Episode Summary: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Featuring Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird

Podcast Information:

• Title: Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
• Host/Author: Armchair Umbrella
• Episode: Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird
• Release Date: November 20, 2024

Introduction In this compelling episode of Armchair Expert, host Dax Shepard welcomes two legendary athletes, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe. As a WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, Sue Bird shares her extensive career in basketball, while Megan Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup champion and bestselling author, delves into her journey in soccer. Together, they discuss their new podcast, A Touch More, and explore the intricacies of their shared experiences both on and off the field.

Early Careers and Athletic Journeys

Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe delve into their formative years in sports, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that shaped their careers.

• Sue Bird's Beginnings: Sue recounts her upbringing in Reading, California, where her mother worked as a waitress and her father was involved in construction. Growing up in a large family with seven siblings, Sue describes the competitive yet supportive environment that fueled her passion for basketball.

  "I think we made it similar to your relationship with your older brother. It was like we made each other better because we could go without any insecurity as hard as we wanted at each other." (Sue Bird, 17:56)

• Megan Rapinoe's Path: Megan shares her experiences transitioning from high school to college soccer, emphasizing the pivotal moment when an ACL injury redirected her focus and intensified her commitment to the sport.

  "Tearing my ACL my freshman year is the best thing that could have happened to me. It woke me up in a way." (Megan Rapinoe, 30:15)

Shared Experiences and Transition to Media

The conversation shifts to their collaborative efforts in media, particularly their podcast A Touch More. Sue and Megan discuss the motivations behind creating content that highlights women's sports and the unique storytelling opportunities it presents.

• Launching the Podcast: Originating during the pandemic through Instagram Live sessions, Sue and Megan transitioned to a structured podcast format, aiming to fill the storytelling void in women's sports.

  "Storytelling is the most important thing. Whether it's writers in their books or journalists storytelling what's happening in the world... we've lived through this crazy period." (Sue Bird, 70:59)

• Challenges of Retirement: Both athletes reflect on retirement's impact, particularly the loss of structured routines and team camaraderie that defined their athletic lives.

  "Sports are sports. They're fun. And it's an event to go to, like a Concert or a comedy show... But retirement's rough because the foundation has disappeared." (Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe, 22:24)

Challenges and Inequalities in Women's Sports

Sue and Megan provide insightful critiques of the systemic issues within women's sports, contrasting them with their male counterparts. They address topics like coaching styles, media representation, and the unique hurdles female athletes face.

• Coaching and Team Dynamics: The duo discusses how traditional coaching models, often rooted in male sports, fail to accommodate the collaborative and emotionally intelligent approaches that benefit women's teams.

  "We've always used the male model for judgment on those things, and I think it's starting to shift." (Megan Rapinoe, 47:05)

• Media and Representation: Sue emphasizes the importance of authentic storytelling in women's sports, arguing that media often overlooks the nuanced narratives that elevate female athletes.

  "We are really in a position... to narrate all the history. But also this is how we should be talking about women's sports because we also know men's sports." (Sue Bird, 70:59)

• Fan Engagement and Spectator Experience: They explore how women's sports are evolving to create more inclusive and engaging spectator experiences, drawing parallels with successful models in other leagues like MLS.

  "Women's sports have always had their own fan base, and as they've grown, they're tapping into the casual fan by focusing on community and inclusivity." (Megan Rapinoe, 57:33)

Personal Lives and Mutual Support

Beyond their professional achievements, Sue and Megan delve into their personal relationship, highlighting the dynamics of being partners, business collaborators, and advocates for women's sports.

• Relationship and Support: The athletes discuss how their partnership has been instrumental in navigating the pressures of professional sports and transitioning into media roles.

  "We're figuring it out. We're learning how to separate our professional and personal lives now that we've retired." (Sue Bird, 21:43)

• Podcast Collaboration: They share anecdotes about launching A Touch More, emphasizing the importance of having an objective voice (Monica Padman) to keep discussions grounded and relatable.

  "Monica hasn't seen the movie or read the book or done the thing, because she's the audience." (Megan Rapinoe, 84:22)

Future Endeavors and Advocacy

Looking ahead, Sue and Megan outline their plans for expanding their media presence and continue advocating for equality and representation in sports.

• Expanding Media Projects: They hint at upcoming projects, including documentaries and reality shows that aim to further elevate women's sports narratives.

  "We've got a couple of cool things coming out. We adapted a book... and we have a reality show coming up." (Megan Rapinoe, 84:52)

• Advocacy for Women's Sports: Both athletes reiterate their commitment to ensuring that women's sports receive the recognition and support they deserve, not just as entertainment but as platforms for showcasing resilience and excellence.

  "It's amazing here. Women's sports is incredible. Sports are incredible. It's one of the most vulnerable things you can watch someone do live." (Sue Bird, 72:10)

Conclusion

This episode of Armchair Expert offers an intimate look into the lives of two iconic athletes, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird. Through their candid conversations, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs inherent in professional sports, the dynamics of their personal and professional relationships, and their relentless pursuit of equality and representation in women's athletics. Their journey from esteemed athletes to media pioneers serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, collaboration, and the power of authentic storytelling.

Notable Quotes:

• "Tearing my ACL my freshman year is the best thing that could have happened to me. It woke me up in a way." — Megan Rapinoe (30:15)
• "Storytelling is the most important thing... we've lived through this crazy period." — Sue Bird (70:59)
• "We've always used the male model for judgment on those things, and I think it's starting to shift." — Megan Rapinoe (47:05)
• "It's amazing here. Women's sports is incredible. Sports are incredible." — Sue Bird (72:10)

Timestamps:

• Introduction of Guests: [00:21]
• Sue Bird's Early Career: [08:31]
• Megan Rapinoe's Injury and Career Shift: [30:15]
• Launching the Podcast: [70:59]
• Challenges in Women's Sports: [47:05]
• Personal Relationship Dynamics: [21:43]
• Future Media Projects: [84:52]
• Advocacy for Women's Sports: [72:10]