Well Played

This March Madness, the category was “upset.” At least on the women’s side. South Carolina upset UCONN — the overwhelming favorite on the women’s side – which failed on its mission to win the natty two years in a row. Then, UCONN coach Geno Auriemma literally upset South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in a post-game screaming match. We dive into his allegations, his half-assed apology, and why we’re tired of seeing women have to take the higher road. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Angel Reese kicks off WNBA free agency trade, going from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom share the reality behind Odom’s addiction in a new episode of “Untold” Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s first public engagement after having their baby girl Rapper J. Cole’s new sporty side quest that literally no one asked for Madison Keys recaps the Amanda Batula and West Wilson drama Send It: Royal Baby of Buffalo enters the chat: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DWpTKnYkk9G/⁠ Rory McIlroy’s Masters Menu: ⁠https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2026-03-18/for_mcilroy_a_masterful_menu_with_a_touch_of_home.html⁠ J. Cole off to China: ⁠https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48374160/rapper-j-cole-signs-chinese-league-nanjing-monkey-kings⁠ Madison Keys on the Summer House drama for The Tennis Channel: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsJINjDngv/⁠ Other links: Lauren Betts’ The Player’s Tribune essay “I Want to Be Here’: ⁠https://www.theplayerstribune.com/lauren-betts-ncaa-basketball-ucla⁠ Kyle Cook’s messy rant: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jIQsRMg6V8s⁠ Geno Auriemma, updated apology post recording: ⁠https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/geno-auriemma-sparks-backlash-incomplete-193229146.html⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marathoner Emma Bates went viral after sharing that her sponsor, UCan, dropped her once they learned she was pregnant. While UCan denied the allegation, it still reminded us of an unfortunate reality for women athletes – that the “pregnancy penalty” still exists. We break down what the penalty is, why some women athletes view pregnancy as a “death sentence” to their career, and how athletes like Allyson Felix have fought to stop it. In this episode, we also cover: Naomi Osaka retirement rumors swirling after her comments around motherhood and her tennis career Shaq addressing the AI-generated texts between him and Sabrina Carpenter NWSL smashing record attendance (again) – and the Denver Summit player who proved representation does matter Which teams made it to the Final Four, and how Blake and Caroline’s brackets are doing Send Its: Carson Pickett’s heartwarming moment with young fan: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWcSRqXEjN_/ Shaq’s AI-generated texts: https://youtu.be/rOxlgU75f7w?si=D7XQPSA24hqA5wqz&t=18 The Stewart-Brunson fracture: https://people.com/martha-stewart-said-nba-player-broke-her-toe-courtside-11871039 Miss Thailand contestant breaks it down: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWeaQ_PDRRM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It finally happened – the WNBA voted to ratify its new collective bargaining agreement, months after the deadline passed. It’s a major win for professional women’s basketball players and the league, which will offer what it calls “the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women's professional sports history.” With just weeks until the season starts, the off-season – and free agency chaos – begins. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: What the Fanatics Flag Football classic has to do with the LA28 Olympics The details of the WNBA CBA agreement – and why 2026 rookies should be happy Why a Brazilian soccer star called out Chappell Roan for shading…Jude Law’s daughter? Whether Alvaro Folgueiras actually threw a punch, and why he’s the Fernando Mendoza of college hoops Send Its: Women’s hockey beer league: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWCNF-GjoE0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Sabrina Ionescu drains buckets and beers: https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1s16hia/sabrina_ionescu_shotgunning_a_beer_wluke_combs/ Alysa Liu and Fernando Mendoza team up to play…Fortnite?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWMMcq1Eb2X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Miami player’s first stop post-Purdue loss isn’t what you think: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWNevHRjL0l/ Dr. Lemon, this TCU player needs an extension: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWO3GlekY3u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The internet was all in on Timothée Chalamet’s Oscars run last year for “Marty Supreme” (guilty as charged). The Academy? Not so much. The ping-pong flick struck out, Chalamet walked back his ballet take, and he left empty-handed. Meanwhile, ballerina Misty Copeland had a front-row seat, performing onstage during Sinners’ “I Lied to You.” She joins us on Well Played to talk about getting the call from Ryan Coogler, what society gets wrong about women’s strength, and her journey back after hip replacement surgery. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Chloe Kim and Myles Garett’s unlikely matchmaker Boston Legacy’s record-breaking home opener – and why the record won’t last long Misty Copeland on how she gained a newfound strength post-retirement How Oksana Masters went from orphan in Ukraine to most decorated Paralympian Where to find our March Madness brackets Send Its: Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, and Jannik Sinner give us a lesson in body language: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV4oi-7D4DV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Indian Wells’ Whitney Houston challenge: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV1Xi3GigJ7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn about Chandler Bing: https://vucommodores.com/roster/chandler-bing/ Christian McCaffrey goes to (fashion) jail: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV0Apt5jR1j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Bonus: Oksana Masters article from “The Player’s Tribune” https://projects.theplayerstribune.com/oksana-masters-the-hard-part-out-loud/p/1 Follow Misty Copeland: @mistyonpointe Learn about Aveeno x Togethxr's "The Strength Issue": @aveeno @Togethxr Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mercury is in retrograde which can only mean one thing — breakups. From Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos calling off their wedding to Luka Dončić’s fiancée deleting all of her photos with the star hooper, this week gave us nothing but drama in the love department. Plus, Caroline recaps this week’s free agency frenzy and CBS’ betting analyst, Mackenzie Brooks, gives practical advice on how to actually win your March Madness pool. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Who promptly shut down the Joe Burrow and Jessica Alba dating rumors Why some are mad after Sydney Leroux’s annual International Women’s Day post How Tobin Heath’s jersey retirement came full circle, ft. Brandi Chastain Why no one — not even elite athletes like Aryna Sabalenka — is safe from their moms comments on their appearance Send Its: Italians at the World Baseball Classic: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVmhwuWDezX/?hl=en Sydney Leroux’s iconic International Women’s Day post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVpJv2Bj8Fs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&img_index=6 Steven’s Institute lax bros support at spelling bee: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVoQ_QMDij2/ Practicing sports is embarrassing: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVoQ_QMDij2/ Follow Mackenzie Brooks: @kenzbrooksbets Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry Styles ran two marathons and all he got was peeing advice that we may or may not adopt. Heavy on the “may not”. Trinity Rodman and Cameron Brink reminded us that Gen Z almost always finds love using the internet, and made us yearn for the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. days of romance (are you team red roses or white orchids?). And in actual sports news, Caroline tells us who to look out for post-NFL Combine. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Charles LeClerc’s first wedding – implying there is a second How Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led UCONN women’s basketball to dominance this season Comparing the NBA and WNBA’s salary caps ahead of the women’s CBA deadline on March 10 Dawn Staley’s advice for Bam Adebayo when it comes to A’ja Wilson A four-for-one Alysa Liu Send It, from her trip to “Watch What Happens Live” to meeting Daniel Radcliffe Send Its: Soccer player gives seagull CPR: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVXHV-vkxgj/⁠ UCONN vs. UMass breakaway lights out: ⁠https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn/article/hockey-umass-mullins-center-lights-viral-score-ot-21949129.php⁠ Who’s Alysa Liu’s Olympic crush?: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DVSW-YTFHTn/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=cd0deea4-8a44-408a-be19-2aafadcb19b8⁠ And who’s the mascot who dressed like her?: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/shorts/q_wuyZ33cJs⁠ Follow Dawn Staley on IG: @staley05 Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline on IG: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women won big time at the Winter Olympics, taking home more than half of Team USA’s gold medals. But a story involving President Trump and the US men’s hockey team has clouded the moment, raising questions about support for the women. After the team declined a White House visit, Flavor Flav offered to host them instead. Yes, really. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion linked up with Laila Edwards, and figure skater Amber Glenn pushed for more conversation about competing on your period. Send Its: Irvine PD curling PSA: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU_3DPSElHu/ Bratz Doll x Alysa Liu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVFCiaFEp-x/?img_index=1 Myles Garrett’s poetry: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oJqb-h06gG0 Lindsay Vonn’s almost-amputation: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVGlrZuDYhq/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Almost) the entire pod is about the Olympics this week. Sorry, not sorry. Caroline and Blake beg the question: why are winter Olympic athletes so much more unhinged than the summer ones? From a Norwegian biathlete’s very public cheating confession to a gold medalist’s credit card fraud conviction, we dive deep into the most wild stories from the week. In this episode, we also cover: Why the NFLPA can no longer publish its report cards publicly – and why that’s a loss for the league What Joe Judge gets wrong about fatherhood in Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility testimony What Breanna Stewart’s off-season move to play in Turkey could mean for the WNBA season A Canadian curling scandal ft. the Swedish…surveillance state? Going for the Golds: Milan-Cortina c*ndoms restocked at the village: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/17/winter-olympics-condom-supply-shortage/88715151007/ Taylor Swift presents…the “Blade Angels”: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU1aS--Aan4/?igsh=ZGg3Mm15aTc2NWJl Benoit Richaud’s changes outfits more than his skaters: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU3CTbdjY95/ Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After spending eight straight days together, Blake and Caroline are back in NYC with another episode of “Well Played.” We recap our Super Bowl experience with some exclusive intel on the Cardi B and Stefon Diggs break up, say goodnight to the NFL season, and send it to the Winter Olympics which is our collective fixation. In this episode, we also cover: A special giveaway for one new follower of @wellplayedbytheskimm on IG How Lindsay Vonn shut down armchair experts around her recent leg fracture Who Surya Bonaly is, and why she’s getting her flowers in the wake of Ilia Malinin’s backflip The extremely practical backstory of Bad Bunny’s bush people The Dyson Air Wrap’s missed opportunity at the Winter Olympics Going for the Golds: Maddie Schiza’s professor is the MVP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PhOOl7PCvw The Winn Brothers winning our hearts: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUeuk7cjPth/ The unsung hero of the ski jump: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUcy2jeAq8w/ NJ Devils are salty over these Team USA brothers: https://x.com/wyshynski/status/2020968647259304015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2020968647259304015%7Ctwgr%5Ede395a3c80c9caf589ba60125b8775e96a2c3718%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgonepuckwild.com%2Fdevils-quinn-hughes-photoshop-jack-hughes-wild-trade Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Team Well Played went West to cover this year's Super Bowl LX. Featuring special guest and Gatorade athlete and Olympian Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Blake and Caroline are breaking down the weekend's celeb sightings (hi Mr. Eli), game day predictions, and the some mind blowing stats around women's health research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Brady showed us just how much of a teen girl at heart he is with a recent series of Instagram stories. Did Gisele have anything to do with it? Caroline has thoughts. We also answer listener questions around the Super Bowl, like what “game odds” even mean and a vibe-check of the Seahawks and Patriots O & D-lines. In this episode, we also cover: What our Bravo taglines would be as podcasters Carlos Alcaraz proving “if he wanted to, he would” after his Australian Open win A convo with Nordic combined skier, Annika Malacinski, on why her brother can compete at the Olympics but she can’t Whether Lewis Hamilton is next on the “Kardashian kurse” list How to tune into the Winter Olympics opening ceremony this Friday Fun Stuff that aren’t Send Its: Bravo taglines: https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/team-usa-athletes-real-housewives-taglines-2026-winter-olympics-video Sam Darnold’s bird-app: https://www.tiktok.com/@vikingzfanpage/video/7463889814689975582 Crotch-enlargement scandal: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/m-UFFj3SNW8 Annika Malacinski: @annika.malacinski Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sorry boys, but Kendall Jenner’s getting the last laugh around the “Kardashian Kurse". Well, at least she did in her Super Bowl ad with Fanatics Sportsbook. WNBA star Cameron Brink joins Well Played to talk about why she wants Alex Consani on her pod, the most “big brother” thing about Steph Curry, and the biggest difference in her routine since her ACL injury. Finally — we have big news surrounding Well Played and Super Bowl LX. If you see us in the Bay, say hey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The NFL postseason is in full chaos mode, and this week Blake and Caroline are breaking down the Chicago Bears game that put fans through an emotional roller coaster. From pivotal play calls to high-pressure moments, they dig into what went wrong, what worked, and what Caleb Williams’ performance reveals about the road ahead. Plus, Caroline is making sure we all know who to root for in the NFL playoffs based on the characters in “Heated Rivalry.” In this episode of “Well Played”, we also cover: -Why the Beckham beef is back in the spotlight -Which WNBA star is joining “Hunting Wives” -Why Chloe Kim is spending so much time in the pedicure chair -The reason Fernando Mendoza’s story has us in our feels -What it was like for former Laker’s owner Jeannie Buss as a woman in a male-domited industry (hint: not easy) Plus Caroline and Blake conduct a sniff test with Literie’s new 2026 FIFA World Cup collection candles. Use code SKIMM10 for 10% off your order at https://literiecandle.com. Editor's note: In this episode Blake and Caroline discuss a NHL hockey team selling jerseys to support Pride. The correct team was the Ottawa Senators. Jeanie Buss on IG: @jeaniebuss Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The “Heated Rivalry” craze that started in 2025 spilled into the new year, with everyone (us) foaming at the mouth over the Heated Rivalry boys. Hollanov/ HudCon/our boyfriends dominated the Golden Globes, where Julia Roberts revealed her football fandom, Hailee Steinfeld debuted her bump on the red carpet, and Timothée Chalamet took home the gold statue for Best Actor for playing the insufferable lead in “Marty Supreme”. Plus, Caroline breaks down everything you need to know about last weekend’s wild card round – and what’s to come in the no-man’s-land of the NFL post-season. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Ali Truwit’s journey from losing her foot in a shark attack to medaling at the Paris Paralympics The unprecedented matchup between Indiana-Miami in the college football finals – and how much it’ll cost to watch the game IRL George Kittle’s relatable request post-Achilles tear How Alysa Liu made the Olympic figure skating squad, despite retiring at 16 Our takeaway from Ilona Maher’s response to a body-shaming troll Check out Ali's work with "Love, Your Mind" and find mental health resources at LoveYourMindPlaybook.org. Ali Truwit on IG: @⁠alitruwit⁠ Love, Your Mind IG: @love_yourmind Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld are expecting their first child together. Hailee shared the news in her “Beau Society” newsletter. But Josh Allen kinda gave it away with his empathic morning sickness on the sidelines. We wrap the last episode of the year with our annual Wellies, including categories like “Most Exhausted PR Team” and “Diva of the Year.” Disagree with the nominees? Sound off in the comments. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: An update on the Sherrone Moore case out of the University of Michigan Why motherhood made Olivia Culpo mourn who she was before having her baby How Ann Michael Maye’s “Bakemas” killed Drake Maye’s win Why we’re not surprised A’ja Wilson is a co-chair for the Met Gala’s host committee Introducing the greenest flag in college football, Fernando Mendoza Thanks to our presenting sponsor Capital One Venture X Business Card! Visit ⁠⁠https://skimmth.is/48YzMGy⁠⁠ to learn more. Well Played will be on winter break for the next few weeks. Until then – thank you for all of the support in 2025. This show would be nothing without you! See you in the New Year, love you mean it byeeeeeeee! - Blake & Caroline Follow Olivia Culpo on IG: @oliviaculpo Follow Olivia Culpo on TikTok: @oliviadangerculpo Follow Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline on IG: @cghendy Follow theSkimm on IG: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices