Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy

In the Season 6 premiere, two-time NCAA champion, four-time WNBA champion and five-time Olympic gold medalist Sue Bird joins the Laughter Permitted party. Sue shares what she did when she felt a plateau in her career, how she doesn’t set individual goals and lives by an 80/20 approach. She also talks about what it was like winning a fifth gold medal alongside BFF Diana Taurasi at the Tokyo Olympics and tells the story of how fiancé Megan Rapinoe found a way into the gold medal game. In the close of the show, Julie does a deep dive into her love affair with the Toto toilet.

Cue the crowd noise because Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 5 and hand out some Dopie Awards.

Get ready to be inspired, uplifted and walk away with new “Hacker-isms” -- aahhhh!!! In the Season 5 finale, Dr. Colleen Hacker returns -- again! -- to Laughter Permitted. Dr. Hacker, who is an expert in the psychology of performance and professor at Pacific Lutheran University, discusses how lessons she teaches Olympic-level athletes can be applied in everyday life, and are particularly relevant in the wake of the pandemic. With her signature style, Dr. Hacker explains the idea of stress-related growth, how we’ve all experienced a version of “pressure training” this past year and what steps can be taken to implement positive action into life.

MMA fighter Amanda Nunes joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her dominance in UFC, what is left for her to do in the sport and how becoming a mom has helped her in the cage. In a new Lynn Game, Amanda takes on Julie in a “Trash Talk Off.” At the end of the interview, Amanda’s baby daughter, Reagan, joins the party, and in the close of the show, Julie and Lynn consider how much money it would take for either of them to step in the cage with Amanda.

WNBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker joins Laughter Permitted to talk about starting her 14th WNBA season for the Chicago Sky, what drives her and lessons she learned from Pat Summitt. Candace shares the best parts of being back in her hometown of Chicago -- it’s possible her mom has done some of her laundry -- and explains why, at the age of 35, she considers what her legacy will be. Also, find out where the fun happens during TNT broadcasts, and why fishing might not be in Candace’s future plans. In “Questions Permitted,” Julie and Lynn go down another riveting food rabbit hole to talk over whether a hot dog is a taco or sandwich.

Arizona head basketball coach Adia Barnes joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her style as a coach, the “double middle finger moment” and what went into upsetting UConn in the semifinals. Along with sharing the realities of life inside the NCAA tournament bubble, Adia tells the full story of pumping breast milk during halftime of the national championship game. Plus, find out why Adia has her players take etiquette class, and off the top of the episode, Adia's five-year-old son Matteo makes a cameo with his guitar.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion and 5-time Olympic medalist Venus Williams joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her fight for equal pay in tennis, where her entrepreneurial spirit comes from and what continues to drive her as player. Venus describes her bond with Serena and how Serena's daughter, Olympia, might be the most athletic in the family. Plus, Venus invites Julie to be on team "Bad Guys" and explains that while the Olympics might be in her future, pickle ball most likely isn't. In the close of the show, Julie and Lynn share the soundtrack to their lives, which leads to a lot of Julie singing. You've been warned! (Oh, and Julie thinks there are 12 planets.)

Two-time world champion surfer Tyler Wright joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how a battle with a crippling virus led her to become an activist within the sport of surfing. Tyler gets candid about the lows she experienced while enduring two years with post-viral syndrome, and explains how she’s now using her platform as a top surfer to affect real change. In Most Pressing Questions, Julie asserts herself as Tyler’s personal cheerleader for a surf competition in San Clemente this September, and in the close of the show, Julie and Lynn debate whether cereal is a soup.

Veteran journalist and longtime CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin joins Laughter Permitted to talk all about her new book "Huddle." Brooke shares the inspiration behind writing her first book, breaks down the concept of a huddle and how women across the country are huddling to harness their collective power. Along with explaining the virtues of huddling -- from support to sponsorship -- Brooke gives ideas on how all women can find their way into a huddle. Plus, Julie goes into why lack of cheddar cheese was her tipping point during her playing days, and Brooke recalls the moment she learned the lesson to, "Go with your gut and speak the F up for yourself."

Legendary softball pitcher and two-time Olympic medalist Cat Osterman joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics impacted her life, and why she decided to come out of retirement for the 2020 Olympics. Cat shares her strategy for overcoming “mental mountains,” particularly in the past year with the pandemic and Olympic delay. As an official member of the Dope Village, Cat weighs in on the great “is a cinnamon roll a donut” debate, and Julie teaches Cat her Soccerettes’ Green Machine song. (Yes, this means more of Julie singing...)

NFL official Sarah Thomas joins Laughter Permitted to talk all about making history as the first woman to officiate a Super Bowl...woot woot! She explains exactly what a "down judge" does -- it's next-level multitasking -- and tells the story of how being voted out of a church basketball league set her on the path to becoming a football official. Plus, Sarah shares her favorite moments from Super Bowl LV, and we find out what the chatter during a game is really like from NFL players. In the close of the show, Julie and Lynn discuss alternative podcasts they could do together.

In the Season 5 premiere, USWNT legend Abby Wambach returns to Laughter Permitted. Cue the crowd noise! As longtime teammates and friends, Abby and Julie share stories from their playing days and how Abby’s forehead potentially saved Julie’s marriage. Considered one of the greatest soccer players ever, Abby gets candid about how the challenging moments in her career and life have shaped her the most. Plus there is breaking news from Abby that leaves Julie nearly speechless, emphasis on “nearly.” And learn what "Hit me with an 'And I!'" means in the close of the show.

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 4 and hand out some Dopie Awards.

In the Season 4 finale, Dr. Colleen Hacker returns to Laughter Permitted to dive deeper into four concepts -- or “Hacker-isms” -- she introduced to us back in March 2020. Dr. Hacker, a renowned mental skills coach and professor at Pacific Lutheran University, goes in depth on laughter, joy, the idea of "do now well" and why we’re equipped to continue adjusting and adapting (bust a move!). We also learn a new breathing technique and the value of “high, low, cheer” in daily life. In the close of the show, members of the "Dope Village" share their "cheers" for the year.

Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Kelley O'Hara joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her career on the USWNT, her uber-competitiveness (it extends to crossword puzzles) and what it's been like hosting her podcast, "Just Women's Sports." Kelley also discusses her decision to stand during the national anthem and the united message the USWNT has on racial justice. Stay tuned for THREE "Zoom bombs" from Kelley's U.S. teammates and good friends Alex Morgan, Allie Long and Emily Sonnett, who each tell their favorite Kelley stories. Finally, Kelley and Lynn find a shared fondness for the Bachelor and Bachelorette franchise, while Julie makes a year-making discovery during "takeaways" in the close of the show.

Five-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin joins Laughter Permitted to discuss her journey both in and out of the pool. Missy shares what it was like to win four gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics as a 17-year-old -- there’s a Justin Bieber story involved -- and how the 2016 Rio Olympics were the hardest eight days of her career. She describes how that experience shaped her life and talks candidly about mental health. Now retired from competitive swimming, Missy updates us on what she’s doing -- it’s a lot of good work! -- and finds common ground with Julie over the merits of having an air fryer. Plus, Julie is determined to clone Missy.

Wheelchair racing superstar Tatyana McFadden joins Laughter Permitted to share her remarkable journey from a Russian orphanage to Paralympic stardom. Born in Russia with spina bifida and paralyzed from the waist down, Tatyana spent the first six years of her life in an orphanage before being adopted and brought to the United States. She would go on to excel in wheelchair racing and win 16 Summer Paralympic medals and 24 major marathon titles, but Tatyana says a silver medal in cross-country skiing at the 2014 Winter Paralympics in her home country of Russia is one her career "highs." Plus find out how many pull-ups Tatyana can do in a row and what her favorite city in the world is.

Professional rock climber and American adventurer Emily Harrington joins Laughter Permitted to talk about making history by becoming the first woman to free climb the Golden Gate route of El Capitan in one day. Emily describes what it was like achieving what she called an “impossible dream," and how she actively seeks out existing in her limits. Plus, Emily tells us about her dog named "Cat," and explains why a wide-mouthed Nalgene water bottle is a necessary accessory when living out of a van. It's a revelation that will change Julie’s life forever...

USWNT legend and two-time World Cup champion Carla Overbeck joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her leadership style, how she was a true "soccer mom" and why refs get under her skin. Mia Hamm “Zoom bombs” the conversation, and Carla, Mia and Julie share stories from their playing days, and how they once dominated a whiffle ball game against Carla's son.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her illustrious career in boxing, how her upbringing in Flint, Mich. shaped her and what it means to be the “GWOAT.” She also tells a hilarious story about the night before the gold medal match at the 2016 Olympics, and we learn the difference between Claressa’s “hit list” and “prayer list.”

Four-time NCAA champion Molly Seidel joins Laughter Permitted and tells the story of how she ran her first marathon and qualified for the Olympics. She also shares the response she received after opening up about her experiences with disordered eating, anxiety and depression, and her hope for change in the running culture. Stay tuned for the "Lynn Game" in which Molly goes deep on why a cinnamon roll is NOT a donut, and in the close of the show, Julie and Lynn express their mutual love for the show "Ted Lasso."

WNBA Champion and MVP Nneka Ogwumike joins Laughter Permitted to talk about life inside the Wubble, her leadership style as president of the WNBA Players Association and her advice for women on how they can advocate for themselves. Nneka also delves into her incredible family along with her vast array of nicknames.

Laughter Permitted kicks off Season 4 with Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, who talks about her role in founding the newest NWSL team, Angel City, and why she was drawn to soccer as a way to make an impact in society. Natalie also shares why she felt compelled to put a spin on classic children's stories with her "Natalie Portman's Fables." Stay tuned to find out which role was Natalie's favorite and if we can ever expect a Natalie's Rap Part 3.

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share some highlights of Season 3 and hand out some Dopie Awards.

Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her experience as a Special Olympics athlete, how she uses her voice to help others and the importance of inclusion.

Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Megan Rapinoe joins Laughter Permitted to talk about hosting the ESPYS, her unrelenting commitment to fight for equality and social justice, the 2019 World Cup and how she made the most of quarantine. Also find out where Megan is most at peace and what the future holds.

Six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee joins Laughter Permitted. Named the Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century by "Sports Illustrated," Jackie talks about growing up in East St. Louis and how she returned to her hometown to build the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Community Center. She also reflects on her illustrious track & field career.

Olympic gold medalists and water polo superstars Ashleigh Johnson and Maggie Steffens join Laughter Permitted. Ashleigh and Maggie talk about returning to training, winning gold at the Rio Olympics and how they want to make the sport of water polo more inclusive and diverse. Ashleigh shares what it's like being the first Black woman to compete at the Olympics for the U.S. in women's water polo. Stay tuned for a rousing game and get the inside scoop on why it's common practice for water polo players to -- wait for it -- pee in the pool.

USWNT World Cup champions and North Carolina Courage teammates Crystal Dunn and Jessica McDonald return to Laughter Permitted to talk about racial injustice in the U.S., their own experiences with racism and what it's like being black women in this country.

Two of Julie's former USWNT teammates, Danielle Slaton and Saskia Webber, join Laughter Permitted to have a conversation about a topic they had never discussed when they played soccer together: race.

In a powerful episode of Laughter Permitted, USWNT star and World Cup champion Jessica McDonald shares her story of overcoming challenges in pursuit of her dreams. As a single mother, Jessica has had a nomadic career in professional soccer that's ultimately led to winning three NWSL titles and a World Cup in 2019. Her journey is one of grit, courage and determination.

Cross-country skiing superstars Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall join Laughter Permitted. Jessie and Kikkan teamed up to win gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics in the women's team sprint event, but their stories don't end there. Shortly after the Olympics, Kikkan was diagnosed with breast cancer. Now in remission, she is outspoken about her experience in order to help others. Jessie recently came out with a book "Brave Enough," in which she opens up about her struggle with an eating disorder in her late teens, and how she ultimately healed, then went on to become an Olympic champion. Stay tuned for "Questions Permitted" as Lynn gets the scoop from Julie about the recent 99ers movie announcement.

Six-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Amy Van Dyken joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her history-making performance at the 1996 Summer Olympics, how her life changed in 2014 after her spinal cord was severed in an ATV accident and why CrossFit has become her refuge.

Season 3 of Laughter Permitted premieres with USWNT superstars and power couple Ali Krieger and Ashlyn Harris, who talk about going public with their relationship, the significance of sharing their wedding on social media and Ali's journey from being cut from the USWNT and then winning a second World Cup. Ashlyn also makes Laughter Permitted history during the game portion of the show by calling in help from a teammate.

Julie Foudy returns for another Laughter Permitted! On the latest episode, Julie and Lynn hold the Season 2 Dopie Awards.

In the fourth installment of Just For Laughs, Julie and Lynn call their dear friend Amy Liss, who tells a funny story about Zooming with a kindergarten class, talks about living her life with an "attitude of gratitude" and shares the #pickmeupchallenge.

In the third installment of "Just For Laughs," Julie and Lynn call up power couple Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton, who share stories of Laird's pranks and antics, tips on how to stay healthy during quarantine and how we all need to laugh more and have more fun in life.

In the second installment of "Just for Laughs," USWNT stars and World Cup champions Lindsey Horan and Emily Sonnett share stories about parallel parking, an ongoing joke involving Rose Lavelle and Skechers, how Emily once desperately needed water during a team meeting and the time Lindsey's shoelace got stuck in an escalator at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Julie and Lynn also introduce a new segment in the close of the show.

We are bringing you another special episode of Laughter Permitted called "Just for Laughs." The jumping off point: Our conversation with Dr. Colleen Hacker in which she pointed to laughter as the antidote to stress. Since Julie and Lynn are professional laughers, we figured we could help everyone out. Dr. Hacker also said we should keep up with our friends, and to even pick up the phone and call someone. So that's what we did. We called a couple of our pals, and asked for one thing: a funny story. This episode's lineup of laughs includes ESPN baseball and softball analyst Jessica Mendoza and UCLA softball legend Sue Enquist. And they brought it with the funny stories. Enjoy!

Tamika Catchings on how legendary Tennessee basketball coach Pat Summitt changed her life forever.

Laughter Permitted presents The Mia Hamm Split Pants Story.

A two-time World Cup and Olympic soccer champion, US team alumna Julie Foudy gives a candid inside look at the battle over fair pay for female players. US Soccer Federation president Carlos Cordeiro just resigned amidst controversy over sexist language in USSF's legal filings. Since filing that suit in March 2019, the USWNT won its fourth FIFA World Cup and continued its streak of global dominance. Foudy details what it's taken to move the case forward, while the team continues to play at a top level.

In a special episode of Laughter Permitted, mental skills coach Dr. Colleen Hacker joins Julie and Lynn -- at a safe social distance via Skype -- to share strategies used by elite athletes that can be applied to dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus outbreak. Dr. Hacker, an expert on the psychology of peak performance, works with professional and Olympic athletes in a variety of sports including the NFL, MLB, PGA, LPGA, U.S. Swimming, U.S. speed skating, U.S. track and field, U.S. soccer and U.S. hockey. She offers her unique insights on how we can positively frame our mindsets, use laughter as the antidote to stress and view social distancing as an opportunity.

Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach on Glennon's prowess as a sideline field marshal.

Tobin Heath on the idea of never-ending ascension, her faith and how "words create worlds."

Billie Jean King on not settling for the crumbs and going for it.​

In the Season 2 finale of Laughter Permitted, Olympic fencer and bronze medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad joins the podcast. Ibtihaj, who is the first Muslim American woman to wear a hijab while competing for the U.S. in the Olympics, discusses how she knew fencing could help her go to a top university, the challenges she faced on her road to the Olympics and how a smile can go a long way. Be sure to stay tuned to the end of the episode when Julie's mother-in-law, Ruthie, joins the show to close out Season 2.

Laughter Permitted catches up with UConn legend and WNBA superstar Breanna Stewart in L.A. Stewie talks about winning four national championships at UConn, what it meant to win a WNBA title and how she's using her voice to advocate for causes important to her. Also get the scoop on how Stewie celebrated after the Storm won in 2018, the impact Sue Bird has had on her life and how she pulled of a special surprise for her mom.

Laughter Permitted is live from the espnW Women + Sports Summit with UCLA gymnastics greats Valorie "Miss Val" Kondos Field and Katelyn Ohashi. During her tenure as head coach of the UCLA program, Miss Val won seven NCAA national championships, was 4-time National Coach of the Year and named Pac-12 Coach of the Century. Katelyn is an All-American gymnast and national champion who barnstormed the internet with viral videos of her floor routines from both her junior and senior years. In this episode, Miss Val and Katelyn showcase their special bond, talk about the uniqueness of UCLA gymnastics and how joy helps bring out the best athletic performances.

Laughter Permitted is in L.A. to catch up with Doris Burke while she's on the road calling NBA games for ESPN. An icon in the world of sports broadcasting, Doris explains how a basketball scholarship to college changed the trajectory of her life and the role "divine providence" has played throughout her 30-year career. She also talks about what it's like to interview Gregg Popovich, the significance of NBA players saying "Thanks, Doris," after she interviews them and the bond she now has with USWNT star Tobin Heath. Perhaps most importantly, though, we learn how to correctly pronounce "Doris."