Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy

In the Season 9 finale, Astronaut Nicole Mann joins Laughter Permitted to talk all about her experience living and working aboard the International Space Station. Nicole shares everything from what it was like reentering the Earth’s atmosphere to how she slept in space to the importance of being a good teammate. Plus, she describes the vantage point she had of Earth while in space and what it was like coming home with her newfound perspective of the planet. Nicole also tells a story in Most Pressing Questions that rivals the Mia Hamm Split Pants story (you've been warned...). In Questions Permitted, Julie and Lynn offer advice to an aspiring sports journalist. Send Julie and Lynn an email at [email protected]!

Julie and Lynn are joined by Chief Marketing and PR officer of Ally Financial, Andrea Brimmer, to discuss how Ally is at the forefront of supporting and investing in women's sports.

Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Becky Sauerbrunn joins Laughter Permitted to share what being a team player means to her (there's a great story involving the flute), the difference between a floor raiser and ceiling raiser and the leadership advice she received from Carla Overbeck. Becky also talks about the current state of the Portland Thorns in the wake of the Sally Yates report and what it will take for the USWNT to be successful in the upcoming World Cup. In the close of the show, Julie offers ideas on how to help high schoolers become leaders (she could have gone on for days). Email Julie and Lynn your thoughts, questions and favorite Becky Sauerbrunn nicknames at [email protected].

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Carolyn Peck shares hilarious stories about her mom at her basketball games, her thoughts on what coaches are wearing on the sidelines these days (Kim Mulkey might come up) and why she turned down Pat Summitt to attend Vanderbilt University. Carolyn also discusses being the first Black coach to win an NCAA women's basketball championship with Purdue in 1999 and tells the amazing backstory to the piece of net she gave to Dawn Staley.

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes OBE joins Laughter Permitted to discuss the joy she experienced covering the Euros for ESPN (a fire pit is involved!), her winding path to Chelsea (a clairvoyant is involved!) and how she finds time to recharge amidst the overstimulating profession of coaching (a Beyonce concert is on the calendar!). Plus, Emma does a deep dive into her emphasis on understanding the menstrual cycles of her players to improve their performance and keep them healthy (this is beyond fascinating!). In the close of the show, a listener inspires Julie to get after it. Email Julie and Lynn at [email protected]!

In honor of Laughter Permitted's 103rd episode, 103-year-old and Loyola University men's basketball team chaplain Sister Jean joins Laughter Permitted to share the secret to her longevity, the excitement she experienced during the Ramblers run to the Final Four in 2018 and why she finally decided to write her book, "Wake Up with Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First 100 Years.” Sister Jean also discusses her love of working with college students and why she believes that talking with people ultimately shows us how much we have in common. Stay tuned for a blessing Sister Jean offers our Dope Village.

Legendary sports journalist and author Sally Jenkins joins Laughter Permitted to discuss how she crafts her columns, the importance of exploring "what's bugging you" and the advice she gives to up-and-coming journalists. Sally also shares the impact Billie Jean King and Pat Summitt have had on her life and delves into stories from her latest book, "What Sports Teach Us about Work and Life," out June 6. In the close of the show, find out what happened when Julie played a round of golf with Mia Hamm and friends. Send your questions to Julie and Lynn at [email protected]!

Soccer legend and Olympic gold medalist Christine Sinclair joins Laughter Permitted to discuss her historic career, and how she and her fellow Canadian national team members are in a bitter fight with Canadian Soccer for support. Julie shares the PTSD and empathy she feels as she watches Christine and her teammates go through their battle. Christine also explains why she chose to get way out of her comfort zone to write her book "Playing the Long Game," and in "high, low, cheer" we learn the influence Christine's parents had on her athletic career. Stick around for the close of the show where Julie answers a question about The 99ers because there's no such thing as too much 99ers. Send Julie and Lynn a question at [email protected].

In the 100th episode of Laughter Permitted, members of the 1999 World Cup champion team come together to swap stories from their playing days, including pranks, the impact head coach Tony DiCicco had on them and how they stay in touch to this day thanks to a text chain. Also, a "Know Your 99ers with The 99ers" Lynn Game goes a bit off the rails and The 99ers answer questions submitted by fans. Most importantly, it’s the first time in a long time that 18 of these 99ers got to laugh, toast and roast each other over a happy hour. Guaranteed it will not be the last, but maybe just the last RECORDED one. Producer's Notes: If this episode sounds like a Zoom call with 19 people on it, that's because it is, but we promise laughs! Also, Saskia Webber was not in the Lynn Game because she had to duck out early to catch a flight. Email Julie and Lynn at [email protected].

NWSL Rookie of the Year and Defender of the Year Naomi Girma joins Laughter Permitted to share her reaction to high praise from Megan Rapinoe, what she has learned from veterans on the USWNT and how she was introduced to the game of soccer by her dad and the Ethiopian community in the Bay Area, where she grew up. Plus Naomi and Julie swap stories about their moms and Naomi discusses her Stanford degree in Symbolic Systems. Stayed tuned for a HUGE announcement in the close of the show about plans for Laughter Permitted's 100th episode. Spoiler alert: 99ers might be involved...and you can ask them anything! Listen in to find out how. Send us an email at: [email protected]

Laughter Permitted takes an out-of-this-world journey to SPACE! In the Season 9 premiere, NASA Astronaut Nicole Mann joins Laughter Permitted while aboard the International Space Station. Col. Mann shares what it means to be the first Native American woman in space, how the mental toughness she gained as a soccer player at the Naval Academy helped her during two spacewalks and what message she'd share with us all back on Earth. Julie asks the hard-hitting question about showering in space, Lynn requests a ride in an F-18 with Col. Mann when she returns to Earth and we all learn that microgravity is fabulous for your Superwoman impersonations.

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 8 and hand out some Dopie Awards.

In the Season 8 finale, renowned mental skills expert, author and Pacific Lutheran University professor Dr. Colleen Hacker returns to Laughter Permitted for a record fifth time to discuss the power of setting intentions for your year, how to use daily visual cues to help achieve your personal pursuits and why expressing gratitude is vital in life. Dr. Hacker also takes on Julie in an epic rematch of Know Your 99ers in the Lynn Game (it gets real, real quick). So listen in because Flash Class is once again in session!

What if I told you...women in Iran *can’t even go to a soccer game.* They’re banned from stadiums. New from 30 for 30 Podcasts, ‘Pink Card’ tells the tale of Iranian women who dare to risk it all – for the simple right to watch a soccer match. Creator Shima Oliaee (Oh-lee-eye) reports on generations of women – who’ve fought to take back their stadiums – and their joy of the game. ‘Pink Card’ will forever change how you see fandom and freedom - keep listening for the first episode and binge the full season now in the 30 for 30 Podcasts feed.

Award-winning podcast producer Shima Oliaee joins Laughter Permitted to discuss her 4-part ESPN 30 for 30 podcast series "Pink Card," which centers on women's rights in Iran over the course of three generations. Shima shares how women fighting to attend men's soccer games in Iran became emblematic of their pursuit of freedom, the motivation behind the series and the impact she hopes it has. In the close of the show, Julie and Lynn have a special announcement about the Season 8 finale.

WNBA Champion, 2-time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist A'ja Wilson joins Laughter Permitted to discuss winning an WNBA title with the Las Vegas Aces, what it was like being coached by Dawn Staley and Becky Hammon and how she developed a leadership style that worked for her. Plus get the "tea" on the Aces' post-championship celebrations and hear an incredible story about A'ja's statue on the campus of her alma mater, the University of South Carolina. In the close of the show, Lynn gets a serious case of the giggles while she and Julie discuss a bronze plaque in the likeness of Brandi Chastain. (Producer’s Note: It’s possible Lynn messes with Julie a bit in the Lynn Game.)

Marathon pioneer Joan Benoit Samuelson joins Laughter Permitted to talk about being the first woman to win gold in the marathon at the 1984 Olympics, how running is about storytelling for her and, at the age of 65, what her next marathon goal is. Joan also shares what she was thinking when she was about to win an Olympic gold medal and explains why it's important for everyone to run their own race. The Lynn Game proves to be a close battle with a metaphor for life built into it.

Six-time WNBA all-star and coaching trailblazer Becky Hammon joins Laughter Permitted to talk about winning a WNBA championship in her first season as coach of the Las Vegas Aces, how fun played a role in the team's success and what she learned as an assistant coach to Gregg Popovich. Becky also shares why she got into coaching and how she came to accept herself as a person. Plus learn about Becky's love of shoes and expert knowledge of the 90s. In the close of the show, Lynn breaks down Julie's latest attempt at doing the worm.

World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Cindy Parlow Cone joins Laughter Permitted to discuss her role as president of U.S. Soccer and how she is working toward a culture shift in the game in the wake of the Sally Yates report. Cindy shares what it took to get the women's and men's national teams to equal pay and what she learned about leadership while playing with Julie, Carla Overbeck and Mia Hamm on the U.S. women's national team. In a highly competitive Lynn Game, Cindy and Julie go head-to-head in "Know Your 99ers."

NBC host and reporter Rebecca Lowe joins Laughter Permitted to talk about covering the Premier League, the ups and downs of her career in sports journalism and how she is seeing football fandom grow in the United States. A newly minted American citizen, Rebecca gives a hilarious assessment of the use of wreaths on doors in the United States (now known as the “Wreath Rant”), and shares why she enjoys it when things go awry on live TV. Plus, enjoy a Ted Lasso-themed Lynn Game!

U.S. women's national soccer team player Catarina Macario joins Laughter Permitted to share her journey of moving to the United States from Brazil at the age of 12 to pursue her dream of playing soccer. She tells the incredible story of what her first day in the U.S. entailed, how she made her way to Stanford University where she won two national titles and the role adversity has played in her life. In the close of the show, Julie shares the most memorable goal she ever scored and Lynn gives an update on her Oura ring.

University of North Carolina women's lacrosse and U.S. women's national team head coach Jenny Levy joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her 28-year career in Chapel Hill, how UNC and Team USA both won championships this year and how she developed and continues to evolve her coaching philosophy. The episode kicks off with a rousing discussion of Oura rings and menopause, and includes a good amount of pickleball discourse. In the close of the show, Julie and Lynn come up with a "Snort-Meter," which shall replace a 5-star rating. (This episode was a 2-Snorter.)

In the Season 8 premiere, "The Athletic" senior writer Meg Linehan joins Laughter Permitted to discuss the findings of an investigation conducted by former deputy attorney general Sally Yates, which uncovered that the National Women’s Soccer League and U.S. Soccer did not take action against abusive behavior and sexual misconduct. The 319-page report detailed how "abuse in the NWSL is rooted in a deeper culture in women's soccer, beginning in youth leagues, that normalizes verbally abusive coaching and blurs boundaries between coaches and players." Meg offers her perspective on the Yates report, what it was like breaking the NWSL abuse story and what she thinks the future of the sport looks like. "'This guy has a pattern': Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion" by Meg Linehan Report of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women’s Professional Soccer by Sally Q. Yates "Truth Be Told: The Fight for Women's Professional Soccer" - E60 film directed by Jennifer Karson-Strauss

In a special live podcast at the Paley Center for Media in New York City, Hall of Fame USA rugby player Phaidra Knight and 4-time Olympic USA hockey player Angela Ruggerio join Laughter Permitted to discuss Title IX, their experiences in male-dominated sports and what they think everyone should know about Title IX. This episode was recorded on June 24, 2022, one day after the 50th anniversary of Title IX.

In the third bonus episode of Laughter Permitted dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, Mia Hamm and Julie discuss how Title IX has impacted their lives.

In the second bonus episode of Laughter Permitted dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, ESPN journalist Katie Barnes joins the podcast to discuss the intersection of Title IX and transgender athletes.

In the first bonus episode of Laughter Permitted dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Title IX, former Women's Sports Foundation CEO Donna Lopiano joins the podcast to give a Tile IX tutorial and discuss the law's impact on women's sports.

In the Season 7 finale, two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Briana Scurry returns to Laughter Permitted to discuss her new book "My Greatest Save." Bri opens up about the challenging time she experienced after suffering a concussion in 2010, tells the story of how she pawned her gold medals in order to make ends meet and how she worked her way back to health. In the Lynn Game, Julie and Bri go head-to-head in 99ers trivia and then Julie gives an update on the 99ers Netflix film in the close of the show. Plus, it is once again proven that Carla Overbeck is the best.

In a special bonus episode of Laughter Permitted, Julie talks with Ally Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer Andrea Brimmer to learn about Ally's continued commitment to women's sports and players in the NWSL.

Three-time Olympic medalist and freestyle skier Eileen Gu joins Laughter Permitted "live" at the espnW NYC Summit to discuss competing at the 2022 Winter Olympics, how she handled media scrutiny and the backstory of how she landed a trick she'd never tried before to win gold in Freeski Big Air. Eileen, 18, also shares what it was like attending the Met Gala and what she's looking forward to this fall at Stanford. In the close of the show, learn a quote Julie has lived by since her high school days.

Angel City Football Club founders Kara Nortman and Julie Uhrman join Laughter Permitted to talk about how ACFC came to be, the role Natalie Portman played in bringing women's professional soccer to L.A. and what sets the organization apart in the pro sports landscape. As a co-owner of the team, Julie (Foudy) shares what it meant to her to be at the sold-out season opener alongside former USWNT teammates and longtime friend, mentor and fellow co-owner Billie Jean King. Plus, learn the now world famous three claps cheer!

Three-time Olympic medalist Kendall Coyne Schofield joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her quest to see a viable women's professional hockey league form, how she and fellow players are working to make that happen and what the journey has been like. Kendall also discusses the 2022 Winter Olympics, her incredible performance at the 2019 NHL All-Star Skills Competition and what motivated her to write her book, "As Fast As Her." In the Lynn Game, Julie finds a way to get in her own head, and in Most Pressing Questions, Kendall explains how she squatted her 310-pound, NFL-playing husband during quarantine.

Buckle up because this episode brings the laughs courtesy of play-by-play trailblazer Beth Mowins! Beth shares what it was like calling soccer with a young Julie Foudy as her color commentator. (A certain handwritten sign from Beth helped Julie to know when to -- ahem -- stop talking.) Find out when Beth knew she wanted to do play-by-play and how she has carved out her incredible career path. To test her skills, Beth is asked to do play-by-play of Julie eating a cinnamon roll, which leads to Beth joining the great “Is a cinnamon roll a donut” debate. In the close of the show, Julie puts it out into the universe that it's time for the pod to get a donut deal and Lynn takes over Questions Permitted to ask Julie about doing color commentary.

Seventeen-time Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters joins Laughter Permitted to share her powerful story of spending her childhood in Ukrainian orphanages before being adopted by her mother, Gay Masters, and moving to the United States. Oksana, who was born with birth defects believed to be caused by radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, talks about being introduced to sports in America and how trying adaptive rowing began her on a path to becoming the most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian of all time. She also discusses competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing while war began in Ukraine and how she found a way to give back to her home country.

Five-time Olympian, 10-time X Games gold medalist and snowboard cross star Lindsey Jacobellis joins Laughter Permitted to talk about winning two gold medals at the Beijing Games, her experience with the media over the years and how she adjusted her mindset at this past Olympics to focus on her own goals. The "Lynn Game" features questions about the 80's with another enthusiastic cameo by Swaggy, and in the close of the show, find out what Julie said to make Lynn snort. There's also bad singing (it may or may not be the Green Machine song)...

Five-time Olympic medalist, bobsledder and overall rad human Elana Meyers Taylor joins Laughter Permitted to talk about becoming the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history, how she dealt with a Covid diagnosis upon arriving at the Beijing Games -- the story is something else -- and how she went from being a college softball player to a top-level bobsledder. Elana also shares what it is like being a professional athlete while raising her son, Nico. In the close of the show, Julie shares a "Hacker-ism" Lynn hasn't heard before that applies to Elana's journey at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

WNBA All-Star Layshia Clarendon joins Laughter Permitted to talk about being the first openly non-binary and transgender player in the WNBA, the warm embrace they have received from the Minnesota Lynx franchise and what life was like inside the 2020 "Wubble" season. Layshia also discusses the freedom of living your truth (that's where the "gold" is), how she and her wife are raising their chid in gender expansiveness and why humanity needs to be considered when discussing transgender athletes. Such an important and enlightening conversation on so many levels. In the close of the show, Lynn takes over Questions Permitted to ask Julie about her recent visit to the White House for Equal Pay Day.

In the Season 7 premiere, NWSL and Danish national team star Dr. Nadia Nadim joins Laughter Permitted to talk about earning her medical degree while playing professional soccer and share a detailed account of how she fled Afghanistan and the Taliban as a child with her mother and four sisters. She also recalls her first encounter with soccer at a Danish refugee camp and how she fell in love with the game. Nadia then competes with Julie in a “Lynn Game” about random medical stuff, gives a taste of her ability to speak nine -- yes, nine! -- languages and blows Julie and Lynn away with her perspective on making progress in life. What a way to launch the season...enjoy!

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 6 and hand out some Dopie Awards.

In the Season 6 finale, Dr. Colleen Hacker once again returns to the Laughter Permitted party to discuss aspirational challenges, the power of choice and what she'd like members of the Dope Village to take with them into 2022. As an authority on the psychology of peak performance, Dr. Hacker is a master of making complex concepts digestible, relatable and actionable. Turns out her mental skills expertise translates to a Lynn Game on The 99ers as Julie finds out firsthand. Stay tuned for the close of the show in which we get one final Toto toilet update.

Award-winning sports journalist Malika Andrews joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her role as host of ESPN's NBA Today, reporting from inside the NBA bubble during the 2020 season and how the experience helped propel her career forward. Malika is also open about adversity she faced in her adolescence, and how she credits her college best friend with helping her find journalism. Things get competitive during a Lynn Game about coffee and Swaggy once again shines, despite initially being locked out of Julie’s office. And enjoy some really, really bad singing in the close of the show.

South Carolina basketball coach Dawn Staley joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her new $22.4 million contract, her purpose as a coach and the story behind giving pieces of the 2017 national championship net to Black coaches across the country. Stay tuned as Dawn and Julie bond over a mutual love -- their dogs. Swaggy once again makes her presence known on the pod and we learn about Champ Staley's Instagram account and why he doesn't follow anyone. Plus, find out what goes into being a GOAT and who makes the Starbucks runs for the coaching staff at South Carolina.

Holocaust survivor, psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Edith Eger joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her life and bestselling book, "The Choice: Embrace the Possible." Dr. Eger, 94, recounts the words her mother told her that helped her survive the Auschwitz concentration camp, discusses her own healing journey and encourages everyone to consider their power of choice. Plus: Find out the go-to dish Dr. Eger makes her grandchildren, her favorite TV show and the unique way she ends every speech.

Happy Thanksgiving from Laughter Permitted! Julie and Lynn share a clip from a 2019 episode in which their favorite person, Amy Liss, shares her motto in life: "Live each day with an attitude of gratitude."

In a special bonus episode of Laughter Permitted, Julie talks with Meghann Burke, Executive Director of the National Women's Soccer League Players Association, and Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer of Ally, about the partnership they have formed to enact positive change for the players of the NWSL.

Get ready for a jolt of joy as Olympic gold medalist wrestler Tamyra Mensah Stock joins Laughter Permitted. Tamyra shares how she quickly rose in the sport of wrestling despite a late start, how tragedy has shaped her perspective on life and why fun is a key component to her success as an athlete. Julie’s dog Swaggy makes a strong showing during the Lynn Game, Tamyra explains the perks of winning a gold medal and how her coach encouraged her to bring a karaoke machine to the Olympics. In the close of the show, Julie and Lynn have deep thoughts on the topic of milk.

Olympic gold medalist hockey player Hilary Knight joins Laughter Permitted to talk about the U.S. going for back-to-back gold at the upcoming Winter Olympics, her new NHL gig with ESPN and what she sees for the future of women's hockey. And get this. After building a home gym during quarantine, Hilary shares how she needed something else to pursue, so she decided to get her MBA! Last but not least, Hilary describes what a hockey locker room smells like, and Julie gives a highly anticipated update on her Toto dream toilet.

Get ready to be inspired to go after your big goal in life! NYC Marathon champion and Olympic medalist Shalane Flanagan joins Laughter Permitted to share the stories behind running six World Major Marathons in six weeks -- each in under three hours -- and what drove her to take on the challenge, dubbed "Project Eclipse." Shalane talks about the incredible journey the marathons have been, how she's doing something that "lights her soul on fire" and why she hopes she's proof positive that sport is for life. Also find out about her new cookbook with BFF Elyse Kopecky called "Rise and Run," learn what Oprah's middle name is (it will blow your mind) and Lynn shares a big hairy audacious goal for herself at the end of the interview.

Olympic gold medalists and beach volleyball team Alix Klineman and April Ross (a.k.a. The A-Team!) join Laughter Permitted to talk about the hilarious backstory of how they became partners (it involves Stagecoach and an errant text), the moment they knew their partnership could work and how their shared perfectionist mentality is effective for them. Recorded live at the espnW Women + Sports Summit, Alix and April also breakdown why they hug between every point during matches. Plus find out what comedian Amy Schumer DMd Alix before the gold medal match in Tokyo.

Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Jordan Larson and legendary college softball coach and high performance consultant Sue Enquist join Laughter Permitted to discuss how the U.S. national volleyball team developed its team culture en route to gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Jordan shares how Sue came to work with the team, and both talk about the secret sauce that went into building the Olympic volleyball team's chemistry. This episode also features Julie's viewpoint on hopping on the "Ted Lasso" fan train.