Welcome to the Party

From Stagecoach chaos and teenage parenting dilemmas to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. This episode takes a turn in the best way possible.

Julie and Abby kick things off with a very real conversation about parenting teens, festival price tags, and the absolute logistics nightmare that is Stagecoach. (Spoiler: someone is absolutely on pickup duty.) But then, the party pivots…

Because women’s rugby is having a moment and it’s bigger than you think.

With nearly half of fans brand new in the last two years and record-breaking growth across the board, Julie and Abby sit down with Carly Waters (Denver Onyx) and Lesley Paterson (WER board member, 5x world champion triathlete & Oscar-nominated screenwriter) to break down why this sport is exploding right now.

They get into:

* Why rugby is built for every body

* The culture that makes it one of the most inclusive sports in the world

* What actually happens in a scrum (we finally understand it… kinda)

* The rise of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER) and what’s next in the U.S.

* And why this sport might be the next obsession for Party People everywhere

By the end, you won’t just know what a scrum half is, you’ll be debating lineouts and planning your first rugby match watch.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Follow WER all season long: https://www.instagram.com/rugbyevolved/

WER Schedule: https://www.womenseliterugby.us/2026-schedule

WER Statement on Transgender Athletes: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXK4bTTgZQK/

Rugby Explained, thank you to the Leicester Tigers for this explainer video:Rugby Explained: Rugby Players and Positions

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

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Party People… this one had EVERYTHING.

Fresh off a national championship and straight into the WNBA, Lauren Betts is back, and her life has officially gone bonkers (in the best way).

In just a few weeks, Lauren led UCLA to its first-ever title, became a top-five WNBA draft pick, signed major deals, and somehow stayed grounded through it all. She joins Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach to break down the whirlwind: winning it all, draft night with her teammates, and stepping into the next chapter with the Washington Mystics.

They also get into the real stuff—team culture, confidence, handling pressure, and why vulnerability has been her biggest superpower.

Plus: WNBA Draft chaos, UCLA’s historic takeover, and the emotional moments that made this week unforgettable.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Follow Sophia Wilson’s instagram to see the cutest baby on the planet: https://www.instagram.com/sophiawilson/

Bruce Springsteen Land of Hope and Dreams Tour: https://brucespringsteen.net/

Follow Lauren Betts:https://www.instagram.com/laurenmariebetts/

Watch the LOVB Championships this weekend: https://lovb.com/tournaments

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

-Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/. After your place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and Welcome to the Party!

-Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.

Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean King sit down with pickleball phenom Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed GOAT of the fastest-growing sport in America. She’s already out-earning the men, dominating singles, doubles, and mixed, and now she’s taking on tennis legends Andre Agassi and James Blake in a pickleball “Battle of the Sexes.”

From turning pro at 12 to becoming the face of a global movement, Anna Leigh breaks down her rise, her mindset (hint: she talks to herself a lot), and why pickleball’s culture got something very right from the start: pay equity.

Plus: WNBA chaos, a historic coaching hire in Europe, and a Party Starter stacked with headlines across women’s sports.

Party People… this one’s different. And it’s just getting started.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

WNBA Draft Results: https://www.espn.com/wnba/draft/rounds

LOVB Positional Awards: https://lovb.com/news/260410-lovb-announces-2026-season-awards

Follow Anna Leigh: https://www.instagram.com/anna.leigh.waters/?hl=en and https://www.tiktok.com/@anna.leigh.waters

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean King kick things off with the Billie Jean King Cup, the “World Cup of women’s tennis”, and what makes playing for your country hit different, from pressure to pride to full-on chaos in the locker room.

Then, U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes joins the party, and this one goes way beyond X’s and O’s.

From building a dynasty at Chelsea to winning Olympic gold in her first 10 games with the USWNT, Emma is now focused on something even bigger: completely redefining how women’s soccer is built. She breaks down her “female lens” approach, why 95% of sports science is still based on men, how that impacts everything from injuries to performance, and what it actually takes to design systems that work for women.

We get into her groundbreaking approach to supporting athletes through pregnancy, the return of stars like Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson, and how she’s building a scalable blueprint that could change the entire future of the women’s game.

Plus: the personal side of Emma, balancing motherhood, coaching at the highest level, and why this job isn’t just about winning…it’s about legacy.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

More information about the Billie Jean King Cup: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en

How to watch America in the Billie Jean King Cup: https://www.billiejeankingcup.com/en/more/where-to-watch

USWNT Upcoming Friendlies with Japan: 

https://www.ussoccer.com/all-matches

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

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

UCLA is your 2026 National Champion and they made a statement doing it.

Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean break down the Bruins’ dominant win, what set this team apart, and why their chemistry matters more than ever in today’s transfer portal era. With Jordan Robinson, they also dive into the Final Four, UConn’s loss, and the Geno Auriemma controversy everyone’s talking about.

Plus: WNBA Draft buzz, transfer portal chaos, and a Party Starter packed with the biggest headlines in women’s sports.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Follow Jordan Robinson 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanligons

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyjordanrobinson

Book: Court Queens (history of women’s basketball)https://www.amazon.com/Court-Queens-Celebrate-Players-Basketball/dp/B0FGX73CKW

Dawn Staley’s book: https://a.co/d/04jPSpG7

Gabriella Jaquez Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabrielajaquezz/

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

March Madness is delivering, and so is the energy on this episode. Julie and Abby are joined by women’s basketball expert Jordan Robinson to break down a stacked Final Four, from Texas vs. UCLA to the highly anticipated rematch between UConn and South Carolina. They dig into what’s actually separating these teams right now, momentum, mindset, and yes…team chemistry (including a surprisingly deep dive into “touches” 👀).

Then, the conversation shifts from the court to something bigger: what really makes a great team? From a powerful story out of Tennessee about culture and leadership to a fascinating sit-down with organizational psychologist Adam Grant, this episode explores how trust, connection, and accountability shape success, whether you’re chasing a championship or building something of your own.

Because at the highest level, it’s not just about talent, it’s about the people, the relationships, and the culture you create together.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

The NBA Study on ‘touching’: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fa0019382

Adam Grant’s website: https://adamgrant.net/

Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors:

The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc

and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/

The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB

and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/

Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ 

Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/

and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/

and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax

A Touch More: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364

and Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/

March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

March Madness is delivering, and so is this episode. From bracket chaos and UCLA surviving Duke to a viral coaching moment that had the entire internet debating what “good coaching” actually looks like… we’re breaking it all down.

Julie, Abby, and Kinger react to the biggest headlines across women’s sports including record-breaking crowds, Angel City staying undefeated, and a historic run in tennis, before sitting down with Maryland head coach Brenda Frese and star guard Oluchi Okananwa to unpack the moment everyone’s been talking about.

What really happened on that sideline? What did she actually say? And why did it resonate with so many people? Plus, the Party Starter, bracket updates, and a chaotic new game of “Read My Lips” you do not want to miss.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

A close up look at the Dodger’s World Series ring: https://x.com/Dodgers/status/2037709653174583405

Watch this amazing story on Abby’s nephew, Brady Wambach: https://www.tiktok.com/@usa_lacrosse/video/7607508920969579789?_r=1&_t=ZP-956fgIK5rYt

Learn more about ‘The Sunshine Double’: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/48346400/what-sunshine-double-explaining-jannik-sinner-aryna-sabalenka-rare-feat

The WTA Finals ending their tour stop in Saudi Arabia: https://tennisuptodate.com/wta/wta-finals-set-to-leave-saudi-arabia-after-2026-as-the-hunt-commences-for-new-location

Denver smashes NWSL regular season attendance record: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/no-place-like-home-denver-summit-inaugural-home-opener-at-mile-high-smashes-nwsl-attendance-record

The Viral Moment between Maryland Coach Brenda Frese and her player, Oluchi Okananwa: https://www.facebook.com/MarylandWBB/videos/everyone-deserves-to-feel-like-someone-believes-in-you-like-brenda-frese-believe/1256703726646052/

Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors:

The RE-CAP show

The Women’s Game

social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/

Good Game with Sarah Spain

Time Wasting

social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Coach Jackie:

https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/

https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax

A Touch More

Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/

March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times

Thank you to our sponsor:

-This episode is brought to you by Cologuard. For more information head to Cologuard.com

March Madness is in full swing and the chaos is only getting started. From bracket battles and Cinderella runs to the Sweet 16 matchups you can’t miss, Julie and Abby break it all down. But this episode goes deeper, highlighting Lauren Betts and the powerful impact of speaking openly about mental health, and how it’s translating directly to performance on the court.

Plus, the crew celebrates a huge moment for Save: the Katie Meyer Story and why this story continues to matter. Then, they’re joined by the legendary Billie Jean King to talk legacy, representation, and why women’s history is far from finished.

And finally, don’t miss their conversation with Cynt Marshall, the leader who stepped into one of the NBA’s most toxic workplaces and completely transformed it. This one’s about basketball, yes, but also about truth, leadership, and what happens when people decide to change the game.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow

Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow

TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

Katie’s Save Website - https://katiessave.org/

How to contact your local representative to help pass Katie Meyer’s Law: ​​https://katiessave.org/hr5545/

Watch Save: The Katie Meyer Story: Save: The Katie Meyer Story | E60

Suicide prevention hotline: 📞988

National Women’s History Month

IF/THEN Initiative: https://www.ifthenshecan.org/

IF/THEN Collection: https://www.ifthencollection.org/

Lyda Hill Philanthropies: https://www.lydahillphilanthropies.org/

#IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit: https://ifthenexhibit.org/

#IfThenSheCan - The Exhibit: Game Changers, Press release https://www.ifthenshecan.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Game-Changers-Release-FINAL.pdf

And on social: @ifthenshecan

National Women’s History Museum: https://www.womenshistory.org/

Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors:

The RE-CAP show:

https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc

and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/

The Women’s Game:

https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB

and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/

Good Game with Sarah Spain:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ 

Time Wasting:

https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/

and social: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/

Coach Jackie:

https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/

and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax

A Touch More:

March Madness Schedule:

https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times

Cynt Marshall’s legacy at the Dallas Mavericks: https://www.nba.com/mavs/cynt-marshalls-mavs-legacy

Cynt Marshall’s book, You’ve Been Chosen: https://www.amazon.com/Youve-Been-Chosen-Thriving-Unexpected/dp/B09RTSJ7KP/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

Thank you to our sponsors:

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

-This episode of Welcome To The Party is brought to you by McDonald’s Big Arch Burger!

-To try Hairstory for yourself, go to hairstory.com/welcometotheparty and use code PARTY15 at checkout for 15% off your order. 

-If you’re 45 or older and at average risk, ask your healthcare provider about screening for colon cancer with the Cologuard test. You can also request a Cologuard prescription today at Cologuard.com

March Madness is in full chaos mode and Welcome to the Party is right in the middle of it. Julie, Abby, and Kinger break down bracket madness (including their own 1,000+ person pod challenge), wild leaderboard swings, and the moments everyone’s talking about, from buzzer beaters to emotional coaching clips that gave Abby full-body chills. Plus, the Party Starter covers a stacked week in women’s sports: NCAA hockey dynasties, Virginia’s swimming dominance, major FIFA coaching changes, and a record-breaking contract in the NWSL. Then, hoops expert Jordan Robinson joins to unpack the game-changing new WNBA CBA, why it’s bigger than just salaries, how it reshapes the future of women’s sports, and what it means for the next generation of players.

Follow @welcometothepartyshow on:

YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠

Email — [email protected]

Keep the Party Going:

WNBA/CBA Agreement: https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-wnbpa-tentative-cba-deal-2026

Follow and Hype up our Welcome to the March Madness Party Bracket Competitors:

The RE-CAP show: https://re-website.com/pages/recapshow?srsltid=AfmBOoor3S1KP5mHb26PRTMpzLWKaEnY1X2Gsbs_ZobDqQgVOdnp63Vc and social: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/

The Women’s Game: https://www.youtube.com/@WomensGameMiB and social: https://www.instagram.com/womensgamemib/

Good Game with Sarah Spain: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-good-game-with-sarah-spai-185664375/ 

Time Wasting: https://justwomenssports.com/time-wasting/ and social: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVjV3A7j3Ll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Coach Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jcubedhax/ and TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcubedhax

A Touch More: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364 and on Social: https://www.instagram.com/atouchmore/

March Madness Schedule: https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-23/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times

Thank you to our sponsors:

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