big, important questions about the future of the league and its players. Abby and Julie are joined by NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke to get straight into the on-going breaking news around the salary cap, the NWSLPA grievance, and the board-approved High Impact Player rule that players are now reviewing. With Trinity Rodman’s contract situation at the center of it all, what does this moment really mean for free agency, player trust, and how the league navigates growth in an increasingly competitive global soccer market.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going:   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  -Athletic Greens best offer ever. For $126 in free gifts. Head to: https://drinkag1.com/partner/general-partnerships?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=welcometotheparty_d35ct__a10727__o27&utm_term=cac__a10727__o27&utm_content=__a10727__o27 -Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit for perimenopause and menopause support.  -Find the perfect for you - visit https://www.thirdlove.com/

WNBA superstar and Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike joins Welcome to the Party at a pivotal moment for women’s basketball, with the league’s CBA set to expire on January 9 and real questions swirling about revenue sharing, housing, trust, and the future of the WNBA. Nneka pulls back the curtain on what’s actually happening inside negotiations, why this moment feels different than past CBAs, and what’s truly at stake for players across the league. She also explains her headline-making decision to sign with Project B, the new global league offering equity and expanded opportunity—raising bigger questions about power, ownership, and where women’s basketball is headed next.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  -Go to https://im8health.com/WTTP for a free welcome kit, five free travel sachets, and 10% off your order. -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/ -Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit -https://www.joinmidi.com/ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit for perimenopause and menopause support.  -Find the perfect for you - visit www.thirdlove.com!  -Getting contacts doesn’t have to be a hassle. Let 1-800Contacts get you the contact lenses you need right now. Order online at https://www.1800contacts.com or download the free 1-800 Contacts app today.   Chapters:  00:00 Begin 04:43 Party Starter: Lindsay Vonn’s 83 World Cup Win, USA Women’s Hockey dominates Canada, NCAA Women’s Volleyball, NWSL Trinity Rodman update. 25:46 CBA and Project B explained 31:19 Nneka Ogwumike joins the party  44:12 Nneka Explains Revenue Share 46:52 Nneka on CBA Deadlines  55:20 Nneka on ProjectB 59:10 Nneka for President

A busted New York hotel water main and an emergency beanie situation set the scene before Julie reveals the one person she’s ever truly fangirled over — and Abby relives the night Shannon Boxx knocked on her door, sat at the end of her bed, and said the words that would change her forever. From there, the conversation digs into how much of a team’s success really comes down to the coach — and the intensifying youth movement, with girls barely in high school now departing for the pros. Party on, party people — this one’s for you. A special Power to the Party People episode, built around your questions… so keep them coming! Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com 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 tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/ Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit for perimenopause and menopause support.  Find the perfect for you - visit www.thirdlove.com!

At the Ironman World Championship in Kona, competitors face one of the most demanding tests in sport: a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike ride through scorching winds, and a 26.2-mile marathon to finish. At 80 years old, Natalie Grabow became the oldest woman ever to complete a full Ironman. Natalie joins Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King to reflect on a journey that began long before Kona—growing up before Title IX, cheering from the sidelines because girls weren’t allowed to play, and later teaching herself to swim at 59 and of course that unforgettable moment in Kona. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: No Black Coaches in the WNBA: https://www.cbssports.com/wnba/news/wnba-no-black-women-head-coaches-nba-experience-trend/ Makeup brands supporting women’s sports: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQ4BKFViL9Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Natalie Crossing the Finish Line at Kona: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPtIpl_EQIe/?hl=en 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 Head to https://moshlife.com/welcometotheparty to save 20% off plus free shipping.  Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit for perimenopause and menopause support.  Find the perfect fit for you - https://www.thirdlove.com/ Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns!

Sportsmanship is in the spotlight as Julie and Abby bring the party to one of the biggest issues in youth sports: us grown-ups. They share powerful moments of real sportsmanship, swap hilarious sideline stories, and address one of the most important issues in youth sports, parents behavior. Plus, NCAA insider Jordan Robinson kicks off our new segment Party Buzz with the dish on college hoops — from Texas women’s basketball getting their flowers to why LSU has posted eight straight 100-plus games to an unexpected name on the U.S. National Team. roster drop. You don’t want to miss this party!   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: USA Women's Basketball Roster: https://justwomenssports.com/reads/usa-basketball-taps-vets-fresh-faces-for-december-training-camp-roster/#:~:text=JWS%20Staff-,USA%20Basketball%20Taps%20Vets%20&%20Fresh%20Faces%20for%20December%20Training%20Camp,to%20rehab%20an%20ACL%20tear. Ten of our Favorite Sportsmanship Moments Marta's decision to hand the ball to fellow Brazilian and cancer survivor Luana to seal the quarterfinal win in the NWSL: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQyBdrRjODe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link After colliding in the 2016 Rio Olympic 5,000m semifinal, Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin pull each other up and refuse to quit: https://usopm.org/abbey-dagostino-cooper-uses-her-story-to-share-olympic-values/ With just 17 seconds left in the 2023 Italian U23 fencing final, Emilia Rossatti chose compassion over competition: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxvyOxG1tdtrfF5onJZPem1N4-YplnZrbD?si=tYiByUsJYlCAl0Tf Grand View’s Kaitlyn Moses hit a grand slam but injured herself rounding first, leaving her unable to run and with her own team unable to help, Southeastern University players carried her around the bases so her run would still count: https://youtu.be/unNo93gbor8?si=kWBT7Oe0lY0uPwDs&t=155 At the 2024 Olympics, during a women’s handball match, Brazil’s Tamires Morena lifted and carried Angola’s Albertina Kassoma to the bench after she collapsed with a knee injury, drawing a roaring ovation:https://www.facebook.com/reel/555610740601075 After Rebeca Andrade won floor gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles bowed to her on the podium in a joyful, spontaneous display of mutual respect: https://www.nbcolympics.com/videos/biles-chiles-bow-down-rebeca-andrade-medal-ceremony In a youth jiu-jitsu match, a young competitor comforted her crying opponent and lifted her hand alongside her own, a sweet reminder that empathy starts young:https://youtube.com/shorts/Lmr6CzpxTsE?si=MYV33QqcFAhtHoPK After Napheesa Collier went down injured, Aces players rushed to surround and shield her, offering protection and comfort in a moment of pure respect: https://x.com/espn/status/1951747469055807583 In the 2017 Dallas Marathon, when Chandler Self collapsed near the finish, high school runner Ariana Luterman lifted her up and stayed with her to the line: https://www.runnersworld.com/news/a25426738/chandler-self-returns-to-dallas-marathon/ In an NCAA soccer match, a UCLA player paused play to help a USC opponent stretch out a cramp, a small but powerful moment of care between rivals: https://x.com/UCLAWSoccer/status/1982580536150204836  Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  -Shop deals and member-exclusive savings all season long at https://www.shipt.com/ -Ready to feel your best and write your second act script? Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit for perimenopause and menopause support.  -Find the perfect for you - visit www.thirdlove.com!

UCLA’s Cori Close stops by the party for a powerful conversation on coaching hearts, building culture, finding “the edge,” and why mindset and connection matter more than ever. She opens up about the Texas loss, the response her team showed in Vegas, and the lessons she still carries from her years with Coach John Wooden — plus we’re hitting all the biggest stories in women’s sports this week, from the PWHL’s record-breaking Seattle debut to the NCAA Women’s Soccer Final Four being set, dominant NCAA XC championship performances, a historic NWSL Final, and more party buzz from across the sports world. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success: https://www.thewoodeneffect.com/pyramid-of-success/ UCLA’s Megan Grant’s celebration:https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/46960510   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 -Athletic Greens has their best offer ever. For $126 in free gifts. Head to: https://drinkag1.com/partner/general-partnerships?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=partnerships&utm_campaign=welcometotheparty_d35ct__a10727__o27&utm_term=cac__a10727__o27&utm_content=__a10727__o27

Julie and Abby kick off a Thanksgiving-day party with turkey-trot confessions, family rituals, ridiculous food stats, and plenty of laughs. Then they dive into the first-ever Thanksgiving Table Draft, each building a five-seat table featuring a current athlete, a legend, a coach, an owner/executive, and a wild card from the women’s sports universe. Think Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Billie Jean King, Emma Hayes, Michelle Kang, Rachel Maddow, Ted Lasso—yep, it gets lively. Happy Thanksgiving, party people!   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Thanksgiving Food Stats: https://www.driveresearch.com/market-research-company-blog/40plus-thanksgiving-statistics-to-gobble-up-2023/   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/ Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/ Shop the Black Friday sale at ThirdLove where you can shop their entire collection for up to 60% off. Visit: https://www.thirdlove.com/

Julie and Abby relive an epic NWSL championship weekend full of laughs, late nights, and Gotham getting its swagger back against the Spirit. It’s pure fun and big energy as they roll through the weekend’s best moments—from the NWSL final to the buzz around NCAA women’s basketball, the wild finishes in NCAA women’s soccer, and the Players Era tournament dropping a mini–Final Four into November.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Ben Shelton comforting Trinity Rodman: https://people.com/ben-shelton-comforts-trinity-rodman-after-she-suffers-injury-nwsl-championship-loss-11855895 The Ohio State’s Banger by Jadin Bonham with :35 left in double OT: https://youtu.be/Io_D-rWB1S4?si=ensONcAHe0byq4Rc Minute to Win It Games That Made Abby Sweat! Time Code: 56:03: https://youtu.be/xYHPC0EaRnU?si=7hib-M--5O7IIFIO Notre Dame stuns USC in Women’s Hoops: https://youtu.be/GClFHRwK934?si=0Q8LaXfMRr42AXYh Learn More About The Players ERA NCAA Basketball Tournament: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/big-tournament-bigger-money-how-the-players-era-event-is-changing-college-basketball-in-just-its-second-year/ American Mikaela Shiffrin wins AGAIN, cruises to second World Cup victory in seven days: https://youtu.be/gvQcauiGG7Q?si=iC05gP7L7NmN0ndn   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 partnerships&utm_campaign=welcometotheparty_d35ct__a10727__o27&utm_term=cac__a10727__o27&utm_content=__a10727__o27 -Getting contacts doesn't need to be a hassle. Order online today at: https://www.1800contacts.com/ -Save 60% sitewide on ThirdLove's Black Friday sale. Plus, $25 off when you spend $135. Visit: https://www.thirdlove.com

Description: Gotham FC and the Spirit may be the main event this NWSL Championship weekend, but this was its own kind of show — a wild, joyful mix of women’s sports celebration, real talk, empowerment, and pure party energy. Our first LIVE pod at the Ally House in San Jose brought Julie and Abby together with Ally CMO Andrea Brimmer, Brandi Chastain, and Danielle Slaton, and once the competitive fire kicked in, the whole thing turned into hilarious, iconic chaos. It was everything we love about women’s sports in one room and one pod. Reserve a Spot at the Ally House for all of Saturday’s happenings in San Jose: https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025/   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: NWSL Awards and Best XI: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/players-step-out-and-celebrate-2025-season-at-nwsl-awards-presented-by-at-t Learn more about Andrea Brimmer and how Ally is changing the game: https://www.powerplays.news/p/how-ally-broke-the-vicious-cycle NWSL Championship Game: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/championship?utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Known_Playoffs/Championship&utm_term=nwsl%20championship&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23211050588&gbraid=0AAAAAp8vocIJFf8g2xzLVGXxmuP137HvW&gclid=CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFmHpp8cko8Tfn3et2yfDbVZu03NbLkNADa0mpsKFmtQk-57IVgUeohoCwqEQAvD_BwE   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/

Description: Nobody has changed women’s sports — or the world — more than Billie Jean King. So for her 82nd birthday, we threw her the ultimate surprise party on Welcome to the Party…  Billie had no clue what was coming: celebrity drop-ins, messages from icons, a look-alike contest from her hometown of Long Beach, and a birthday cake delivered on set by the one and only Ilana Kloss. Robin Roberts, Jamie Lee Curtis, Holly Hunter, Rosie Casals, Lindsay Davenport, Kendall Coyne Schofield, Mary Carillo, Alex Rodriguez, Christiane Amanpour — they all popped in to celebrate the Kinger. Plus, Julie and Abby break down the 10 ways Billie Jean King changed the world, changed women’s sports, and quite literally changed people’s lives. (Trust us — every athlete playing today is living in the world she built.) RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Billie Jean King Foundation: https://billiejeankingfoundation.org/ Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/who-we-are/ The Ten Ways Billie Jean Has Changed The World: (Watch the episode to learn more!) She showed us the power of a UNIFIED women’s sports movement.  She taught us to never settle for the crumbs. She showed millions of girls and women what they were capable of achieving. She showed the world what Women’s sports could be. She taught us that Girls who Play, become Girls who Lead:  She shows us daily that Athlete activism is part of our very fiber. She made sure Title IX was fully realized. She made it known that Women not only had a seat at the table, but also owned a piece of that table. She preached from the very beginning that Women’s sports investments should not be based on sympathy, but strategy. She made sure Generation after generation could see what they could be.     Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/

After years of different women’s hockey leagues trying to find their footing, the PWHL burst onto the scene with sold-out crowds, real momentum, and a model that’s actually working. We sit down with Jayna Hefford — a five-time Olympian, four-time gold medalist, Hockey Hall of Famer, and the PWHL’s Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. Alongside hosts Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Julie Foudy, we dig into why this league is taking off, what finally clicked behind the scenes, and where the PWHL is headed next. RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: More on Jayna Hefford: https://jaynahefford.com/ PWHL Schedule: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/schedule PWHL Takeover Tour: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/takeover-tour-2026   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/ -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.  Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Go to https://im8health.com/WTTP for a free welcome kit, five free travel sachets, and 10% off your order. -Shop tons of deals, including member-exclusive savings, all season long during the Season of Savings at https://www.shipt.com/

Before there was Welcome to the Party, there was a chance meeting at an Angel City game. Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King revisit the moment that changed everything, the history between them, the unexpected timing, and the shift that followed. And Abby reveals why stepping into this show has brought her back to life. RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Brandi Carlisle - Returning to myself: https://youtu.be/UTgD4AYJlJw?si=ikLc7i46wRzAUhpV  The original nine: https://youtu.be/WCj8VJ-SXJ8?si=pTcfp7Gd_bfGp3jj Thank you to our sponsors: Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC Midlife is a Journey. Midi Is your Map: https://www.joinmidi.com CHAPTERS: 00:00 – The Party Begins 00:12 – “The Universe Brought Us Together” 04:05 – Why We’re Finally Telling Our Origin Story 05:09 – Abby’s Return to Women’s Sports 08:12 – The Angel City Moment That Sparked the Podcast 11:03 – Billie’s $1 Contract + The Original Nine 13:19 – The Advice That Changed Everything 16:17 – Passing the Fight Through Generations 24:42 – Why This Podcast Brought Us Back to Life 32:10 – What WTTP Is Really About: Community, Light & Women’s Sports

Nebraska is 24–0, the #1 team in the country, and Dani Busboom Kelly is the woman leading the charge. The former Husker star and John Cook protégé joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to talk about building culture, mom life, cowboy hats, and what it’s like to coach a team that never loses. Oh—and Billie Jean King crashes the interview with a surprise call you don't want to miss! RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Marta and Luana, an incredible act of sportsmanship: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQx-cbWEe_g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Keep up on the NWSL Playoff Race: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/ Kansas City, December — the 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/volleyball-women/d1 Washington celebrates their Big Ten Championship in honor of Mia: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ2mrFVEnXm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Emily Thames, Angelo State CRAZY goal: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQah07lABCQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 92,003 fans at Memorial Stadium on August 30, 2023, part of an event called "Volleyball Day in Nebraska: https://huskers.com/volleyballday Bergen Reilly warms up hands of Cambell Flynn as she enters the game: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DQRg0yqjIeP/ Roots of the Fight - Dani’s Billie Jean King Gear: https://www.rootsoffight.com/pages/search-results?q=billie+jean+king No place like Nebraska - ESPN Documentary: https://www.espn.com/watch/film/5c88f17e-df1c-41fd-9c73-ac0ccf3835de/no-place-like-nebraska Thank you to our sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * RSVP to attend the Ally House in San Jose for NWSL Championship week Nov. 21-22 at https://www.ally.com/ally-house-2025 * Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/ * Get 25% off your first month at Ritual.com: https://www.ritual.com/welcometotheparty * Start your career coaching today at https://www.strawberry.me/welcometotheparty

At just 25, Ali Truwit has lived a story few could imagine — and even fewer could survive. Ali’s life forever changed when her left foot was bitten off by a shark off the coast of Atlantic waters while in Turks and Caicos with a friend and teammate from Yale - just days after her college graduation. Ali returned to the pool just six weeks later. And within a year, represented Team USA at the Paralympics - taking home two silver medals. Next, she set her sights on the New York City Marathon. In this powerful conversation, Billie Jean King, Abby Wambach, and Julie Foudy dive into Ali’s remarkable journey of resilience, purpose, and strength — from dumping tears out of her goggles to creating Stronger Than You Think, her foundation helping others heal through sport. Join the Party: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. honored Canadian hockey legend Marie-Philip Poulin by wearing her Team Canada jersey into Game 7 of the World Series: https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-wears-marie-philip-poulin-team-canada-jersey-to-world-series-game-7 Ali’s Foundation, Stronger Than You Think: https://strongerthanyouthink.org/ Ali’s book that helped her, When Bad Things Happen to Good People: https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728 Thank you to our sponsors: * Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC * Start your career coaching today at Strawberry.me: https://strawberry.me/?promotionCode=WELCOMETOTHEPARTY&utm_campaign=Natively&utm_source=youtube_and_podcast&utm_term=welcometotheparty Chapters: 00:00:00 Party Starts 00:00:22 Billie Jean King on the Dodgers’ Epic World Series 00:05:25 Meet Ali Truwit: Shark Attack Survivor Turned Paralympian 00:10:08 Running for a Cause – $220K for Prosthetic Blades 00:12:56 The Full-Circle NYC Marathon Moment 00:16:05 The Shark Attack Story 00:18:58 Turning Trauma into Purpose 00:20:41 From Survivor to Paralympian 00:24:46 Reliving the Trauma in Paris 00:26:57 “Stronger Than You Think” Documentary 00:27:53 Grief and the Athlete Mindset 00:29:22 The Power of Vulnerability 00:30:51 “Why Me?” and Gratitude 00:33:43 Marathon Finish with Her Mom 00:35:54 What’s Next For Ali – L.A. 2028

UConn women’s basketball head coach Geno Auriemma does a drive by the pod — he’s got the rings in the trunk, stories in the glovebox — and nothing’s off limits. Geno talks about the next chapter of UConn basketball led by Azzi Fudd and rising star Sarah Strong, what it’s like coaching in a world of transfer portal chaos, and how the program keeps evolving through generations of stars like Taurasi, Bird, and Bueckers. Plus, he dishes out a few senior superlatives to some of his all-time greats.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: -TCS NYC Marathon winner Hellen Obiri embraces her family after the win: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQkHQcsCcWQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== -Geno shows off his 12 rings: https://www.tiktok.com/@brwsports/video/7496649276672544031 -NWSL Playoff Picture: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/playoffs -Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. arriving to the World Series Game 7 in a game-worn Marie-Philip Poulin Team Canada jersey: https://www.mlb.com/news/vladimir-guerrero-jr-wears-marie-philip-poulin-team-canada-jersey-to-world-series-game-7 -Cricket World Cup Final Highlights - India vs South Africa: https://youtu.be/frf8Drafn5A?si=gQSHPeAIg_Idr0_N   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

In this special Halloween edition Orlando Pride VP of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director Haley Carter join the crew to dig into what’s haunting women’s soccer — from questions around the salary cap to how the league can keep its biggest stars playing at home. No jump scares — just a really good conversation you don’t want to miss. It’s a thoughtful look at how the NWSL is evolving, even as the ghosts of past challenges linger. ?? Zero tricks, all treats. Join the Party:Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:YouTube — @welcometothepartyshowInstagram — @welcometothepartyshowTikTok — @welcometothepartyshowEmail — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: - NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement – https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/41400681/nwsl-2024-cba-draft-free-agency-charter-flights-health-coverage-revenue-sharing - The Guardian: “The Women Who Saved the Afghan National Soccer Team” – https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/aug/29/afghanistan-special-report-athletes-escape-kabul - USWNT players going to Europe isn’t an exodus. It’s an evolution - https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6742302/2025/10/23/women-soccer-uswnt-european-league-players/ Thank You to our Sponsors:* Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC* Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.