Welcome to the Party

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

UCLA is your 2026 National Champion and they made a statement doing it. Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean break down the Bruins’ dominant win, what set this team apart, and why their chemistry matters more than ever in today’s transfer portal era. With Jordan Robinson, they also dive into the Final Four, UConn’s loss, and the Geno Auriemma controversy everyone’s talking about. Plus: WNBA Draft buzz, transfer portal chaos, and a Party Starter packed with the biggest headlines in women’s sports. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: Follow Jordan Robinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanligons TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjordanrobinson Book: Court Queens (history of women’s basketball)https://www.amazon.com/Court-Queens-Celebrate-Players-Basketball/dp/B0FGX73CKW Dawn Staley’s book: https://a.co/d/04jPSpG7 Gabriella Jaquez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielajaquezz/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

March Madness is delivering, and so is the energy on this episode. Julie and Abby are joined by women’s basketball expert Jordan Robinson to break down a stacked Final Four, from Texas vs. UCLA to the highly anticipated rematch between UConn and South Carolina. They dig into what’s actually separating these teams right now, momentum, mindset, and yes…team chemistry (including a surprisingly deep dive into “touches” 👀). Then, the conversation shifts from the court to something bigger: what really makes a great team? From a powerful story out of Tennessee about culture and leadership to a fascinating sit-down with organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this episode explores how trust, connection, and accountability shape success, whether you’re chasing a championship or building something of your own. Because at the highest level, it’s not just about talent, it’s about the people, the relationships, and the culture you create together. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: The NBA Study on ‘touching’: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0019382 Adam Grant’s website: https://adamgrant.net/ Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax A Touch More: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364 and Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/ March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

March Madness is delivering, and so is this episode. From bracket chaos and UCLA surviving Duke to a viral coaching moment that had the entire internet debating what “good coaching” actually looks like… we’re breaking it all down. Julie, Abby, and Kinger react to the biggest headlines across women’s sports including record-breaking crowds, Angel City staying undefeated, and a historic run in tennis, before sitting down with Maryland head coach Brenda Frese and star guard Oluchi Okananwa to unpack the moment everyone’s been talking about. What really happened on that sideline? What did she actually say? And why did it resonate with so many people? Plus, the Party Starter, bracket updates, and a chaotic new game of “Read My Lips” you do not want to miss. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: A close up look at the Dodger’s World Series ring: https://x.com/Dodgers/status/2037709653174583405 Watch this amazing story on Abby’s nephew, Brady Wambach: https://www.tiktok.com/@usa_lacrosse/video/7607508920969579789?_r=1&_t=ZP-956fgIK5rYt Learn more about ‘The Sunshine Double’: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/48346400/what-sunshine-double-explaining-jannik-sinner-aryna-sabalenka-rare-feat The WTA Finals ending their tour stop in Saudi Arabia: https://tennisuptodate.com/wta/wta-finals-set-to-leave-saudi-arabia-after-2026-as-the-hunt-commences-for-new-location Denver smashes NWSL regular season attendance record: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/no-place-like-home-denver-summit-inaugural-home-opener-at-mile-high-smashes-nwsl-attendance-record The Viral Moment between Maryland Coach Brenda Frese and her player, Oluchi Okananwa: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandWBB/videos/everyone-deserves-to-feel-like-someone-believes-in-you-like-brenda-frese-believe/1256703726646052/ Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show The Women’s Game social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain Time Wasting social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax A Touch More Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/ March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times Thank you to our sponsor: -This episode is brought to you by Cologuard. For more information head to Cologuard.com

March Madness is in full swing and the chaos is only getting started. From bracket battles and Cinderella runs to the Sweet 16 matchups you can’t miss, Julie and Abby break it all down. But this episode goes deeper, highlighting Lauren Betts and the powerful impact of speaking openly about mental health, and how it’s translating directly to performance on the court. Plus, the crew celebrates a huge moment for Save: the Katie Meyer Story and why this story continues to matter. Then, they’re joined by the legendary Billie Jean King to talk legacy, representation, and why women’s history is far from finished. And finally, don’t miss their conversation with Cynt Marshall, the leader who stepped into one of the NBA’s most toxic workplaces and completely transformed it. This one’s about basketball, yes, but also about truth, leadership, and what happens when people decide to change the game. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: Katie’s Save Website - https://katiessave.org/ How to contact your local representative to help pass Katie Meyer’s Law: ​​https://katiessave.org/hr5545/ Watch Save: The Katie Meyer Story: Save: The Katie Meyer Story | E60 Suicide prevention hotline: 📞988 National Women’s History Month IF/THEN Initiative: https://www.ifthenshecan.org/ IF/THEN Collection: https://www.ifthencollection.org/ Lyda Hill Philanthropies: https://www.lydahillphilanthropies.org/ #IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit: https://ifthenexhibit.org/ #IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit: Game Changers, Press release https://www.ifthenshecan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Game-Changers-Release-FINAL.pdf And on social: @ifthenshecan National Women’s History Museum: https://www.womenshistory.org/ Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/ Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax A Touch More: March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times Cynt Marshall’s legacy at the Dallas Mavericks: https://www.nba.com/mavs/cynt-marshalls-mavs-legacy Cynt Marshall’s book, You’ve Been Chosen: https://www.amazon.com/Youve-Been-Chosen-Thriving-Unexpected/dp/B09RTSJ7KP/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -This episode of Welcome To The Party is brought to you by McDonald’s Big Arch Burger! -To try Hairstory for yourself, go to hairstory.com/welcometotheparty and use code PARTY15 at checkout for 15% off your order. -If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. You can also request a Cologuard prescription today at Cologuard.com

March Madness is in full chaos mode and Welcome to the Party is right in the middle of it. Julie, Abby, and Kinger break down bracket madness (including their own 1,000+ person pod challenge), wild leaderboard swings, and the moments everyone’s talking about, from buzzer beaters to emotional coaching clips that gave Abby full-body chills. Plus, the Party Starter covers a stacked week in women’s sports: NCAA hockey dynasties, Virginia’s swimming dominance, major FIFA coaching changes, and a record-breaking contract in the NWSL. Then, hoops expert Jordan Robinson joins to unpack the game-changing new WNBA CBA, why it’s bigger than just salaries, how it reshapes the future of women’s sports, and what it means for the next generation of players. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: WNBA/CBA Agreement: https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-wnbpa-tentative-cba-deal-2026 Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax A Touch More: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364 and on Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/ March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -This episode of Welcome To The Party is brought to you by McDonald’s Big Arch Burger! -Get an annual membership to http://shipt.com/ and order groceries delivered to your door with zero fees for orders over $35+. Download the app today. --Join the loyalty program for renters at https://www.bilt.com/podcast-overviewutm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=podcast__test_awareness_prospecting_growth_welcometotheparty___ -Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/welcome. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and Welcome to the Party! -Join us and CARE this International Women’s Day and Women’s History month to help level the playing field for women. Sign the pledge at http://www.care.org/pledge

March Madness is here, and before locking in their brackets, Julie and Abby bring in one of the best minds in women’s basketball: legendary former Iowa coach Lisa Bluder. After 40 years on the sidelines and 18 NCAA tournament appearances, Bluder joins the party from vacation in Cancun to break down the women’s bracket, share her thoughts on the biggest matchups, talk Cinderella teams, and reveal who she thinks will win it all. The conversation goes deeper than picks. Bluder reflects on coaching Caitlin Clark, how Iowa landed her, what made her different, and how culture, leadership, and trust helped shape one of the most iconic players in the game. She also opens up about retirement, the evolution of women’s basketball, and why this era of the sport feels bigger than ever. Plus, Julie and Abby open the show by showing support for the Iranian women’s national team, highlight the inequities women’s sports have faced even in branding, and get fired up for their podcast bracket challenge. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: Join our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competition: Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ The Women’s Game and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain Time Wasting and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax Coach Bluder recommended books: Wolfpack by Abby Wambach Pressure is a Privilege by Billy Jean King Iranian Women’s Soccer Team Update: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-womens-soccer-team-arrive-back-iran-after-some-withdrew-asylum-claim-2026-03-18/ NYU Women’s Hoops: https://www.instagram.com/nyuwomenshoops/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Join us and CARE this International Women’s Day and Women’s History month to help level the playing field for women. Sign the pledge at ⁠https://www.care.org/pledge/ -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -You can also request a Cologuard prescription today at http://cologuard.com/podcast -This episode of Welcome To The Party is brought to you by McDonald’s Big Arch Burger! -Visit https://www.wayfair.com/ to get your go to items for game day.

This week on Welcome to the Party, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach are joined by two stars from one of the hottest teams in the country: UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Charlisse Leger-Walker. With March Madness here and the Bruins looking like a serious title threat, the conversation gets into confidence, chemistry, pressure, and why this UCLA team feels different. Lauren opens up about handling the spotlight, embracing her identity on and off the court, and why she believes this team is ready for the moment, while Charlisse shares how the squad’s viral dance routine came together, what makes this group so close, and how joy has become part of their secret sauce. Julie and Abby also bring the usual party starter energy with stories from Abby’s night at the Oscars, Angel City’s huge 4–0 win, Savvy King’s emotional return, and all the latest women’s sports headlines. It’s funny, heartfelt, competitive, and full of the kind of energy that makes this show such a good time. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — [email protected] Keep the Party Going: Join our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competition Abby’s Documentary about the life and death of poet Andrea Gibson; Come See Me in the Good Light Angel City Star Savy Kings’ charity: https://savykingofhearts.org/ UCLA Hoops Documentary, You See LA: https://youtu.be/Ga0OcgAn9jg?si=TajAR6l4nYwmeZ4p Follow Oksana Masters: https://www.instagram.com/oksanamasters/ Follow the Paralympic athletes: https://www.instagram.com/paralympics/ NWSL Results: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/ Bras for Girls: https://www.brasforgirls.org/ Witness History, PWHL’s First Nationally Televised Game: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/hockey/2026/03/12/pwhl-womens-hockey-national-tv-broadcast/89106087007/ Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors: The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/ Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax COMPETE against all these great pods ⬆️ and our WttP squad; Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King. Here’s the link to our Welcome to the March Madness Party bracket challenge: https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=278&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=73442c55-bf71-4500-bbe6-b86262b197cb Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Join us and CARE this International Women’s Day and Women’s History month to help level the playing field for women. Sign the pledge at ⁠https://www.care.org/pledge/ -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/

Two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Alyssa Naeher joins the party and she’s bringing one of the best stories we’ve heard all season. At a moment when she was seriously considering retirement, a chance encounter with tennis legend Billie Jean King delivered a message that changed everything: “You’re not done yet.” Naeher opens up to Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach about that surreal moment, what kept her in the game, and how she’s navigating her 14th season in the NWSL as one of the league’s last original players. They also talk about the mindset of elite goalkeepers, the importance of leadership inside a locker room, and why the smallest gestures from teammates can shape an entire career. Plus, Julie and Abby break down the upcoming 2026 NWSL season, expansion teams, and the return of the league’s most electric stars. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to stay at the top of the game for more than a decade this episode is it. 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 -Join us and CARE this International Women’s Day and Women’s History month to help level the playing field for women. Sign the pledge at ⁠care.org/pledge -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -If you're ready to break the wash-grease-repeat cycle, head to https://hairstory.com/welcometotheparty and use code PARTY15 at checkout for 15% off your first order. - You can also request a Cologuard prescription today at Cologuard.com