Well Played

By theSkimmSociety & Culture Sports

Well Played episodes

October 07The Fever Fan Debate, Gisele & Tom’s Astrological Divorce, and the NFL Teams Surprising Us in Week 4
We thought we knew everything about Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s divorce, then Lars Anderson gave us more to chew on. In his new biography on the 7x Super Bowl champ, we learn that the literal stars effectively ended the Brady Bündch-en. Plus, we get into why we’re still talking about the incident between a Fever fan and A’ja Wilson — and what questions it raises for the soon-to-be-hired WNBA commissioner.
PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you.
Alex Morgan pledges $10K to moms who coach: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd-GvBeP7Lp/

Tigst Assefa wins the Berlin Marathon champion…with a ruptured achilles: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/50058315/tigst-assefa-destroyed-achilles-berlin-marathon-win

Marathon mom plays cupid: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeHbjSKxWPp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

LeBron and that darn branded helicopter: https://frontofficesports.com/article/lebron-fanatics-helicopter-philadelphia/
Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm
Follow Caroline on Instagram: @cghendy
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55 min
September 30Stafford’s Swift Appearance, Kate Upton’s MLB Lore, and Jalen Brunson’s SNL Debut
Jalen Brunson ditched his typical stoic self for his SNL debut last weekend for a few characters: a high school musical-esque basketballer, a rapper, and a member of a polycule. Seeing OG Anunoby act was the cherry on top. Matt Stafford also took the big screen in Taylor Swift’s music video for “Patient Zero,” which debuted at this year’s VMAs. Turns out having Swiftie daughters can pay dividends for your career.
In this episode, we also cover:
The latest in the WNBA playoffs, plus honoring Olivia Miles and Nneka Ogwumike’s league accomplishments

Whether JJ McCarthy will replace fellow young Giants QB, Jaxson Dart, for the long run

Two activities that aren’t activities but should be: beer wenching & girl gripping

Where things stand in the MLB post-season

PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you.
Send Its:
Justin Verlander’s emotional send-off, featuring his daughter and wife, Kate Upton: https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/justin-verlanders-daughter-gave-him-an-emotional-hug-on-the-mound-after-his-final-mlb-pitch-what-a-moment-191250826.html

Bonus: the commercial Verlander and Upton met on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgQ4QwyZem8

The beer baddie who carried 14 beers: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdwMEwaMEwq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Plus, the Toronto Tempo and Coors Light for making a drink we need: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrZlRllnfa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Introducing Atlanta City FC: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-team-17-atlanta-city-fc-unveils-club-name-logo-and-colors

Plus: Ashley Sanchez ties Temwa Chawinga’s record: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/sanchez-becomes-second-to-score-20-goals-fishlock-breaks-rapinoe-s-reign-scoring-record
Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm
Follow Blake on Instagram: @blaaakkkke
Follow Caroline on Instagram: @cghendy

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58 min
September 25Simone Biles’ Sleepy Girl Game Day, Kiffin Flops in Front of His Ex, and Blake Picks Her NFL Team
NFL week 2 gave us injuries, moments from our favorite WAGs, and confirmation that it’s too soon to judge a team by its quarterback. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart all had to tap out of their games, while Taylor Swift and Simone Biles showed us two very different game day routines.
In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:
Whether joining the “Traitors” is a good or bad sign for one’s career

The functional custom Nike outfit Keely Hodgkinson wore during her 800m sprint at Athlos

Channing Tatum’s burner account allegations – and if we’ll see the account in the DWTS comments section

Caroline’s unfiltered thoughts on the show “Crew Girl”, plus Blake’s NFL team reveal
Send Its:
Jalen Brunson’s daughter walks the runway: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdbEJXxjFIH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

And Jose Alvarado’s daughters want a baby brother named OG Anunoby: https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1wmim1a/jose_alvarados_daughters_beg_to_name_their/

Flau’jae on disrespecting the GOAT: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdjnyADAtGV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Caitlin Clark rapping on the jumbotron, while the Fever is down 20: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdhtZp4NxB7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Creed Humphrey’s fiancées Chiefs game bachelorette party: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdkEDHmSFZJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

WNBA playoff guide: https://courses.theskimm.com/pages/theskimm-wnba-playoffs-guide?utm_source=calendar&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=skimm%20courses
Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm
Follow Blake on Instagram: @blaaakkkke
Follow Caroline on Instagram: @cghendy

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50 min
September 16The Week Women in Sports Couldn’t Catch a Break: Arch Manning, Sydney Sweeney, and Alexander Zverev
This week, women in sports couldn’t catch a break. From Novig’s controversial “Just Sports” ad featuring Sydney Sweeney to Arch Manning laughing at an A.I. video depicting violence against Holly Rowe – there is a lot to call out. Blake and Caroline break down these stories, plus the NFL’s return.

In this episode, we also cover:
Taylor Swift’s Emmys cameo – plus Caroline’s new name for Travis Kelce

Team USA’s first FIBA World Cup win under Sue Bird’s leadership

The sticker price on Malik Nabers’ game-day hair

Why so many US Open fans were disappointed with Zverev’s win

Hyrox’s latest response to pooma-gate
Thanks to our presenting sponsor Visa. Visit https://bayfc.com/community/visa/ to learn more.

Send Its:
The Savannah Bananas should’ve recruited Troy Bolton: https://www.threads.com/@blaaakkkke/post/DdOrqHmIJvz

Hyrox competitor: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/15/hyrox-changes-rules-apology-australian-woman-joanna-wietrzyk-soils-herself-mid-race-beijing

Jalen Brunson goes incognito at Harry Styles concert: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdO347msrIa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Stefon Diggs making terrible impressions on his new team: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49935938/commanders-back-stefon-diggs-costly-unsportsmanlike-flag

Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens pre-game handshake: https://people.com/simone-biles-finds-husband-jonathan-owens-for-pregame-kiss-first-game-with-colts-12120480

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1 hr 7 min
September 09Earle Meets Brady and Berrios, Wimbledon’s Influencer Ban, and Spain’s Family Planning Play
Blake and Caroline are back from summer vacation, ready to catch you up on all things sports. From Alix Earle dishing on Tom Brady and Braxton Berrios in her new Netflix show, to LSU having a full on Billy Madison moment — the August summer slump we normally expect never happened. Plus, Spain's latest benefit for its national team shows us that supporting women athletes in their family planning journey is not only possible – it’s the future.
The latest Dancing with the Stars cast – and Caroline’s hot take on the former pro dancer on the roster

Listener voicemails pitching Blake on their favorite NFL team

All things US Open, including Coco Gauff’s Cheesecake Factory order, the Battle of the Billionaires, and our thoughts on influencers at sporting events

Caitlin Clark hiding her toes in the FIBA locker room – and why Caroline can relate

Travis and Taylor’s dog making her acting debut
Send Its:
Caitlin Clark hiding her toes: https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1w9bj91/caitlin_had_the_team_laughing_for_covering_her/

Frat boys do a wellness dage / darty: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dc65ymgp4BC/

The 25th anniversary of the Spongebob Bubble Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9iYm9PEAHg

Travis Kelce and Wendy for Tommy Hilfiger: https://youtu.be/N8y9I5_FD5k?si=xnDMzd7IlcKADLIW&t=21
In this episode, we also cover:

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1 hr 1 min
August 12Hilary Duff’s LeBron Moment, Tom Brady the Nose Pincher, and Olivia Ponton Gets Joe Burrow’s Family Pass
Hilary Duff is making the rounds like LeBron James, bouncing from Florida to L.A. to Philly during her Lucky Me tour. Who’s gonna tell her she needs to make a pilgrimage to Cleveland? Meanwhile, Caroline recaps the snooze fest that was the Hall of Fame game, an unhinged speech by one of its inductees, and why the Hall of Fame voting committee should consider Tom Brady’s nose-pinching-when-swimming for his future candidacy.
In this episode, we also cover:
Cooper Kupp’s surprise invite to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding

Why Dijonai Carrington and Sophie Cunningham are in the WNBA spotlight yet again

The first two-time winner of the Tour de France Femmes, and why it took so long to get a women’s race in the first place

The 97-year-old woman who broke her own Guinness record

Listener messages, including a shout out for a listener who produces Hard Knocks, how to make supporting a team your entire personality, and why the Liberty waived Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Well Played is going on summer break. We’ll return the first week of the NFL season. Make sure you’re subscribed to our feed so you don’t miss our first episode back. Also: keep calling and pitching Blake on why she should follow your favorite NFL team. Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825
Send Its:
Hilary Duff acknowledges LeBron James, plus an archival photo of them from 2004: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25470070-hilary-duff-makes-lebron-james-comparison-philadelphia-concert-video-after-stars-76ers-contract

Baseball broadcasters ask the age old question (for men): can you use shampoo as body wash? https://www.instagram.com/p/DbqoWVXlmNM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Mrs. Met makes herstory as first female mascot in the Mascot Hall of Fame: https://mascothalloffame.com/mascots/mrs-met/

Was Babe Ruth actually real?: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mad-dog-russo-rips-pete-143925361.html

Betty Bromage breaks her own record for oldest female wind walker at 97-years-old: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbp_qK6sERV/

Super dad runs a 4:17 mile pushing a stroller: https://www.instagram.com/guardianmile/
Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke
Follow Caroline: @cghendy
Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm

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54 min
August 05Ted Lasso’s Back, Bradley Cooper’s Recruitment Strategy, and Conversations about Trans Women in Sports
Bradley Cooper is playing the long game with Gigi Hadid as far as getting her and the younger generations on the Eagles bandwagon. Plus, a caller gets a vibe check on Ted Lasso’s returns as the head coach of the Lady Greyhounds. Will season four live up to the hype?
In this episode, we also cover:
Martha Stewart doing Jalen Brunson dirty in a recent birthday video

Questioning why MLB managers wear player uniforms

Baker Mayfield wins MVP of Caroline’s heart, thanks to the latest Netflix season of Quarterback

The recent conversations in the WNBA around trans women in sports – and what it reveals to us about women sports leagues

Why 99-year-old Maybelle Blair threw the ceremonial pitch at the first Women’s Professional Baseball League game
Send Its:
MLB manager and umpire fight, stop during God Bless America, then resume: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sSLLOrQ8DkQ

Elaine dance competition at the Brooklyn Cyclones’ Seinfeld night: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbhOOCCttrh/

And the original Elaine dance for those who’ve never seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsl3IBAsEH4

Molly Carlson proving she’s a bad ass yet again, ft. Shark Week: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbeSNQMShtc/

Jalen Brunson opens up Martha Stewart’s birthday video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DblkjMtxDJv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825
Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke
Follow Caroline: @cghendy
Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm

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55 min
July 29 LeBron Leaves Bronny, Josh Allen's Advice for Husbands, Cheating Scandal in the WNBA ft. BJ Beckwith
WNBA All Star weekend was a movie, so much so that Blake got sick and had to call out. We replace our B with another B, BJ Beckwith, former host of Just Women’s Sports' podcast Sports Are Fun!. They get into the cheating rumors between WNBA exes NaLyssa Smith and Dijonnai Carrington, how LeBron will make up for loss of income post-76ers trade, and a new segment called “Men on Wheels”, all about men in F1 and the Tour de France.

Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825
Follow BJ Beckwith: @bj.beckwith
Follow Caroline: @cghendy

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39 min
July 22 Bieber's Baller Weekend, Taylor Fritz & Olivia Jade Dating Rumors, and FIFA World Cup Final Reactions
This week we're breaking down the biggest sports and pop culture moments you need to know. From our behind-the-scenes recap at Fanatics Fest NYC to Justin Bieber's surprise appearance, Aaron Rodgers' emotional family update, and the latest Taylor Fritz–Olivia Jade dating rumors, we're covering everything everyone's talking about.
We also recap Spain's dramatic FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina, unpack the controversial halftime show, relive the post-match brawl, and share our thoughts on what the tournament means for the future of international soccer.
Plus, we're previewing the WNBA All-Star Game and answering some of your favorite hotline questions from the weekend.
In this episode:
-Fanatics Fest NYC recap
-Justin Bieber's surprise appearance
-Aaron Rodgers family drama explained
-Paige Lorenze & Tommy Paul wedding highlights
-Taylor Fritz and Olivia Jade dating rumors
-Lewis Hamilton, Kendall Jenner & celebrity dating updates
-Spain vs. Argentina FIFA World Cup Final recap
-World Cup halftime show reactions
-WNBA All-Star Game preview
-Hotline Q&A
If you love sports, pop culture, celebrity news, tennis, soccer, and unfiltered reactions, be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

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1 hr 1 min
July 21 Well Played LIVE at Fanatics Fest
The Well Played crew hit the stage live at Fanatics Fest with special guest Rachel DeMita for a can't-miss conversation covering the biggest stories in sports right now.
From breaking down the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain—including Lionel Messi vs. Lamine Yamal, bold championship predictions, and the viral "passing of the torch" photo—to debating Caitlin Clark's All-Star voting controversy and previewing WNBA All-Star Weekend, this episode has it all.
Plus, Rachel shares what it's been like covering the World Cup on the ground, the wild halftime show lineup, and the one soccer rule she'd change.
🎙️ New episodes of Well Played drop every week. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more sports, pop culture, and everything in between.
Thanks to our friends at DICK'S Sporting Goods for hosting us on your stage.

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35 min

About Well Played

From the publisher's feed

A sports podcast that does what theSkimm does best: provide championship takes and breakdowns of the biggest stories you care about most. Finally, there’s a show dedicated to treating sports like the…