Welcome to the Party

This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King sit down with U.S. Women’s National Team legend Shannon Boxx for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations we’ve ever had on the show.

Shannon opens up for the first time in depth about secretly battling lupus throughout her iconic soccer career, while winning a FIFA Women’s World Cup, three Olympic gold medals, and nearly 200 caps for the USWNT. She shares the terrifying symptoms she ignored for years, the fear of losing her career if coaches found out, and the emotional toll of competing at the highest level while her body was literally attacking itself.

The conversation also highlights the larger reality of chronic illness in sports and beyond, including the story of Belmont softball star Maia Johnson and current Division I soccer player Emma Peyton, both of whom are navigating lupus while continuing to chase elite athletic dreams. Plus, lupus expert Dr. Susan Manzi joins the show to break down why autoimmune diseases are so difficult to diagnose, especially for women and athletes.

From invisible illness and self-advocacy to teammate support, mental resilience, and redefining strength, this episode is honest, eye-opening, and deeply inspiring.

Also in this episode:

Abby and Julie reflect on their years traveling the world with the USWNT

The crew talks Olympic-level competition while living with chronic illness

Shannon shares the adjustments that helped extend her legendary career

A hilarious lupus awareness trivia game breaks out at the party

And the team announces the launch of the brand new Welcome to the Party Substack

This is a conversation about perseverance, advocacy, friendship, and what it really means to keep showing up when no one sees the battle you’re fighting.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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Email — [email protected]

Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

The Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org/

The Lupus Quiz: https://knowlupus.lupus.org/

Support Shannon’s Lupus Fundraiser: https://sipandsupportfundraiser.eventbrite.ca/

Ali Truwit WttP Interview: From Shark Attack to Paralympian to Marathoner, the unbreakable Ali Truwit

Ali Truwit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitruwit/related_profiles/

Ali Truwit Stronger Than You Think: https://strongerthanyouthink.org/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/

-Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes

Billie Jean King just added another historic achievement to her legendary career: graduating from college at 82 years old. More than 60 years after first enrolling at California State University, Los Angeles, Billie finally walked the stage and Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy were there to witness every emotional moment.  

In this special graduation-themed episode of Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie break down Billie’s inspiring commencement speech, reflect on what it means to finish what you start, and share their own hilarious college graduation stories. The crew also reacts to Billie’s powerful messages about equality, inclusion, Title IX, women’s sports, and making history.

Plus, Billie joins the show moments after receiving her diploma to talk about returning to school decades later, studying history remotely, correcting inaccuracies in a college course about women’s sports, and why earning this degree meant so much to her.

This episode is funny, emotional, deeply inspiring, and a reminder that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful.

Party People this one’s special.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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Email — [email protected]

Substack: https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com

Keep the Party Going:

Billie Jean’s Graduation Speech at Cal State Los Angeles: Billie Jean King Commencement Address

Abby’s Wolfpack Book: https://a.co/d/01wZH3Hw

Abby’s Barnard Wolfpack Speech: https://youtu.be/wJe40l2waxs?si=gbVFS4Yos5jkKpuf 

Eric Church Commencement Speech: https://youtu.be/pSYEDc7-Ah0?si=Aa01ZxZXz5N6Sjis

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with ultra marathon phenomenon Rachel Entrekin after her historic win at the Cocodona 250, where she became the first woman ever to win the entire field, beating every runner, male and female, across more than 250 brutal miles through the Arizona desert and mountains.

Rachel opens up about the mental side of endurance, the self-doubt that crept in while leading the race for nearly 200 miles, and why ultra running has become less about winning and more about discovering who she is when things get hard. She talks candidly about therapy, body image, eating disorders, learning to trust herself without obsessing over data, and the surprising “vibes-based” mindset behind one of the greatest endurance performances the sport has ever seen.

Before the interview, Abby and Julie catch up on the upcoming Netflix 99ers project, the Indigo Girls concert that had Abby scream-singing all night, and the emotional milestone of Tish finishing her freshman year. Then the Party Starter dives into the biggest women’s sports storylines heading into summer, from new women’s lacrosse, softball, and baseball leagues launching across the country to growing youth sports burnout and what parents can do to help kids actually enjoy sports again.

Plus: the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera, Ally House in Los Angeles, WNBA and NWSL summer storylines, and why women’s sports fans are heading into one of the biggest summers yet.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Reserve Your Spot at The Ally House - June 4, 2026 in Santa Monica, CA: https://www.ally.com/ally-house

Why Do Girls Drop Out of Soccer? Complete the HERStoPLAY Survey

The Women’s Lacrosse League

The Women’s Pro Baseball League

Professional Softball League

The Athlete’s Unlimited Softball League

Our Burnout Episode - The Youth Sports Problem No One Talks About⁠

Follow Rachel Entrekin

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

-Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com  https://www.onepeloton.com/

-Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49

-Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code WELCOMETOTHEPARTY at OSEAMalibu.com

- Elevate your summer wardrobe at Quince.com/welcometotheparty

Motherhood is changing for Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy and this might be one of the most vulnerable conversations they’ve had yet.

In this special episode of Welcome to the Party, Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King reflect on parenting, “mothering” beyond biology, and the emotional reality of raising kids who are learning to leave home. Abby opens up about preparing for empty nesting, why it feels strangely similar to retiring from professional sports, and how therapy is helping her navigate this next chapter. Julie shares the challenges of trusting teenagers to become independent adults, while Billie Jean King reflects on mentoring generations of athletes and why “mothering” can come from anyone.

The conversation explores parenting, identity, therapy, trust, stepparenting, chosen family, youth independence, and the emotional transition of watching your children grow up. Plus, the hosts react to powerful clips from BetterHelp’s Motherhood With You series and discuss the balance between helping your kids and learning when to let go.

This episode is presented in partnership with BetterHelp and features conversations around mental health, parenting, motherhood, empty nesting, therapy, family dynamics, and personal growth.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Therapy can be life changing, especially when it comes to understanding yourself and how you care for others. Our special episode on motherhood and mental health is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you're interested in therapy, learn more at https://www.betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty

Watch the Betterhelp videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos

Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King open up in one of the most vulnerable and honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show.

Abby shares the deeply personal story of her journey to sobriety, reflecting on the pressure of elite sports, the identity crisis that followed success, and the moment a DUI arrest changed the course of her life forever. Billie Jean King opens up about her decades-long battle with disordered eating, the emotional toll of hiding her sexuality while building women’s tennis, and why therapy has remained a cornerstone of her life for more than 30 years.

The conversation also explores the mental and emotional challenges athletes face behind the scenes, from burnout and anxiety to shame, perfectionism, and learning how to ask for help. Plus, the crew reflects on how stars like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Lauren Betts are helping redefine what strength looks like for the next generation of athletes.

This episode is about so much more than sports. It’s about healing, vulnerability, recovery, and the reminder that asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Voice in Sport (VIS): Created for female athletes, this platform provides access to experts in sport psychology, mentorship, and community to advocate for girls and women. 

Kevin Love Fund: The Kevin Love Fund works to inspire people to live their healthiest lives by creating equity between mental and physical health. As an evidence-based organization, they focus on research, education, and narrative change to break the stigma around mental health.

The Hidden Opponent: the leading non-profit organization for athlete mental health advocacy, education, and support. They provide accessible resources and unite a global community to empower athletes to prioritize their mental health and shatter the stigma within sports culture. Idea began in 2017 with founder Victoria Garrick Browne giving a TEDx talk gaining 647,000 views on Youtube. Official nonprofit partner of Adidas.

The Jed Foundation: Founded in 2000 after the loss of their son, Jed, to suicide, JED is a leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting teen and young adult mental health. Through school partnerships, community education, and digital resources, JED helps young people build life skills, strengthen connections, and access mental health support.

Active Minds: Active Minds was founded by Alison Malmon when she was a junior at the University of Pennsylvania following the suicide of her older brother, and only sibling, Brian. Through their presence in more than 1,000 high schools, colleges, and communities, they reach more than 8+ million young adults with mental health information, training, and leadership opportunities each year over the last 20 Years.

Born This Way Foundation: Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, empowers and inspires young people to build a kinder, braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing. Based on the scientific link between kindness and mental health and built in partnership with young people, the Foundation leverages research, programs, grantmaking, and partnerships to engage young people and connect them with accessible mental health resources.

Hope for Athletes: The mission of Hope for Athletes is to break the stigma of mental health in sports through storytelling and faith. The vision of Hope for Athletes is that every student athlete will know they are not alone, dearly loved, and worthy of support and help.

Athletes for Hope: Educating athletes on their potential to make a positive impact on the world, connecting them with the causes they care about & inspiring others to do the same. Athletes for Hope was founded in 2006 by a group of elite athletes who all share a common bond – a deep commitment to helping others. These Founders included Muhammad Ali, Warrick Dunn, Mia Hamm, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Jeff Gordon, Andre Agassi, and Alonzo Mourning, among others.

Alston for Athletes: Alston for Athletes (AFA) is a fiscally sponsored project of Players Philanthropy Fund, we are dedicated to providing mental health resources to athletic directors, coaches, and student-athletes across the country. Marcus Alston founded AFA in September of 2019 with one major goal: he didn't want student athletes to go through what he endured without a support system. He built a team of motivated individuals to help spread the message of promoting emotional, and mental well-being.

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

This week, Megan Rapinoe joins the party and this might be one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show.

Pinoe opens up about the emotional reality of retirement, losing the structure and identity that came with elite competition, and what happens when one of the most recognizable athletes in the world suddenly has to figure out who she is outside of the game. She talks candidly about the grief of leaving soccer behind, navigating public life and parasocial relationships, struggling to find purpose in year two of retirement, and learning how to separate “Megan Rapinoe the person” from “Megan Rapinoe the icon.”

She also shares what’s exciting her now: photography, storytelling, investing in women’s sports, creative freedom, and building the future of the game through media and culture. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on their own retirements, the pressure of elite sports, and why life after competition can be so much harder than anyone prepares you for.

Before the interview, the crew dives into WNBA opening weekend, Allyson Felix’s possible comeback, Rachel Entrekin making ultramarathon history, Abby receiving her fourth honorary degree at Duke, and more women’s sports headlines from around the party.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

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Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Follow Ultramarathoner Rachel Entrekin

Check Out the UCLA teammates Reunited in the WNBA

Learn More About Allyson Felix’s Fight For Mothers: Allyson Felix Took On Corporate Sports—and Won | Welcome To The Party and https://www.olympics.com/en/news/advocacy-allyson-felix-fight-for-maternal-rights-sports

NCAA Women’s Softball Tournament Schedule

Follow the UCLA’s Women’s Beach Volleyball Team

Dallas Pulse split Major League Volleyball’s 1 Million dollar prize

A Touch More Podcast - starting June 11th, Megan Rapinoe will be telling the story of the 2026 World Cup

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Motherhood, basketball, and a brand new WNBA season collide in this special Mother’s Day episode of Welcome to the Party. Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy reflect on the many forms of “mothering,” share stories about the women who shaped them, and celebrate the love, toughness, and community behind women’s sports, before diving into one of the wildest WNBA offseasons yet.

Then, the Party welcomes Dallas Wings star and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd alongside her mom, former WNBA draft pick Katie Fudd, for what might be the best Party Popper yet. The two open up about Azzi’s journey through injuries, rehab, pressure, family support, and finally reaching the WNBA together on the other side of it all. From rookie life in Dallas to hilarious family stories and emotional moments about resilience, this episode is packed with heart, laughs, and everything we love about women’s sports.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

WNBA Schedule

For anyone who would love to donate to Debbie Antonelli, click here. All proceeds go directly to Special Olympics to help their athletes continue to have a place to train, compete, organize, and socialize.

Follow Katie Fudd on Instagram

Follow Azzi Fudd on Instagram

Check out the Fudd Around and Find Out Podcast

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

Malala. Yes, that Malala.

The youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate, global activist, and one of the most powerful voices of our time joins Welcome to the Party and she’s bringing that same fearless energy to women’s sports.

At just 11 years old, Malala began speaking out for girls’ education. At 15, she survived a Taliban assassination attempt, and never stopped fighting. Now, she’s turning her focus to a new frontier: investing in and growing women’s sports through her platform, Recess.

In this episode, Malala sits down with Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King to talk about:

* Why women’s sports are a global movement, and a business opportunity

* How sport can drive equality, access, and real change

* The fight to support the Afghan Women’s National Team under Taliban rule

* What it actually means to “do the work” beyond the headlines

Plus: birthday hype for producer Asia, Billie Jean King in Chicago, and a Party Starter packed with PWHL playoffs, UEFA Women’s Champions League, and Kentucky Derby history. This one’s bigger than sports, it’s about impact, courage, and what happens when one voice refuses to be silenced.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Citizens of Humanity x Welcome to the Party x BAWSI limited-edition capsule. Citizens of Humanity will donate 100% of the retail selling price from each style sold to BAWSI, supporting their work to expand access and opportunity for girls through sport. Shop HERE.

PWHL Playoff Schedule

Follow The Skim

The cutest thing you will see all month, the Gigi and Josie meet up!

Trainer Cherie DeVaux watching Golden Tempo win the Kentucky Derby

Marta Kostyuk’s Madrid Open celebration

Malala

The Malala Fund

Follow Malala on social media:

TikTok

Instagram

Listen to Malala address the United Nations at 16

Malala’s Recess Fund

Finding My Way by Malala

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

“Burnout isn’t laziness. Burnout isn’t failure.”

In this episode, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach take on one of the biggest issues in youth sports right now: why kids are walking away, and what we’re getting wrong.

With nearly 70% of kids quitting organized sports by age 13, Julie and Abby break down the real drivers behind burnout, from nonstop schedules and early specialization to pressure from parents, coaches, and the system itself.

Drawing from their own experiences as elite athletes and parents, they get honest about:

What burnout actually feels like (and why it’s often misunderstood)

The pressure kids carry today vs. when they were growing up

Why taking a break might be the best thing for long-term success

How parents can support without adding more pressure

The moments that matter more than any game (yes, go to the prom)

Plus, they answer a listener question about expensive club sports—how to tell if a program is truly helping your child grow or just cashing in.

The takeaway:
Your kid’s relationship with sport matters more than their résumé.

Because joy isn’t a bonus, it’s the fuel.

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

Welcome back to the party, Party People 🎉

This week, we’re joined by one of the most fearless and fascinating young stars in the game, Olivia Moultrie, and trust us, she’s not waiting her turn…she’s taking it.

At just 20 years old, Olivia is already in her sixth professional season with the Portland Thorns FC, but her story goes way beyond the stats. She opens up about the mentality that’s fueled her rise, from training with pros as a kid, to suing the National Women's Soccer League at 15 to change the rules, and winning.

We get into the mindset behind her confidence (“whatever I decide my reality is… that can be the truth”), the competitive fire that’s been there since day one, and the role her dad played in building that belief system from the ground up.

Then things get interesting…

Abby challenges Olivia on what it really means to be a forward, pushing her to embrace the responsibility of impacting every single game. And Olivia doesn’t shy away. Instead, she leans in, revealing the internal standard she already holds herself to, and how close she is to unlocking another level.

Plus:

The moment she knew she belonged at 15 

Why she’s never been fazed by her age

The mentality that separates good players from great ones

And whether she’s coming for Christine Sinclair’s all-time international goal record 👀


This is a conversation about confidence, pressure, leadership—and what it actually takes to become the best in the world.

Let’s get into it.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

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TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

More on the award Billie Jean King received from Harvard: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cpl/leaders-in-practice/gleitsman-program-leadership-and-social-change

Sebastian Sawe SAY WHAT! Marathon record shattered.

https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/48598786/sabastian-sawe-wins-london-marathon-record-1st-finish-2-hours

PWHL Playoff Schedule: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/news/2026/april/26/2026-pwhl-walter-cup-playoff-matchups

ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf’s article about the NWSL flipping it’s schedule: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48516363/nwsl-players-calendar-flip-womens-soccer

The WNBA is everywhere! Here’s where you can find them this season:https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all

ESPN article detailing how Olivie Moultrie paved the way for young soccer players: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/39946072/olivia-moultrie-paved-way-nwsls-youth-movement

Follow Olivia Moultrie: https://www.instagram.com/olivia_moultrie/reels/

Heather O’Reilly’s rise with COMO 1907’S Women’s Team:https://comofootball.com/en/heather-oreilly-shaping-como-1907s-womens-squad/

Support and follow the Somoa Women’s Football Team: https://www.instagram.com/samoawnt/

Thank you to our sponsors:

-Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC