Kaleigh Fratkin and the Packers go way back. The story starts in high school, where Madison and Kaleigh threw hits on the ice and butted heads off of it. Later, fate brought Kaleigh and Anya together as college roommates in Boston, cementing them as lifelong friends. Now that Madison and Anya are married and all three have endured the highs and lows of storied hockey careers, they’re closer than ever. In this episode, Kaleigh reminisces on that history, from being a founding member of the PHF, to navigating the waves of changing leagues, to proving herself as a physical powerhouse and impactful leader on the Boston Pride and Fleet. This year is a little different for Kaleigh because she’s not playing, but there’s a good reason for that. Listen to find out what her next chapter holds.

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One of the best pieces of representation for women’s hockey came out last year. It’s Inside Out 2, the sequel to the hugely popular Pixar movie beloved by children and adults alike for helping us understand the emotions whirling around in our minds. Its main character, 13-year-old Riley, is a hockey player, which means the Packers have feelings about this film. They chat about what it meant to see a woman’s hockey team in a popular kid’s movie and then sit down with Meg LeFauvre and Kelsey Mann, the film’s co-writer and director, respectively, to discuss why they chose hockey to portray the emotional swings of adolescence. They also talk about the making of the film, reveal how Kelsey’s own childhood informed the narrative, and why the creative team had to go “into the lava” to create the movie’s most memorable moments.

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As 2024 wraps up, the Packers take a moment to reflect on a year like no other. From the groundbreaking inaugural season of the PWHL to the explosive growth of women’s sports, and the personal shifts following Madison’s retirement, it’s been a whirlwind. Madison and Anya look back on the highs and lows of the past year and share their resolutions, hopes, and dreams for 2025.

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In sports, the bond between teammates often goes beyond the game — you become family. In this episode, the Packers reunite with one of their own, Emma Woods, to reflect on the unforgettable moments of last season. Emma, who lived with Madison and Anya while playing for the Sirens, quickly became a "pseudo-mom" to their kids, forging deep and unexpected connections. Join us as we dive into life off the ice — from how Madison and Emma went from rivals to best friends, to that unforgettable (and hilarious) moment when their son Waylon had an accident in Emma's bathroom. It’s a heartwarming, candid conversation about the true meaning of team spirit and family.

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Few topics are as important to the Packers as mental health. In this episode, they take a second to reflect on where this passion stems from. From Anya's initiative to bring a sports psychologist onto the Riveters team to Madison advocating for suicide prevention on the ice, they share how these moments fueled their commitment to change the hockey community for the better. They also open up about their own struggles with depression and anxiety, and why they encourage their kids to embrace honesty and openness about their emotions at home. Most importantly, they share the resources and tips that helped them get through challenging times. If you're struggling, know that you're not alone—we see you, we hear you, and we love you. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988.

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To fans, three-time Olympian Natalie Spooner seamlessly transitioned back to the ice after giving birth, even earning honors as the 2024 PWHL Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year. But in reality, there was a lot more going on behind the scenes. In this candid conversation, Natalie opens up to Madison and Anya about the challenges she faced — both on and off the ice — during her pre- and post-partum journey. She reveals how the lack of education around the postpartum experience impacted her and what information could have made a significant difference. Madison and Anya also dive into the reasons behind Natalie’s offensively low draft pick last year and what her remarkable comeback means to them as mothers.

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After 146 games at the University of Wisconsin, two gold medals with Team USA, and 154 games over nine years in professional leagues, Madison has announced her retirement from pro hockey. Just after the news broke, she sat down with Anya to reflect on her remarkable career. Together, they explore Madison’s journey and how she came to realize that hockey is much more than just a game — from her early days with the Riveters to finding her voice as an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ rights. Renowned as a captain, friend, confidante, and pioneer, Madison played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of women’s hockey, leaving the sport better than she found it. Tune in for Madison’s heartfelt final love letter to the game, and get a peek at what’s next for her off the ice.

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There’s no sugar-coating it, being a mom is hard. In this episode, the Packers talk to someone who truly understands this: Kirsten Ferguson, a Peloton instructor, single mom of two young girls, and self-proclaimed president of the Ratchet Moms Club, an online community that Kirsten started so moms can be upfront about the messiness that goes hand in hand with raising kids. Kirsten opens up about the miscarriages she endured before having her kids, how she learned to parent post-divorce, and why it is so important to maintain her own mental health as a mom. Hear Kirsten and the Packers give voice to the real experiences of motherhood, in all its messy glory.   

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Anyone who gets to the top of their sport has a very strong “why” that drove them to get there. For Ashlyn Harris, soccer was her way out of an unstable childhood. Her work ethic led to an enviable career which included 10 seasons playing in the NWSL and two World Cup wins on the US Women’s National Team. While playing, she was an advocate for players, fighting alongside her teammates for equal pay in women’s soccer. Post retirement, she continues to use her platform to raise awareness around issues that are important to her, such as LGBTQ+ rights and mental health issues. On top of all that, Ashlyn became a mom while still playing, which gives her lots to talk about with the Packers. They unpack the lack of resources available to players, what it’s like to parent as a public figure, and much more. 

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In this episode, the Packers call up their hockey mentor and go-to person for mom advice, Meghan Duggan. Meghan is a former pro hockey player, three time Olympian, and mom of three. She was captain to Madison at University of Wisconsin and to Anya in the CWHL, and continues to be an inspiring leader to all who know her in work and life. Meghan and her wife had their first kid just before Madison and Anya (during COVID no less), and together they discuss their experiences as queer parents, the challenges they face, and their shared mission to nurture empathetic, kind-hearted kids in a world filled with adversity.

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