This week, the Packers are all about Detroit. It's Madison’s hometown and the site that broke the record for US women's hockey attendance on the PWHL Takeover Tour. Anya and Madison recap that Takeover Tour — the highlights, the strategy behind it, and what it might mean for expansion in the league. Then they chat with their good friend Kris Smith: a Detroit local, pro trainer (to the Packers and Madison’s mom!), and founder of Foundry 13. Kris shares how she built a fitness space rooted in community and inclusivity, her at-times grueling journey in the industry, and why Detroit is more than ready for a pro women’s hockey team.

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Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives, from sports figures to parenting influencers. In this episode, bestselling author, podcast host of Under the Influence, and mom of three, Jo Piazza, shares her unique perspective on the powerful business women behind some of our favorite (and sometimes least favorite) social media accounts. Jo pulls back the curtain on the media empires these influencers have built, revealing their secrets. She also reflects on the best parenting advice she ever received from an unlikely source—a random man at Home Depot. Plus, she makes a case to Anya and Madison about why they should have a third baby.

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Women are breaking barriers on and off the ice — and sports journalists like Jamie Hersch are leading the charge in elevating women’s sports through powerful storytelling. In this episode, Jamie reflects on her early career as a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, where she had to prove her skills and passion as the only woman in the room. She, along with the Packers, discuss how women athletes often connect with fans by sharing their authentic stories, a stark contrast to the more game-focused narrative of men’s sports. They agree that men’s sports can learn a lot from women. The conversation also touches on the chaotic but rewarding phases of parenting, while sharing excitement for the bright future of women in sports media.

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Every mom needs her village, and Ali Krieger is a great example of someone committed to building community, both in sports and in her personal life. As a soccer star, she and her teammates fought for equal pay with U.S. Soccer--a move that helped women's sports as a whole. Off the field, Ali embraced the power of a supportive community after a very public divorce and remains dedicated to nurturing her relationships with mom friends. The Packers share these values and dive deep into Ali’s experiences growing up with a dad who was also her coach. They also discuss what life is like post-retirement and why, after a career as an Olympian and two-time World Cup winner, Ali is still chasing those small mom wins.

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If you’re anything like the Packers, Robin Arzón might have gotten you through the pandemic. Currently the VP of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, Robin’s rides are known to be uplifting and healing, which is definitely true for Anya who was saved by those rides in the thick of postpartum depression. Robin turned to running after a traumatic experience in college and has relied on physical strength to maintain her mental health ever since. These days, Robin is more committed to empowering people than ever through her company, Swagger Society, which she describes as “a diverse network for hustlers.” Listen to hear why she thinks everyone should tap into their physical and mental strength and how she leads by example all while caring for two young kids.

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Madison’s retirement introduced a whole new structure to the Packer household. While Anya used to bear the brunt of childcare, those roles are now swapped. This creates challenges on both ends that the couple hash out on air. Luckily, today’s guest, Eve Rodsky, can relieve the tension. Eve is dedicated to helping couples split domestic labor evenly–a mission she detailed in her NYT Bestselling book, Fair Play. She explains that regardless of family structure, parents can create a more equal household by treating it like a workplace with boundaries, communication, and structure. Listen to hear all her insights, from the unique problems same-sex couples might encounter to how finding your “unicorn space” can help you stay sane.

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Women’s sports has a money problem--from funding and player salaries to wealth management post-career. Stephanie Dobbs Brown, former CMO at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and the New York Stock Exchange, is working to address this issue by promoting financial literacy and equity in women’s sports. She sat down with the Packers to discuss why this issue matters to her and how financial education empowers women. Plus, she reflects on how she grew into her leadership style in a male-dominated field and shares how she carves time for herself and her son.

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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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