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

Episode 87: Meg Linehan

Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy is a fun, thoughtful, candid conversation with trailblazers in sports about the joy/chaos of life and sports.

Sports

Two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she has stepped out of her comfort zone to share her voice, lessons she learned playing with former teammates Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart and how pickleball has become a big part of her life. Jewell and Julie bond over their experiences of being humbled by grandmas on the pickleball court and Lynn offers a deep thought about the sport. Plus, Jewell shares what it's like being part of the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team and carrying on its legacy of winning. In the close of the show, Julie recalls a recent stress dream involving past and present USWNT players and both Julie and Lynn give book recommendations.
Send an email to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. They'd love to hear from you!

Episode 129: Jewell Loyd

Notre Dame women's basketball head coach Niele Ivey joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her daily meditation practice, what it's like coaching in the era of NIL and the transfer portal and how she is building her program based on the principles of "love, serve and mentor." Niele also talks about the pride she has watching her son, Jaden, play in the NBA and the perspective she has having been an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies. In the Lynn Game, Niele and Julie duke it out over who knows Tamika Catchings better (hazard alert: someone gets smoked) and find out in Most Pressing Questions why Niele dresses for success on the sidelines.
Producer's Note: Go Irish!
Be sure to send a comment, question or deep thought to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Episode 128: Niele Ivey

Two-time World Cup champion Alyssa Naeher joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she became a goalkeeper, how her background as a point guard in basketball helps her in goal and where her steadiness at the position comes from. Alyssa shares how she was told several times in her career that she didn't have the "personality" to be the starting goalkeeper for the USWNT and how she stayed true to herself despite naysayers. Alyssa also discusses last summer's World Cup and how she is able to find peace within herself during the pressure of penalty kicks. In Most Pressing Questions, find out Alyssa's morning routine and whether she can hit a "logo 3." In Questions Permitted, Julie makes a revelation that blows Lynn's mind.
If you have a question or comment for Julie and Lynn, they'd love to hear it! Email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com

Episode 127: Alyssa Naeher

ESPN broadcasters Andraya Carter and Elle Duncan join Laughter Permitted to talk about the ratings history made at the Final Four and why this year's tournament was such a success. Andraya and Elle also share behind-the-scenes stories of Caitlin Clark and discuss Dawn Staley's greatness. In the close of the episode, Julie and Lynn give ideas of how everyone can continue to support women's sports. Get on the train, party people!
If you have a question for Julie and Lynn, email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Episode 126: Andraya Carter and Elle Duncan

Sailing sensation Cole Brauer joins Laughter Permitted to talk about becoming the first American woman to race solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world, why she took on the challenge and how Instagram allowed her to bring people along on the journey. Cole also shares what it's like being a woman in the sailing world and why she intentionally practiced self-care while sailing by herself for 130 days. In the Lynn Game, Cole showcases her grit, and in Most Pressing Questions, she explains why the interior of her boat was filled with handwritten messages. During Takeaways, Julie and Lynn talk about "cheddar cheese" moments.
Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com!

Episode 87: Meg Linehan

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