Sam Mewis Gets Real on Retirement, Catching Syd’s Bouquet & Why Rookies Have It Easy

Summary

BFFR with Sydney Leroux & Ali Riley

Episode: Sam Mewis Gets Real on Retirement, Catching Syd’s Bouquet & Why Rookies Have It Easy
Release Date: July 28, 2025

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Introduction and Recent Updates

The episode kicks off with hosts Sydney Leroux ("Sid") and Ali Riley sharing light-hearted banter about potential leadership roles, setting the casual and humorous tone of the show. They briefly discuss their recent activities during the NWSL's mandated break, highlighting how they've spent their downtime away from the field.

• Ali Riley: "I went home to Canada and was just like a little, you know, country girly." [01:45]
• Sid Leroux: "Lucas and I decided that having the house burned down after our honeymoon canceled out the honeymoon. So we deserved a second honeymoon." [03:12]

Guest Introduction: Sam Mewis

The hosts introduce their special guest, Sam Mewis— a legendary figure in women's soccer who has transitioned into a significant role within the sport post-retirement. Sam joins them to discuss her experiences with retirement, her new role as Editor in Chief of the women's game, and personal anecdotes that highlight her journey both on and off the field.

• Sid Leroux: "She is a world champion, three times NWSL champ. The Editor in chief of the women's game, it's the Tower of Power herself. Welcome, Sam Nu." [07:13]

Transition from Player to Media

Sam delves into her transition from professional soccer to her current role in media. She emphasizes the importance of branching out and preparing for life after retirement, especially when unexpected injuries force early retirement.

• Sam Mewis: "Having this thing that I had already dipped my toes into was super helpful." [18:23]
• Sam Mewis: "It's a full-time job, which I find crazy. But yes, very cool, very grateful and like I'm excited about it." [18:23]

Reflections on Retirement

Sam opens up about the emotional and psychological challenges of retiring from professional soccer. She shares her struggles with her knee injury, the difficult decision to retire, and how she has been navigating life post-retirement, finding new purposes and maintaining her identity outside of the sport.

• Sam Mewis: "I was stuck in that place for a long time. It took me two or three years to, like, then say, hey, everybody, I'm retiring." [23:21]
• Sam Mewis: "I already did this. I already was really depressed about this for a couple of years, and I don't have to keep doing it so I'm just, like, able to dig myself out now." [25:02]

Personal Relationships and Past Friendships

The conversation shifts to the long-standing friendships between Sid, Ali, and Sam from their school days and early careers. Sam reminisces about her initial impressions of Sid and Ally, highlighting the evolution of their relationships from rivalry to deep friendship.

• Sam Mewis: "Sid was definitely, like, older sister vibes because she was friends with my sister." [09:32]
• Ali Riley: "When you and Christy hated each other, I was in that." [10:45]

BFFR Moments: Embarrassing and Candid Stories

A highlight of the episode is the "BFFR Moments" segment, where the hosts and Sam share personal and often embarrassing stories, showcasing their authentic and unfiltered personalities.

• Sam Mewis: "I just scored a straight own goal and I was like, did that just go off of me?" [42:35]
• Ali Riley: "I was freaking out. I thought I was gonna have to pull over and be sick." [52:22]

Listener Interaction: Voicemail Story

The hosts engage with their audience by playing a voicemail from a listener named Araya, who shares her experience of discovering her situationship had a girlfriend, adding a relatable and heartfelt element to the conversation.

• Voicemail Voice: "My BFFR moment of the week is when I found out my situationship, who I've been talking to for three months, has had a girlfriend for two years." [57:00]
• Ally Riley: "I need a drink before we get into." [58:56]

Conclusion and Future Content Tease

As the episode wraps up, Sid and Ally reflect on the meaningful conversations they've had with Sam, expressing their gratitude and excitement for future episodes. They tease upcoming stories from listeners, promising more laughter and real talk in the weeks to come.

• Sid Leroux: "We have honestly loved hearing from you. Everyone who sent in their BFFR stories about sports, parents, and coaches." [63:22]
• Ally Riley: "Let the margarita." [64:21]

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ali Riley on Picking Up the Bouquet:
  "I was trying to get a hold of you, and I looked at your location, and it said water slide. I'm like, okay, I know what she's doing now." [05:29]

• Sam Mewis on Media Transition:
  "It's a full-time job, which I find crazy. But yes, very cool, very grateful and like I'm excited about it." [18:23]

• Sid Leroux on Navigating Retirement:
  "This has happened to me as well, has it?" [59:25]

• Ali Riley on Sam's Embarrassing Moment:
  "I was about to go in the ocean, and then, like, he and his girlfriend were going in the ocean. So I was like, oh, wait, I'll wait." [56:54]

• Sam Mewis on Own Goal Incident:
  "I just scored a straight own goal and I, like, turned to my teammate and was like, did that just go off of me?" [42:35]

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Key Takeaways

1. Life After Soccer: Sam Mewis provides an insightful look into the challenges and opportunities that come with retiring from professional sports. Her role in media serves as an inspiring example for athletes transitioning to new careers.

2. Importance of Friendships: The deep bond between Sid, Ally, and Sam underscores the value of supportive relationships in navigating personal and professional challenges.

3. Authenticity and Vulnerability: The candid sharing of personal stories, both embarrassing and heartfelt, highlights the podcast's commitment to authenticity, making it relatable to listeners.

4. Support and Community: Engaging with listener stories fosters a sense of community and support, reinforcing the podcast's mission to be real and unfiltered in discussing the highs and lows of life in and out of soccer.

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For those who haven't listened, this episode offers a compelling blend of personal anecdotes, professional insights, and genuine camaraderie, making it a must-listen for fans of women's soccer and anyone interested in the personal journeys of professional athletes.

Transcript

[Ally]

Do you think I could be editor in chief?

[Sid]

I think you would have a very busy assistant.

[Sam]

Of what?

[Ally]

Of what? Exactly.

[Sid]

Regardless.

[Ally]

No.

[Sid]

Busy assistant.

[Ally]

Yes, very busy.

[Sid]

Hello. What?

[Ally]

Welcome to another episode of BFFR with Ally and Sid.

[Sid]

We're back.

[Ally]

We're back, baby.

[Sid]

Before we get into it, because we're gonna get into it, make sure you follow us at BFFR show everywhere.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

On the socials, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Apple podcasts.

[Ally]

Wherever you get your podcast, wherever you can watch us, that's where you need.

[Sid]

To do it and rate and review. Thank you very much.

[Ally]

Obviously, keep calling us 1-833-txt-BFFR.

[Sid]

That's 1-833-898-2337. You can also email us feedback ffrshow.com. we're excited because we have a legendary.

[Ally]

Guest, a really good show today, an.

[Sid]

Old friend of yours, and she's still in the game even though she has retired.

[Sam]

She.

[Sid]

And she's doing bits with the women's game. It is, of course, Sam, us, the.

[Ally]

Tower, of course, period.

[Sid]

But before we get into our conversation with Sam, we're. We hopefully are looking very well rested because we've just come off the NWSL mandated break, which means every single player had to get one week off in the middle of the season. What did you get up to?

[Ally]

Sydney, aside from training every day?

[Sid]

Yes.

[Ally]

I went home to Canada.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

And I was just like a little, you know, country girly.

[Sid]

Pickle. Pickle with Sandy.

[Ally]

I played pickleball with my mom almost every single day. Yeah.

[Sid]

She has some high standards for you when it comes to pickle.

[Ally]

Yeah. We were on the same team in this, like, tournament on the Tuesday. It's like, whatever. And she screamed bloody murder at me that it was out. And I was gonna. Going like, I was gonna, like, just nail it. And she screamed something, but I didn't really hear her. And so I stopped. And then it just like, hit me right in the face on the nose. The ball just dropped. And I was like. And it just dropped right there. And I had a bruise.

[Sid]

And I was like, mom, oh, no.

[Ally]

And then she was laughing and made me even more pissed off. But, yeah, I did that. I went to a cidery.

[Sid]

Oh.

[Ally]

I went to a country. A country concert that was outside.

[Sid]

Okay.

[Ally]

It's not my thing. I was gonna say, yeah, it's not my thing. But I thought, like, we did every. We did something every single day. And I was really proud of that because, you know, I just like to do nothing you do.

[Sid]

And the kids were not with You?

[Ally]

Yes. It was just me and mommy time. That's cute. What about you?

[Sid]

Lucas and I decided to. We decided that having the house burned down after our honeymoon canceled out the honeymoon. So we deserved a second honeymoon.

[Sam]

You did.

[Sid]

So we went to Cabo. We had perfect weather every single day. We did. We didn't really want to spend a lot of money, which, in hindsight, maybe we should have stayed home.

[Sam]

No.

[Sid]

Picked a different hotel.

[Ally]

Oh, really? I thought it was all inclusive.

[Sid]

It was all inclusive, and we kind of prioritized that. And I also had to do some training and rehab. And we eat a lot. Lucas drinks a lot. But this was a party. Party, party, party. Hotel.

[Ally]

Oh, wow.

[Sid]

It was summer. The college kids were everywhere, and it was a Rio. So they have these, like, white party, jungle party, neon party, pink party. And the party is like. We love the music and we like people watching, but it's the aftermath, the people stumbling to dinner. And this was the most shocking moment of the trip.

[Ally]

Did you see anyone throw up?

[Sid]

I. I think worse. There was a woman, and this is 10pm like, not super late. She was walking, like, kind of stumbling, but just walking. Did not break stride and was wearing a skirt and, like, sandals and just. Just. Was peeing. No, was just walking on the path right at us. Eye contact. Did not break stride. Flowing.

[Ally]

Wow.

[Sid]

Flowing down.

[Ally]

Wow.

[Sid]

I've never seen anything like that. People were asleep, like, at dinner.

[Ally]

Oh, my God.

[Sid]

It was.

[Ally]

Yucks.

[Sid]

It was. It was shocking, to say the least. Yeah, it was entertaining. But I am thinking for our next trip, maybe somewhere like, a little. Maybe a little boutique hotel. Maybe like a little bit the main drag.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Yeah. A little quieter, but wow. It was. There was also water slides, so you know that, like.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

I feel like you're only here for the zipline, like, video. That. That was Lucas. He. He was on the water slide.

[Ally]

I literally was trying to get a hold of you, and I looked at your location, and it said water slide.

[Sid]

Yeah, it was like the water park right next to our room.

[Ally]

Yeah. I'm like, okay, I know what she's doing now.

[Sid]

Yeah. So it was. It was a great trip.

[Ally]

Once I see a really drunk person, I'm out.

[Sid]

Yeah. Well, that was pretty much the whole. The. The pool bars were.

[Ally]

Oh, yeah.

[Sid]

But just seeing these young people and, like, these guys, like, hitting on these girls and, like, trying, it was like. It brought back memories. Last time I was in Cabo was my junior year.

[Ally]

Oh, wow.

[Sid]

Kelly o' Hara and Kristen Press, we all stayed together and let's just Say, what happens in Cabo definitely stays in Cabo when you're in Colle.

[Ally]

So that's fair.

[Sid]

Yes. I mean, that is kind of a BFFR moment, but we will definitely have more. But let's get into those in happy hour and kick it off with our conversation with Sam.

[Ally]

Yeah, let's go. This episode is brought to you by PNC Bank.

[Sid]

A lot of people think that a podcast where soccer players talk about their daily life would be boring.

[Ally]

And yeah, some of the grind can be boring, but it is our daily rituals and our preparation and doing it together that makes the wins even bigger.

[Sid]

It's like banking with PNC Bank. It might seem boring to plan, save, and make calculated decisions with your bank. Keeping your money boring is what helps you live a more happily fulfilled life.

[Ally]

PNC bank, Brilliantly boring since 1865 brilliantly.

[Sid]

Boring since 1865 is a service mark of the PNC Financial Services Group Incorporated. PNC Bank National association member, FDIC. She is a world champion, three times NWSL champ. The Editor in chief of the women's game, it's the Tower of Power herself. Welcome, Sam Nu.

[Sam]

Wow. Almost in unison. Girls, thank you so much for having me.

[Sid]

Hey, it was about time you returned the. The favor. Let's be honest here, Sam.

[Sam]

Girls, I was waiting for the invite impatiently. Thank you.

[Ally]

Well, here she is.

[Sid]

There are a lot of congratulations I feel like we need to shower you with. But you are an auntie. That seems like a good place to start.

[Sam]

I know. It's.

[Sid]

How is it?

[Sam]

It's amazing. I've only met him the one week that I was in London to visit, and he was just a tiny little baby. He's definitely grown up a lot. I can tell from the pictures and videos. But I am going to see them again very soon. He's amazing. I also had all of these very, I think, human realizations when I got to meet him. Just being literally, you're a human and I'm a human. And that was like, very profound to me for some reason. And then I also. Yeah, it was. That was really cool. And then I also had this really new, deep appreciation for my own aunts because I just kind of realized that, like, they're just my parents, siblings, and they didn't have to, like, choose to be in my life in such a meaningful way and, like, take me on trips and, like, take me shopping. But they did. And it made me, like, I feel like I have a really good example of aunts, and it made me want to, like, be a cool, crafty Fun, quirky aunt.

[Sid]

That's very sweet. You. You will be those things. You are those things, Sam.

[Sam]

I am those things.

[Ally]

People forget this, Sam. But we went to school together.

[Sam]

People do forget this.

[Ally]

And, yeah, we overlapped, and we played together on the U20 team in 2010. I think they forget because it's 30 years ago.

[Sid]

Guys.

[Ally]

Long time ago.

[Sid]

What were your first impressions of each other? I need to hear some. Some stories.

[Sam]

Well, Sid was friends with my sister Christy, like, way before, so I just. I think that was, like, when you played for the Breakers. No. Yeah, but that was after college, so I must have known you before. It must have been for the U20 because of Christy.

[Sid]

And you knew Kristi from the national team.

[Ally]

I knew Kristi, yes.

[Sam]

It's all lost in a weird time. I don't know, but you guys can't even remember it. Again, like we said, it was 30 years ago. Sid was definitely, like, older sister vibes because she was friends with my sister. She was, like, nicer to me than Christy was at the time. Chrissy and I did not get along. And I feel like Sid, like, knows that probably more than anybody, but Sid was, like, stylish and fun, and if you, like, wanted to go shopping or, like, go out. Sid.

[Ally]

Yeah, I knew where the parties were.

[Sid]

Nothing's changed.

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Okay. What was your first impression of Sam?

[Ally]

I felt like I knew her already because of my relationship with Christy, so it was really easy, and, like, I was the big sis, but she was a lot bigger than. A lot taller than me, so it was a little awkward because I'm like, no, I'm. I'm the big sis, but I'm looking up like that.

[Sid]

Wait, so when did you and Christy start getting along?

[Sam]

Like, when I was done with college, which is crazy. I definitely feel like Sid was introduced to me at a very insecure time in my life when I was, like.

[Ally]

When you and Christy hated each other, I was in that.

[Sam]

Yeah. Christy, like, hate. I mean. Yeah. Look, I'm not gonna. You didn't hate anything. I'm gonna regret. I idolized her so much, but I think she just thought I was, like, annoying. And then, like, for some, like, I have no idea why, but as soon as I was done with college, we were both going into the league, and we just started, like, talking every day, and we talked ever since, and now we're, like, best friends, so I don't really know what, like, shifted.

[Sid]

We actually found this video from YouTube. Not sure if you remember this.

[Ally]

Me and Sam have a present for Christy.

[Sam]

Oh, Hands in the air.

[Ally]

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

[Sam]

You see L, a UCLA 5. I love the A club. That's embarrassing.

[Sid]

I see why she.

[Ally]

It wasn't embarrassing. I know that you were going to say it was embarrassing.

[Sid]

I see why she thought you were annoying.

[Sam]

Well, I'm sorry. Timeout, you guys. That was when we had literally just won the national championship.

[Ally]

Very true.

[Sam]

And then Christy and Sid were on ucla. I remember this so vividly. We're on UCLA campus because they were in LA for National Team camp, and I think Aaron Heifetz. Heifetz, the press officer for the national team, like, made you come talk to me because, like, I had just won the National Championship, and Christie, like, didn't want to be there, but you were obviously, like, so proud of us, and it was, like, really cute. I stand by the eight clap. I will do it until the day I die.

[Ally]

It's so same. And now I feel like it's gone. What is this fours up situation?

[Sam]

I don't even know what that is, and I will not.

[Ally]

I don't know what it is. We're keeping the A clap forever.

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Ally]

Remember when we would walk into the stadium and we'd be, like, hands in the air, screaming bloody murder? Well, we would also the shit out of everyone else but us.

[Sam]

Oh, my God. Yes. Walking into the stadium and then also at the end of the games with all the fans.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sam]

It's the best tradition.

[Sid]

Bruins. Bruins. Bruins. Well, thank you for that. Context. That was very important. Context.

[Sam]

No.

[Sid]

Congratulations on winning the.

[Ally]

Did you ever do Undie run, Sam?

[Sam]

No.

[Sid]

Oh, well, enlighten enlightenment.

[Ally]

Yeah. It was a really good time. You basically are dressed up in your underwear and panties.

[Sid]

Dressed down.

[Ally]

Yeah. You're basically not wearing anything. Yes. And you go for this run and everyone's drinking, and it's like this huge thing that we used to do. I don't know if they do it anymore.

[Sam]

I don't know. I don't know either. I don't know also why I never did it, but maybe. Maybe this is back in my, like, insecure phase, so I probably just, like, didn't show up.

[Sid]

Maybe we bring it back.

[Ally]

Yeah, we should bring it back.

[Sam]

No comment.

[Sid]

Maybe not.

[Ally]

So maybe not.

[Sid]

Okay, you're a Vermont girly now. Sell us on Vermont. Pitch us.

[Sam]

Vermont. Easy. Vermont. I, like, love it so much, you guys. One, we, like, live by the lake. Obviously, the winters are cold. I will give everybody that the winters are cold. But I do feel like that kind of helps, like, select people who want to Move here so it's not, like, overrun. We live by the lake, so I, like, go for swims in the morning. My husband Pat has been paddle boarding. We can go to the beach. We can, like, walk down the bike path to the beach from my house, which is incredible. There's a bike path all the way into Burlington. So we'll ride our bikes to town for coffee and a pastry or a cocktail by the water. The food is really good. The people are really cool. There's like a great sense of community. Like, it kind of feels like a small town vibe. I was coaching this team here over the summer and then I would, like, walk. I would walk my dogs down the street in my town and people would like, beep and be like, way to go, coach. Like, people I didn't know.

[Sid]

So it's like, I'm sold.

[Sam]

This is the sweetest. I'm like. I feel like it's like the 80s in, like the best, best way. Like, we'll go out for coffee or like a beer and like, our friends are just there. So then we'll be like, hey, guys. And we'll like, go hang out with our friends by accident. It's like, so amazing.

[Ally]

That's never happening in la.

[Sam]

Never.

[Sid]

We're not walking anywhere, first of all.

[Ally]

We're not. We're barely driving.

[Sid]

Okay, but we gotta go back here to Vermont Green fc. This was. I mean, I. I had never heard of this team. You obviously just transformed this team, this league, Selling out games. I mean, people showering with love in the streets. Coach, tell us about coaching this team. Bossing people from the sidelines instead of the midfield this time. Is this your calling? What was it like? How did this come about?

[Sam]

Yeah, so it's. I mean, I could talk about this for literally so long, but basically, Vermont Green is a club that started like four or five years ago. And it's the main. Like, it started as a men's USL 2 team. So USL 2 is, like, still mostly college players who need a place to play over the summer. It's like Pali Blues, which I think we all did. It's like that level of soccer.

[Sid]

Oh, yes.

[Sam]

Shout out to Pali Blues. That was shout out.

[Ally]

Oh, my goodness. Yes.

[Sam]

Yeah. Okay. Sidebar. So last summer when I moved here, the founders, who are just like three guys in their 30s, like, it's. It's just like a. A community run. Not a community run, but it's just like three guys in their 30s who are like, young, started this club and they were just like, would you want to Coach the women's team. We're going to do an exhibition game. We're only going to do one because there's not enough local teams to have a league yet. But they're working on getting other local clubs to also start women's teams so that potentially someday we could have a league. I feel like I need to say that to like protect them. So basically I coached this one off exhibition game last year. We won in penalty kicks. It was literally the most stressful experience of my life. All the pictures are of me on the sideline with two hands on my head. So stressed we won. And there's a video of me going, fuck. Like, I was so of course stressed, but we won. It was amazing. It was literally just a four day commitment. Three days of training, one day of game and that's it, it's over. So this summer they asked me to do it again, but we did two games. So we had like three days of training, game, two days of training, game. So it's like a much longer time commitment. And keep in mind, I am doing this. I also have another job. So I'm like, you know, running around, being a businesswoman, being a coach, getting cheered on in the streets by my neighbors. And we won both games again. It was like the first game we won four to nothing. It was like, it was so fun. Not that stressful. Like the goals were just coming and then the second game we went down a goal, literally crazy. And then miraculously came back and scored two goals at 12 to 1. And yes, we sell out UVM's field, which is called Virtue Field. It's like 2500 people. And then all the kids like run on the field after the game. And it's so cute. It's such an incredible like community experience. And I think for people in Vermont to see like this high level of women's soccer, it's like really, really important. Not a lot of like sporting events are coming to Vermont. So Vermont Green is just like this incredible club. They're like very environmentally conscious and I'm like super honored to be a part of it.

[Ally]

Oh, that's amazing.

[Sid]

I mean, the content. Yes. I definitely saw photos and videos of you. You were just killing it. I think the players, yes. The visibility, having those games. But for those players to have you there coaching them, no matter how short amount of time that was, I know it made a very big impact on them. And that was of course, kind of a side hustle because you are editor in chief. What has that been like?

[Sam]

Wow, girls. It's I mean, honestly, it's really cool. Like, I think that because I had started podcasting while I was still playing, it felt like a little bit of an easier transition. I think, like, it's something I like always advise people to do now is to maybe branch out a little bit towards the end of your career. Obviously I didn't know it was going to be the end of my career, but I was like, obviously pretty sad when I had to retire early and against my will because of a knee injury. So having this thing that I had already dipped my toes into was super helpful. So I'm really grateful. Men in blazers was like, do you want to be editor in chief of our new women's arm or whatever it's called Platform vertical. And it's been really cool. I've learned a ton of. I feel like I know the inner workings of how media networks operate a little bit and I think specifically it's been great to get to stay in touch with so many friends who are still playing. I actually meet new people doing it and I get to ask all of the questions that I feel like I wish I got asked when I was a player. So honestly, it's been super fun. It's really different and it is a full time job. I feel like maybe people think I'm just out here gallivanting around, but like it's like legit a full time job, which I find crazy. But yes, very cool, very grateful and like I'm like excited about it. Like, I think that there's so many cool things that we can do in stories that we get to tell and I'm excited to like put my own spin on that. So it's been really great.

[Ally]

Do you think I could be editor in chief?

[Sid]

I think we have a very busy.

[Sam]

Of what?

[Ally]

Of what exactly?

[Sid]

Regardless.

[Ally]

No.

[Sid]

Busy assistant.

[Ally]

Yes, very busy. That's. We'll leave that for.

[Sid]

When you are bossing it with the women's game and obviously I have joined you a couple times. Do you ever feel awkward or do you think it's hard as a former player? You are interviewing your friends, you're speaking about your friends when they play, criticizing performances, calling out something in a game that you know was the mistakes. You and I talked about this a little bit when you first asked me to come on and I had never analyzed a game before and you were saying like, this is our approach when talking about something like an own goal. And of course everyone knows now. I went on and the US lost every game. I was, I was a guest On. Yeah. How have you kind of navigated that? And you've been podcasting for a long time, so I know none of this was new to you, but kind of covering the game in this way definitely requires you to be pretty honest in your analysis of. Of games where you have close friends playing.

[Sam]

Yeah, totally. I mean, I think it was always, like, kind of a concern of mine was, how can I, like, be honest about what's going on? Even, like, we were podcasting through a lot of, like, trials during the NWSL years, and there were a lot of, like, difficult topics that we had to cover, even in the early days of podcasting. And I think when I first started working with Men and Blazers, it was actually during the 2023 World cup, where I had to live react to all of the U.S. women's National Team World cup games. And obviously that tournament was, like, not the U.S. women's National Team's best tournament. And so I think I got, like, really thrown into the deep end first. And it, luckily, has not been as hard since 2024 was, like, such a blessing. We won the Olympics, and it was, like, sick. And that's when it's so easy, is because all you have to do is, like, make up nicknames for Triple Espresso and, like, talk about how good Rose Lavelle is. And, like, praise Lyn B. And Dolo and all your best friends. They're all the best. So, I mean, 2023 was really, really hard. And I think that I always just wanted to be able to, like, maintain my relationships first. And I think that what I always say when it, like, comes down to this kind of pull of, like, well, when I do need to be honest and I do need to be, like, unbiased in terms of, like, my personal relationships. And actually, if I'm gonna be, like, talking and analyzing about the games, I have to tell the truth or nobody's gonna listen. And so the thing I always come back to is, luckily, all my friends are literally so good. So I haven't had a big moral or ethical dilemma because I'm praising Lyn and Rose and Sonnet and all my really good friends, who I believe are some of the best players on the field. So, yes, definitely challenging. And I think it's a challenge that anybody who goes down this road has to think about and face. Um, and like I said, luckily, my friends are really good.

[Sid]

They are.

[Ally]

They are very good. Very good. Well, you've been out of the game for about a year, and what, like, what does that feel like to Be retired? Like, did you were. Is it a low to a high? Do you still. Obviously, you still miss it. Like, what is that feeling?

[Sam]

Yeah, I'm going to be, like, so honest because, like, of the show that I'm on, I haven't played, really, since the Olympics in 2021, so it's been, like, a long time. And I knew for years that my knee injury was, like, getting more and more serious. So I think somewhere along the way, when I just continued to try to come back from this surgery that I ended up getting in the fall of 2021, I just started being, like, my career has had this timeline on it ever since 2017, when I got this original injury. Um, but I was, like, stuck in that place for a long time. It took me two or three years to, like, then say, hey, everybody, I'm retiring. I, like, can't do this anymore. Um, and then even since then, which has been about 18 months, like a year and a half since I've been at this job, like, fully retired from soccer, I've had ups and downs, for sure. I think the period that was the hardest was, like, the year that I tried to come back and play for Kansas City all year and couldn't. And that was, like, a low. And I'm, like, so privileged that this was, like, the lowest point in my life, and nothing, like, worse than having a knee injury in soccer has ever happened to me. But it was, like, so awful and so hard, and I was, like, not myself in Kansas City. I was, like, not emotionally available for anybody. I was, like, so caught up in what was going on. I was so sad that I, like, couldn't make a decision to retire. I was just, like, not capable of making a good decision. It was, like, really, really hard for me. Anyways, I decided to get this surgery, and I went home to Boston for a year, and then I was able to kind of come back to myself and be like, I know I can't play, and I know that I need to take this next step forward in my life. So I was able to figure that out. But now being on the other side of it, honestly, Sid, like, I'll have moments, like. Like, when I go to a national team game or I see all my friends on TV where I'm like, I, like, dip back. And I'm like, oh, my God, this is, like, so sad. I can't believe I'm not there. But then I'm kind. I have this ability now to almost, like, choose to be. Like, I already did this. Like, I already was really depressed about this for a couple of years, and I don't have to keep doing it, so I'm just, like, able to dig myself out now. But I, like. I think people know this. Like, I was, like, not well for, like, a little bit, and I think I'm on the other side of it now. And it's not to say that it's, like, all good, but I, like, have such great things in my life. Like, I just talked about how much I love Vermont, and that's something that, like, I get to, like, choose now. And I'm an aunt, and I have two dogs. Like, come on. So I'm like, I mean, it was terrible. I wish it didn't happen, and I would love to still be playing, but I have a lot of good things, too. And I think the difference is now that I've, like, been through the low part, so I get to just choose to be like, all right, well, mm, here I am.

[Ally]

I think we forget, like, what life really is outside of soccer, because soccer has been our entire life forever. That you're like, well, who am I without this sport? Like, who am I? And I felt like when I took some time away, I was like, wow, when it is my time to retire, I'm not scared anymore because I, like, got to live, and I got to be around the kids more, and I got to, like, be able to see stuff and go to their things that I would usually miss. And so I feel like, yeah, it's not so bad when you have, like, good things, like, you do.

[Sam]

Yeah, I'm for you. I also feel like being a mom, like, does maybe give you an identity that's separate from soccer, and it gives you purpose and fulfillment and, like, a sense of self that's. That you'll always have outside of soccer. And I feel like that's got to. I mean, I'd love to hear you talk about that, but I'm not interviewing you.

[Sid]

You have to pay for that.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

I mean, so much of. Of your situation, we've had so many conversations, I feel like, privately and publicly, but I'm in a very similar situation to you. I think the last year has been very dark times. Trying to come back. Even now, I don't know if I will be able to play again. And I have this dream, and we just love the game so much, and I feel very lucky that our paths have crossed the number of times they have, because your perspective and you going through. I mean, this is a shit thing for either of us to go through, but I'm like, you navigating this in a very short period before. I'm navigating a very, very similar thing. And, yes, you struggled. You've been open with it. Then you have found this amazing, brilliant job that you're so good at. Your perspective. Just hearing you speak about Vermont and your husband and being in New Zealand with you for. For Rosie's wedding, I think just that. That. That gave me some inspiration, that party alone. But I think even being on your podcast and the questions that come in, just asking us about our lives and someone asked us to redefine or to define success, where we are right now in our lives, and hearing your answer, and, yeah, I'm just very, very thankful for you and how honest you've been and just. It has. It gives me hope for not coming back onto the field one day, but just that there is. I have purpose and there is space for me in the. The beyond, but it is there. You speak to so many people who have an injury, and then they come back. And I'm so happy for Kristen and this amazing. You know, she calls it, like, this miracle in her fairy tale, and I don't know if I'll ever get that. Like, we don't all get that. And it's. Yeah, it.

[Ally]

It's.

[Sam]

I know.

[Sid]

It's.

[Sam]

I know. I'm also, like, sorry, I'm, like, got to interrupt you for a second. I'm not. Like, everything happens for a reason person. Like, that's just, like, never been an expression that I say. So, like, I literally going through this all, like, I. People who are, like, heroes, people will say about them. They never asked, why me? I asked, why me? Like, literally every day. I was like, I don't deserve this. I was like, I do everything right. I take such good care of my body. I literally want this so, so bad. I'm, like, kind of a good person. Why did this happen to me? Which is, like, obviously in the whole perspective of life. I just said, this was the worst thing that ever happened to me, which, like, I'm so lucky.

[Sid]

Exactly. How amazing that this is the worst thing. But also, it felt.

[Sam]

But it sucks. It sucked. And I'm. I, like, hate that you're going through something even remotely similar, Allie. And I. I think one thing that I learned was, like, people would always say, look, we can't wait to see you back on the field. But I, like, knew deep down I was never gonna be back on the field. So I've almost, like, reframed when I say. I don't really say that to people, I just say, like, I hope whatever comes next is what's best for you. And, like, the. The I hope we, like, we want to see you back on the field thing made me feel like all I had to offer anybody was from the field. And so I. I think it was actually important for me to, like, learn that players are not just what they give on the field.

[Ally]

Yeah. I will say that. Allie is back in practice, and you look so good. I've told you that.

[Sid]

This is my best friend speaking. I'm average at best.

[Ally]

No.

[Sam]

You know, I would.

[Ally]

I wouldn't lie. But, yeah. I just, like, love playing with you again.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

And it's just. Yeah, it's a joy. I mean, both of us come back, come back, come back, come back. And you come back so many times, and you're just like, all right, well, let's try it again.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

And you do, and I'm really proud of you.

[Sid]

Thank you. It has been. It's a really exciting week for us to be on the field and us be speaking with you, and just the timing of all this. Yeah. I was really happy that you are a guest this week because you always give me a lot of hope. And I think the joy that you brought to a lot of fans and teammates and friends and family when you were playing, but not just because of what you did on the field. You are still doing that off the field, and I think that is what. What I like to think about, that. That that can be my purpose. That's the person I want to be, whether I'm able to be on the field again. But, yeah, like, we love what you're doing, and please keep inviting us on your show.

[Sam]

Oh, my gosh, girls, we always have.

[Ally]

Something to talk about.

[Sam]

Yeah. You want to come on the show? Got some dates in mind.

[Ally]

Yeah. Perfect.

[Sid]

But, I mean, this show is called BFFR for a reason, and we have been being very real right now. But we want to hear, like, either being an aunt or going into podcasting or. Or retiring or being editor in chief, like, what's a BFFR moment where you're.

[Ally]

Just like, be fudgeing for real.

[Sid]

Come on.

[Sam]

Oh, my God. I, like, need an example.

[Ally]

Just, like, when something shitty happens or like, someone does you dirty.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Sam]

Or I don't know about my dogs coming in the room and barking while I'm on a recording. I mean, I say be fucking for real to Pat for not.

[Ally]

We're not taking care of it. Yes. Yes.

[Sid]

That's. We love ones about.

[Ally]

About our spouses, about Our spouses?

[Sid]

Yes. Do you and Lynn. So, I mean, I feel like I end up saying BFFR to Sid quite a bit, but you guys had snacks.

[Sam]

Can you get the dogs, please? Thank you. Please continue.

[Ally]

For real, Pat.

[Sid]

Bffr.

[Sam]

Pat. Please continue. I still. I'm, like, still not able to think of, like, a real bffr.

[Sid]

How is your dynamic with Lynn and Becky? I mean, you guys are all probably perfect angels here.

[Sam]

I don't have tea. About my co host slash teammates. Like, what do you mean? Like, be fudgeing. For real. I'm not going to like it. She doesn't. I don't get it.

[Sid]

Like, no one's late. No one has misplaced something.

[Ally]

Like, you didn't forget something on, like, something big that you didn't get a.

[Sid]

Flat tire on the side of the.

[Ally]

Freeway and you had to crutch your way to the gas stat? Nothing like that.

[Sid]

No, she's living this, like, life in Vermont. Just.

[Sam]

Oh, actually. Oh, my God. I have the perfect story for you guys. I have not even told this in full on my podcast yet.

[Ally]

Perfect. Let's hear it.

[Sam]

All right. That's exactly what I mean. As I said, I go swimming in the lake all the time. For the first time ever, I got this thing called Swimmers Itch.

[Ally]

Oh.

[Sam]

It was an allergic reaction of hives all over my body to something in the lake, and I had hives all over my. I know exactly what it was, but I don't want to say because I'm embarrassed.

[Ally]

Is it a dead body?

[Sam]

No. So it's actually, like, a phenomenon. Anybody can Google this. It's a snail parasite.

[Ally]

No.

[Sam]

Yeah, but I didn't.

[Ally]

You have a photo of the hive so that we could put it.

[Sam]

Yeah, but, like. Yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'll text you.

[Ally]

Perfect.

[Sam]

It's horrible.

[Sid]

The snail went on you. Or they.

[Sam]

They're in the water. No, didn't see any snails. It's in the water. I swam through, like, a patch where parasites existed because I. I go out and go for swims. Right. I didn't get parasites, I don't think, from all of my research. I just got, like, exposed to them, and then my body was like, nope, Allergic reaction. Hives all over my body for a week.

[Ally]

Oh, my goodness. It could be worse.

[Sid]

I hope that's all it is. Let us know.

[Sam]

It's gone now.

[Sid]

Okay, okay.

[Sam]

It's gone.

[Sid]

Like, all of my extensive research, I'm like, what, did you go to a doctor? Like, what is. What research?

[Ally]

Do they give you, like, cream or antibiotics or anything?

[Sam]

No, I. I didn't go to the doctor. I took Benadryl and it went away. And I did, like, you know, confer with a few close friends, and I think it's fine. And I have been swimming in the lake again. Like, I recovered quickly and I was.

[Ally]

Just like, you're not scared?

[Sam]

I'm getting back. I'm getting back out there, and I'm back out there and I'm fine. So I'm fine. It's not contagious. Through the screen. Is that a good bffr?

[Sid]

That's a really good bffr. I don't think Sid will be going.

[Ally]

Into that lake anytime soon once one thing happens. First of all, I don't do lakes, right? And I don't do lakes because I always think there's a shark, even though I know. I know there's no stripes.

[Sam]

I get that.

[Ally]

But, like, even if I'm swimming alone, something just, like, gets me going. That I'm like, something's in here with me.

[Sid]

Water is a.

[Ally]

You know the feeling. I know we're in a, like, open water. I'm just like, you. You can. You never know.

[Sam]

I know the feeling. I was out swimming, like, deep, and like, just a normal wave came and hit me in the face. And I was like, like, I just, like, thought it was like an animal. Like, when you can. Good. It's, like, actually so scary there.

[Sid]

I don't know if these fish are real, but I remember reading about, like, if you pee in a lake or some, like, body of water, and then the fish can, like, go in your pee hole.

[Sam]

I don't think that's real.

[Sid]

I don't know if that's real. But it has stopped me from when.

[Ally]

She said parasite everywhere except the ocean. Sophie. In the ocean.

[Sam]

As soon as I said parasite, I knew everybody was going to just like.

[Ally]

I was thinking a worm went in your bum or your pee hole worm went in your bum.

[Sid]

We had different. Yeah, yeah.

[Sam]

It was like 50. 50. Which hole?

[Ally]

Yeah, exactly. It was a hole, though.

[Sam]

How horrifying.

[Sid]

We have some hard questions for you.

[Sam]

Oh, my God. I thought. I thought the BFFR one was hard.

[Ally]

Ooh, I really love one of these questions. I really love one of these questions. You know what one?

[Sid]

I know which one. Okay, save that one. Save that one. Okay. Biggest glow up you've seen in the women's game. It could be here and then wsl. It could be the national Team.

[Sam]

It could be overseas, maybe like Gotham.

[Sid]

That has, I mean, thinking of sky blue and having no showers in locker room and I don't think they did laundry or even. I don't know if they had a locker room that is. That is a big glow up.

[Ally]

Is it time for my question?

[Sid]

Fine. Okay, hit her.

[Ally]

Do you think rookies today have it easier or harder than our generation?

[Sam]

Look, in a lot of ways, easier because they are. They have longer seasons, so they're not training for six months in the winter, running on treadmills by themselves. They are getting paid more in almost, I think every single case, they're getting paid more. So they're able to, like, keep up with, like, you know, regular human needs that I don't think we all were able to do without extra help back in the day. And they just have a ton more resources available for them at the stadium and facility. I will say, I do think what we're asking from young players is a lot. There's a lot of pressure. There's a lot of media now. There's a lot of attention. Some of these players are earning a lot of money and, like, providing for their families, and that's a lot of pressure. So I think in a lot of ways it's easier and that's a good thing. That's what we all obviously hoped for and fought for our whole time. So I'm, like, psyched for them. And the game is going to get better and better and better because these players are, like, so well equipped to perform.

[Ally]

We agree with that.

[Sam]

Go, girls.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Anything to add, Booz?

[Ally]

No, I just think that, like, you think from the beginning of the league, right? I always think about the beginning of the league where, like, we were in trailers playing on this high school field with every single line you could ever imagine. And then, like, a rookie comes into our facility and it's like, oh, well, of course, you know, where we were like. Well, of course. And I think that's the best thing because like Sam said, that's what you hope for. You hope that you do so much work that you leave the game better than you found it.

[Sid]

Yeah. I think about the CBA and having a players association and that we were in this league. I wasn't here that long, but this league existed for a long time without a union, without a players association. And what we went through in. In 2021, I. I could have seen that going so similarly to the folding of the WPS and just shutting down because there wasn't structures in place, there weren't people in place willing to fight and to make sure that the system would change. Because we brought to light some of these Horrible things going on. Just so grateful that these rookies are coming into a league where they are protected.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

And have a collective voice.

[Ally]

100 is so important. I even think of things like, like sports, science, nutrition. What did we do? I went and got a McDonald's hamburger after games. Like, I was just hanging out. And you. You think, like, wow, what if we would have been doing this?

[Sid]

I know, I know.

[Sam]

I remember, like, do you guys remember Halo top ice cream?

[Ally]

Yes.

[Sam]

I remember thinking that that was like, an appropriate. Like, was it big? Did it have protein or did it just have, like, no calories?

[Ally]

It was like 300 calories or something.

[Sid]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sam]

I just remember it must be healthy.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Sam]

This is good for, like, a post game. Like.

[Ally]

Yeah, yeah.

[Sam]

Quick hit and it's just like. No, like, that was chemicals, but, like, that's okay.

[Sid]

Yeah, I know. I think some of the muscle milk is still around. We have that, but.

[Sam]

Oh, I'll stand by muscle mil.

[Sid]

There were some chocolate milk. There was a chocolate milk. There was Snickers. Other drinks.

[Ally]

Snickers was a big one.

[Sid]

And I feel like they were all, like, just very bad for you. Yes. Not. Not around anymore. Some of the stuff that we were drinking in college and some of the protein bars, I think that was. It feels like in. In Mean Girls where he has, like, the. The bars gain weight. Like, we were just, like, counting bars. Like, that's what we were eating.

[Ally]

It really was.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

We didn't have, like. Oh, maybe we did. I don't know in the beginning if we had, like, meals after games.

[Sam]

No. Or like, a nutritionist.

[Ally]

No.

[Sam]

Like, no.

[Ally]

No.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

It was like, you're on your own. I hope you survive.

[Sid]

Is there a women's soccer trend that you would retire immediately?

[Ally]

What do you hate seeing?

[Sid]

I love stumping her. Look at her.

[Sam]

I. I, like, am so stumped. Like, I never get asked questions like this. What do I hate seeing?

[Ally]

Were you a low. Low sock girly?

[Sam]

No. High socks.

[Ally]

Good.

[Sam]

But, like, I don't care. Like, do whatever.

[Ally]

I can't stand. I can't stand it.

[Sid]

Okay. She loves everything about the women.

[Ally]

She loves everything.

[Sam]

Wow.

[Ally]

What about, like, rolling seven times? What about your. Your spandex showing underneath the shorts?

[Sam]

I don't love that.

[Ally]

There we go.

[Sam]

I don't.

[Sid]

There we go.

[Sam]

Guess I don't love that.

[Ally]

Yeah, there we go. Seven roles. Sam doesn't like it.

[Sam]

Sorry, guys. I'm like the. I'm the most boring BFR guest.

[Sid]

Okay. You have a chance to redeem yourself.

[Sam]

Good.

[Sid]

Do you have an Embarrassing on field moment. An embarrassing off field moment related to soccer. Give us something, Sam. Come on.

[Sam]

I mean, I have so many.

[Ally]

You do?

[Sam]

First. First that comes to mind. On field. I'm at national team camp. Oh, my God, I have so many. This one was bad. I'm at National Scene Camp and I'm like, we're playing an inter squad. We're at the Home Depot Center. I remember exactly what field we were on. And I'm defending a corner kick, and it goes in the goal. We get scored on. And I'm like, I know I had something to do with that, but, like, I don't really know exactly what happened. Just went off my head and went in. Oh, it just. I just scored a straight own goal and I, like, turned to my teammate and was like, did that just go off of me? And she was like, yeah, yeah, yeah. And I was just like, well, yeah, I literally don't belong here yet. Like, I probably need another year or two because I don't even know that I just scored a known goal.

[Ally]

Oh, my goodness. That's a good one. Yeah, that's a good one. Oh, I was just talking about my wedding where I threw the bouquet and you grabbed it. Like, look at her.

[Sid]

Look at her back there, girls. No one else stood a chance.

[Ally]

No, no, literally.

[Sam]

Wait, did I actually catch it, though?

[Ally]

You're welcome. Yes, you did.

[Sam]

No, I didn't.

[Ally]

Yes, you did. Yeah, well, obviously.

[Sid]

Look at.

[Sam]

I hope you did, guys. I look calm. I look like so. No, but it. Like, I'm getting this and I don't even have to try. Look at me.

[Ally]

Oh, my God.

[Sam]

Like, I'm here. I'm here waiting for it. Marriage.

[Ally]

You got it.

[Sid]

And it worked.

[Ally]

And it worked.

[Sid]

Look at you.

[Ally]

Work for you. Not so much me, but work for you.

[Sid]

You should have thrown it back to her, Sam.

[Ally]

You're welcome.

[Sam]

It's not too late. I could. I could throw you a bouquet.

[Ally]

Okay. No, thank you.

[Sid]

Oh, that is.

[Sam]

Well, you know what? I remember that. I remember when you posted that said. Because I was like, I, like, should be literally so embarrassed, but I think I reposted it and was like, I think I. Oh, yeah. Is the caption on here you did. I think I said, all press is good press. Because I was.

[Ally]

Oh, yeah.

[Sam]

I think it was at the time. It was like, Sid, like the dream at the time. Like, I probably had. I. You know, I had a couple hundred Instagram followers, and at the time, to have Sid tag me in a post on Instagram was like, that's lit. Like, I'm about to get some followers, but it's this embarrassing. No, it was collage cut up collage of me desperately reaching for the bouquet at wedding. And. And you know what? I was just like, here I am, everybody.

[Ally]

Yep.

[Sid]

I really like how you're so ready to like. Sid clearly hasn't started the toss yet, and you're, like, ready.

[Sam]

Nobody else's hands are.

[Ally]

No one else is even looking.

[Sid]

I mean. Yeah. And if I. If I saw you prepared like that, I wouldn't even try.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sam]

Yeah. It was after this that I started boxing people out.

[Ally]

Exactly. We didn't get that. We didn't get the photos of that. But I do love that photo.

[Sid]

Oh, my gosh. Well.

[Sam]

Well, literally, so fun, you guys. Thanks for having me.

[Sid]

Thank you.

[Ally]

Thank you for coming on.

[Sid]

And everyone, go tune in and follow the women's game. Sam is doing an amazing job, and there's some exciting things coming up in the next couple of years, and I know Sam will be leading the way, so make sure you tune in, and hopefully she will have us on for a game analysis or two. You know, we'll be honest.

[Sam]

The requests are incoming. Girls, check your inboxes.

[Sid]

All right, Sam, thank you. Hope to see you in LA soon.

[Ally]

Hello. It's officially happy hour at bar bffr, which is my favorite time, my favorite time of day.

[Sid]

We know this, and you are becoming quite the mixologist. Very popular on the socials.

[Ally]

Out of love.

[Sid]

Yes. Just that one shot. One large, mysteriously large shot. We'll be serving up our wins, weird thoughts, and obviously things that made us go bffr. Let's get into it.

[Ally]

Okay. Win of the week. This is a huge one, actually. And we've just, like, been smiling this entire week, and even though it's only Tuesday.

[Sid]

I know.

[Ally]

But Ali got back a couple weeks ago, and I made my return this week, and we got to be on the field together again, just like old times.

[Sid]

And I. I knew Sid was coming back from her calf. Like, we knew she was getting stronger. She's been doing all the things I genuinely.

[Ally]

And I have an ass.

[Sid]

You have an ass. I have not allowed myself to hope for this moment.

[Ally]

And I. I do, though. I know.

[Sid]

I know.

[Ally]

And I need you to. I need you to believe me.

[Sid]

It's one of those things that I'm really going through. It's funny with the staff because every time they ask me how I am, I'm like, well, I made another day. And they're like, can you. Can you just have a little more? Like, it's been a long time and it's really hard. It's to not be afraid of heartbreak. And that's why speaking with Sam about it, it's just. Yeah, you could really hear how we. We've been through the ringer. But to actually. You better believe Sid and I were getting our photo taken after training, our first training together. Because, yeah, from everything we've been through, I genuinely did not know we would ever be in a team training together. And we did it.

[Ally]

We did it.

[Sid]

So it's a big win. I know everyone is ready to huge week to see Boo Boo's Lychee Cucumber LaRue back on the field.

[Ally]

And everyone is excited to see my Boo Boos.

[Sid]

We'll see. We'll see. But I actually, I want to know what you've been Googling this week.

[Ally]

Oh, my goodness. Let me look.

[Sid]

I have been very, very impressed by your cocktails. And then this cocktail came across my Instagram feed. A pickle margarita.

[Ally]

Pickle margarita. We can make that.

[Sid]

So I have been Googling different margaritas.

[Ally]

Okay. And I'm hoping maybe I will make a pickle margarita. Not sure how that's going to taste, but I make it out of love and that's all that matters.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

Okay. Oh, geez.

[Sid]

What's she been Googling?

[Ally]

Google how to deregister your primary switch so that you can have Nintendo Switch 2.

[Sid]

Had no idea what context what a switch was what you were talking about.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Okay.

[Ally]

So Cashes has gone through three switches. They're all mine. I am a little bit of a gamer. And last time we lost. Rest in peace, we lost this one to bath water because Cassius was having a bath and he decided that it was a good idea to bring the switch in there and drop it. So he was like, well, the Switch 2's coming out. And I'm like, I said, give me all your money.

[Sid]

He got a lot of birthday money.

[Ally]

Yeah.

[Sid]

Also, like, this is kind of a bffr, but, like, I'm super happy for Cashes. But he got, I think, more money at his birthday than, like, I got at my wedding.

[Ally]

Yeah, that's true. Way more money than I've ever had kids.

[Sid]

Well, the parents. Very generous.

[Ally]

So very generous.

[Sid]

Actually inspired me to maybe have a.

[Ally]

Child one day just so they can get paid.

[Sid]

Yes. Okay. So did you. So he got a. A new one. So you needed to change your. The primary.

[Ally]

Yeah, the primary is gone. Okay. And so I've downloaded all the virtual games. Remember when I was like, crushing the spongebob Cooker Yes.

[Sid]

Sid was doing spongebob cooking games when she told me she was learning to crochet and color. And then I go into her hotel room, and she's gaming.

[Ally]

Yeah. So this is what happens to me. I have a lot of hobbies, and I just dive right into them, and I get everything for one day I ever need for that hobby, and I'll do it. And then I'm like, it's not for me. So the guest room is my hobby lobby.

[Sid]

Yeah, there's a lot going on in there.

[Ally]

A lot going on. I really did try to crochet. I didn't have the patience. And then I tried to color. There was so many things to color and, like, little details. So I just went back to gaming. Yeah, that's. That's about it. But Cassius did pay me for the Nintendo Switch, too.

[Sid]

A responsible young boy.

[Ally]

Well, I was like, you've been through enough, and you're gonna pay me, and it's gonna be mine. And he was like, okay. Handing me hundos.

[Sid]

No, but actually, where did you get this? The kid has bands.

[Ally]

Yeah. He's got money hidden all over his room. I have no idea where he gets it. Does he steal it from me? I have no idea, but he's got it, and he paid for it, so I was proud of him for that. What did you Google the.

[Sid]

The margaritas. Oh, I'm ready for happy hour.

[Ally]

Okay, well, that's coming soon. We're gonna go downstairs.

[Sid]

I know I shared a little bit of a BFFR moment at our really wild hotel, but I. I have another one, But I want to hear yours first, because I actually don't know if I told you about this.

[Ally]

I don't think on vacation.

[Sid]

So, what made you say BFFR recently, Sydney?

[Ally]

Well, you know what made me say. Oh, God, yes, because I had to call you, and I was freaking out.

[Sid]

I didn't want to think about this again.

[Ally]

I was freaking out. Like, I thought I was gonna have to pull over and be sick.

[Sid]

No.

[Ally]

Like, I was hearing you cry on.

[Sid]

The phone is one of the worst things. Sometimes it's about an injury. Sometimes it's about a man. This time, a dog. This time is about an actual dog.

[Ally]

Yeah, an actual one.

[Sid]

I don't know where she is, but.

[Ally]

Cheeky Jack, yesterday I get a text message from somebody in my home.

[Sid]

Mm.

[Ally]

Ms. Sydney, I can't find Chicken. Do you have her? Granted, I've been at training since 7am No, I don't have her. And I called Allie, and I'm Like Ally, like chickens. Chicken's gone.

[Sid]

Chicken's gone.

[Ally]

Chicken's gone. So I'm freaking out. I'm going to get the kids, picking them up from the airport. And I already got a text from Cassius before he boarded the plane that said, can you bring chicken? But I left from training to go to the airport. I texted back, I said, you need to find that dog. The kids are coming home crying. Ally sent Lucas and.

[Sid]

And he made it out of a parking garage. Oh, we found her. She was outside in the.

[Ally]

Yeah, she was just in the backyard. So be chicken. Yeah, but you know how, like, she's always around me. She's somewhere, but then you can lose her sometimes. She's so small. That's why I put the bell on. But I was freaking out. Yeah. I'm like, wow, I love you so much.

[Sid]

You. You love.

[Ally]

I love that dog so much. Yeah, it's my baby.

[Sid]

That was.

[Ally]

It's boss 2.0.

[Sid]

Scary, scary moments.

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Ally]

It was yesterday afternoon, but she's found. She was just.

[Sid]

Just enjoying an afternoon in the garden. She was literally just like, she was.

[Ally]

Laying in the shade.

[Sid]

And. And Sandy, Sid's mom is texting me. And then. And then I hear afterwards, oh, this happens all the time. And, you know, this and that. I. I was like, careening down the 101 trying to get home because Sid had to go to the airport. I'm sending my husband to find this dog. She was in the garden.

[Ally]

Yeah, we sent. I sent a lot of people.

[Sid]

There's a lot of bffr.

[Sam]

Bfr.

[Sid]

Chicken. Bffr. Sydney.

[Ally]

How is that my fault?

[Sid]

Are you just really scared? Really? Really?

[Ally]

What would you do if you got a text saying, I can't find Lucas. He's nowhere to be found. His phone and his wallet is here.

[Sid]

It's like a Tuesday. He's at Shake Shack. Okay, perfect. Okay. Chicken is under a tree.

[Ally]

Yeah. And Lucas is a shack. Okay, that's fair.

[Sid]

Okay, so.

[Ally]

Oh, let me hear this.

[Sid]

So the hotel was, like, kind of wild. Lucas and I did. We. We took the first of all BFFR to the glass bottom boats in Cabo. Like, there's just like a tiny plexiglass window on the bottom of the boat. You can't see anything where you expected.

[Ally]

Like, the whole thing.

[Sid]

You don't need to take a glass bottom boat. Just take the cheapest boat. Again, it's like 10 bucks. But they take you to Lovers beach and then divorce people. We were with another family, and they drop you off, you say, how many hours you want to spend there. And we had, like, a coconut and mango, and we just got an umbrella, and we just spent the afternoon at this beach. Like, this is honeymoon vibes. This couple walks in front of us and is, like, kind of standing, looking at the ocean. It's our Angel City strength coach. It was dj. No way.

[Ally]

Were you like, who's this idiot standing right in front of us when there's this entire beach? And it was dj.

[Sid]

It was dj. It was Dan Jones, Angel City. Strange performance.

[Ally]

Why have I not heard about.

[Sid]

Of all the places that he could have been with his girlfriend. Of all the places we could have been on these seven days we have.

[Ally]

Vacation.

[Sid]

And he was on Lovers beach with us.

[Ally]

Oh, my goodness. And so funny.

[Sid]

Lucas recognized him first and is like, hey. And I was like, holy shit, it's dj. And they were obviously. It was like a joke. We could see around them, but they were standing right there. So we were like, hey, excuse me, sir. Like, you're blocking our view. Excuse me. Like, hey, man. Hey, man. And he finally turns around and genuinely just takes a step to the side, does not recognize us. And I was like, dj, it's Allie. And then he's like, oh, hey. I was like, I was really glad I wasn't wearing a skimpier bikini. Like, it was just kind of like. Yeah, it was. It was like. It was family friendly. But, yeah, I mean, that's bffr.

[Ally]

How. For real.

[Sid]

I know how.

[Ally]

It's like, we're supposed to take this week and just, like, get away from.

[Sid]

Just get away. And.

[Ally]

And you still can't.

[Sid]

Yeah. So they sat, like, 10 yards, like, just a little bit to the side. So, like, we couldn't. And then they'd like, I was about to go in the ocean, and then, like, he and his girlfriend were going in the ocean. So I was like, oh, wait, I'll wait. I'll wait. Like, it's just, like, crazy. And then you're like, bye, See you.

[Ally]

In a couple days. That's so funny.

[Sam]

Yeah.

[Ally]

I cannot believe you didn't tell me that.

[Sid]

Yeah, I was really saving it for this. Oh, my gosh. I still can't believe it. Okay, that's enough from us. The hotline's been open. Okay, let's hear this. Let's hear this. Voicemail. Hey, Sid and Ellie, this is Araya. I'm literally in the middle of washing my face. But I was listening to the podcast, and my BFFR was. Moment of the week is when I found out my situationship, who I've been talking to. For three months. Has had a girlfriend for two years. So really humbled by that. Really awesome.

[Sam]

Really amazing. And yeah, that was my moment for the week.

[Sid]

Bye.

[Ally]

I need a drink before we get into.

[Sid]

Yeah. Arya, I'm really impressed that. That you're. That you're laughing.

[Ally]

Yeah. I'm happy that she is.

[Sid]

I'm. I'm proud of you. Wow. Wow.

[Ally]

Well, I know what I'm doing in this situation. I'm going straight to the girlfriend. I'm sorry, I had no idea. But I'm a girl's girl.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

And your man was out looking around and he looked at me.

[Sid]

I wonder how she found out.

[Ally]

I know. So social media.

[Sid]

Probably one of my best friends. So this has happened to me as well, has it?

[Ally]

Yes, it's happened to me, but the other way around where I'm the girlfriend or the wife. Oh, yeah. Yeah.

[Sid]

Right.

[Ally]

Yeah. It's tough, right?

[Sid]

Yes, yes. And you got. And was she a girl's girl and told you or how did you find out?

[Ally]

I found. I found out by the Internet.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

Yeah, it's tough.

[Sid]

No, there was a lot of red flags with this guy, but it was like, oh, we're over. She's gross. She's. You said it last time. If someone is saying all this stuff about their ex. Red flag. Yeah. And they were just. He just was kind of bored and then wanted to see what was out there.

[Ally]

And then.

[Sid]

Then I think they were like engaged again. Like it was just a no. Yeah. So my best friend was just telling me nine months.

[Ally]

Nine months.

[Sid]

A nine month situationship. Again, it was distance and.

[Ally]

Yeah, a situationship that lasts for nine months is tough.

[Sid]

Yeah. Yeah. And then it was like, yeah, my girlfriend doesn't think we should speak anymore. We'll know.

[Sam]

Shit.

[Sid]

Buddy. Came out of nowhere.

[Ally]

Must have known if she said I.

[Sid]

So she thinks the girlfriend maybe sent that message.

[Ally]

That's crazy.

[Sid]

Yeah, but we don't know what he has told her.

[Ally]

Of course it's never the girl's fault.

[Sid]

And my friends, maybe, you know when.

[Ally]

Like people get so mad at the girl, I'm like, go after your man. Yes, go after your man.

[Sid]

Like.

[Ally]

It'S his fault.

[Sid]

Arias. This is definitely bffr. Sorry this happened to you.

[Ally]

What do you do about it?

[Sid]

Yeah, I mean, I think it's definitely. You should definitely tell the girlfriend. But you know, sometimes maybe one last.

[Ally]

Hurrah though, and you just take them for everything. And then you have the girlfriend in there, get all the girls, have a nice dinner, some drinks, and then you leave and he is stuck with a two thousand dollar bill and a girlfriend that's about to leave him and a situationship that is over.

[Sid]

Let us know how that goes.

[Ally]

Yeah, tell us what happened. We want to know. There was something like I. I saw. I don't know where it was. Probably tick tock. That's where I get all my news. But it was like it's not. If he wanted to, he would. Yes, it is. It absolutely is.

[Sid]

Yeah.

[Ally]

A man will do anything to get the girl that he likes.

[Sid]

I also saw this. It's better to lose a lover than love a loser. I think some people need to be reminded of that sometimes.

[Ally]

Oh, definitely me. I think you were talking about me. Thank you. That was rude.

[Sid]

Okay, well, I think, I think that's it for this week's episode of bffr. Many, many more stor to be told in the future. Thanks again to Sam Mus.

[Ally]

Love you guys.

[Sid]

We love Sam. I don't need to hear the eight clap anytime soon, but I am happy for you.

[Ally]

Hands in the air. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

[Sam]

Gosh.

[Ally]

This is C L A U C L A. You're not supposed to do the clapping in there. But I just wanted to do it to be annoying. But yeah, eight clap live on forever.

[Sid]

That's it for today. Thank you for joining us. Thank you to Sam. Sam us. You're the best.

[Ally]

Yes. We love you.

[Sid]

Make sure you're subscribed. All the usual places. YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts. Hit us at 1-833-txt-BFFR1, 833-898-2337 or email ally or email me@feedback bffrshow.com we have honestly loved hearing from you. Everyone who sent in their BFFR stories about sports, parents and coaches. Those are coming up. Don't you worry. We got all of them. We were dying laughing. I wrote back to some of you because I. I honestly couldn't believe it. These stories deserve their time. So there was like hair pulling. There was like fights in the parking lot. So we will get into those. So yeah, you better come back next Monday.

[Ally]

Yeah, of course.

[Sid]

Yeah. It's time for margarita.

[Ally]

It is a pickle margarita. We're going to try this out. I don't know how it's going to go.

[Sid]

That's good. Okay. Hello.