BFFR with Sydney Leroux & Ali Riley: Episode Featuring Becky Sauerbrunn on Resiliency, Pregnancy, and Romantasy
Release Date: June 2, 2025
In this heartfelt and engaging episode of the BFFR Show, professional soccer stars Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley sit down with the legendary Becky Sauerbrunn to delve into themes of resilience, career transitions, motherhood, and personal growth. The episode is a blend of candid conversations, nostalgic memories, and insightful advice, all peppered with the hosts' signature humor and camaraderie.
Injury Update and Recovery
The episode begins with a light-hearted discussion about Becky's recent injury and her transition from using crutches to stepping back into her Porsche.
- Sydney Leroux (Sid) humorously remarks, “Sid brought strippers to her wedding ceremony” [00:03], setting a playful tone.
- Becky Sauerbrunn shares her positive outlook on recovery, stating, “I feel so good... I feel really good” [02:14].
- Ali Riley (Ally) highlights Becky's progress, noting, “the scooter is gone, which means Sid can now drive her Porsche again” [02:31].
This segment underscores Becky's physical and mental resilience, showcasing her determination to bounce back stronger.
Transition to Retirement and Broadcasting
Becky discusses her upcoming retirement ceremony and new role in broadcasting.
- When asked about retirement, Becky responds, “It's the best thing I've ever done” [07:17], reflecting her satisfaction with this major life change.
- Sid shares her experience transitioning to broadcasting: “Intimidating... I never thought I would do live TV” [15:57].
- Becky praises Sid's adaptability, remarking, “They were so great and put me at ease” [16:52].
This part of the conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of moving from an active sports career to a media role, emphasizing the support systems in place.
Pregnancy and Motherhood
The discussion shifts to Becky's pregnancy and the joys and challenges of impending motherhood.
- Becky announces, “She just announced that she's pregnant with a baby boy” [06:06], bringing excitement to the conversation.
- Sid reflects on her own pregnancy journey: “Am in the midst of finding something out about myself... learning how to go with it” [13:17].
- They discuss the balance between professional commitments and personal life, with Becky advising on supporting children’s passions without overburdening them.
Becky's openness about her pregnancy offers listeners a relatable perspective on balancing career transitions with growing families.
Memorable Moments and Team Relationships
The trio reminisces about memorable moments from their soccer careers and their deep-rooted friendship.
- Becky recalls, “We had a really fun time... I was the last person on the bus” [29:22], sharing a humorous anecdote from post-World Cup celebrations.
- Sid reflects on significant game moments, attributing memorable goals to her teammates: “your assist to me are probably some of the best goals I've scored” [20:25].
- They emphasize the strong bonds formed through shared experiences on and off the field, reinforcing their lifelong friendship.
These nostalgic exchanges highlight the enduring camaraderie and mutual respect among the players, celebrating their collective achievements and personal milestones.
Leadership and Team Dynamics
Becky delves into her leadership style as a captain, emphasizing the importance of quiet leadership and building trust.
- She explains, “Building relationships with players and having them know that if they needed anything, if they had questions, concerns, they could come to me” [23:28].
- Becky contrasts her style with more vocal leaders, indicating her preference for subtler, yet impactful, guidance.
- Sid adds, “I also have gotten back from a lot worse... miss that team environment” [09:31], illustrating the challenges and rewards of leadership roles.
This segment provides valuable insights into effective leadership within team sports, advocating for a balanced approach that fosters trust and collaboration.
Evolution of the U.S. Women's National Team
The conversation turns to the current trends and future of the U.S. Women's National Team, reflecting on generational shifts and emerging talent.
- Sid observes, “It's a normal part of the cycle... What excites me is seeing how good some of this young talent is” [25:11].
- Becky highlights the growth of players like Alyssa Thompson, noting her increased confidence and skill: “You can tell she's playing with confidence and she's feeling herself” [25:14].
- They discuss the natural progression of team rosters, acknowledging the seamless integration of new talents while maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
This discussion underscores the continuous evolution of the team, celebrating both veteran leadership and the promise of new players.
Personal Interests and Lifestyle
Beyond soccer, Becky and Sid share their personal interests, particularly cars and maternity clothing.
- Becky reveals her passion for cars, humorously mentioning, “I would never, like, say that I'm a car person” [03:23], despite her evident enthusiasm.
- Sid talks about adapting to maternity wear, “I started trying on maternity clothes for the first time... broadcast maternity clothes” [14:31], seeking Becky’s advice for stylish yet comfortable options.
- Their banter about fashion trends and personal style adds a relatable and entertaining dimension to the episode.
These lighter moments provide a glimpse into their lives off the field, emphasizing their multifaceted personalities.
Listener Calls: Parenting and Balance
In the listener call segment, Becky offers advice on parenting and supporting young athletes.
- Nicole from LA shares her struggles with insurance claims after losing her home, and Becky responds with empathy: “You are not alone... we will get through it” [39:56].
- Emily, a soccer mom, seeks guidance on balancing support for her daughter’s competitive soccer endeavors with maintaining a healthy family life. Becky advises, “they love to see you there... no matter what, they love to see you” [42:09].
These heartfelt exchanges highlight Becky's commitment to supporting listeners, extending the conversation beyond personal anecdotes to communal support and guidance.
Affirmations and Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with an empowering affirmation and a wrap-up of the key topics discussed.
- Becky encapsulates the episode's theme with her affirmation: “What we do matters and impacts people in a positive way” [46:42].
- The hosts express their gratitude to Becky for her insights and the listeners for their continued support, promising more engaging content in future episodes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Sid: “Sid brought strippers to her wedding ceremony” [00:03].
- Becky Sauerbrunn: “I feel so good... I feel really good” [02:14].
- Becky Sauerbrunn: “What we do matters and impacts people in a positive way” [46:42].
- Sid: “I had to go through... We keep each other going now” [09:42].
- Becky Sauerbrunn: “You're a huge inspiration... the people's captain” [21:03].
Conclusion
This episode of BFFR skillfully blends personal stories with professional insights, offering listeners a comprehensive look into Becky Sauerbrunn's journey through resilience, career transformation, and motherhood. Through honest conversations and shared experiences, Sydney Leroux and Ali Riley create a relatable and inspiring narrative that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Stay tuned for more episodes of BFFR with Sydney Leroux & Ali Riley, where professional athletes share their unfiltered stories and life lessons.