Casuals with Katie Nolan
Episode: The Women's Game, the NWSL, and Tom Brady in English Soccer with Sam Mewis
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan, host Katie Nolan invites listeners into a dynamic conversation blending the worlds of women's soccer, the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), and an unexpected twist involving NFL legend Tom Brady's foray into English soccer. Joined by friends Isabella, Chris, and Brady, and later featuring U.S. Women's National Team star Sam Mewis, the episode offers a mix of insightful analysis, personal anecdotes, and lively banter.
Tom Brady's Venture into English Soccer
Critique of Brady’s Documentary Portrayal
The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the recently released documentary series "Built and Birmingham," which chronicles Tom Brady's involvement with Birmingham City, an English Championship club. The hosts express surprise and skepticism over Brady's apparent lack of preparation and understanding of the club's legacy.
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Katie Nolan highlights Brady's unfamiliarity:
"He was in the car and he says, this is my first time in Birmingham. Which I'm like, that's crazy. You bought a team. You hadn't even visited yet already."
[05:05] -
Katie criticizes Brady's language usage:
"He overuses the word 'fuck' to the point where it cheapens its meaning."
[08:58]
The discussion underscores concerns about Brady's genuine commitment versus a profit-driven motive, questioning the effectiveness of his investment strategy and its impact on the club's performance.
Impact on Birmingham City
The conversation moves to the repercussions of Brady's investment on Birmingham City, detailing poor management decisions and declining team performance:
- Katie expresses disbelief at managerial choices:
"They fired Wayne Rooney at the end of the season... they got relegated within the first year of Brady owning them."
[14:06]
The hosts draw parallels to other celebrity-owned teams, emphasizing the challenges non-traditional investors face in professional sports management.
WNBA Update: Connecticut Sun's Potential Relocation
Bailey Yuka’s Ambitions
The hosts transition to discuss the Connecticut Sun's reported plans to relocate to Boston, a move that has hit regulatory roadblocks within the WNBA's expansion framework.
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Katie summarizes the situation:
"The WNBA does not distinguish between teams relocating and expansion, according to a person with knowledge of the situation."
[23:44] -
Brady adds insight into ownership motivations:
"Pel Yuka decided to pay so much for that franchise because his intention was to move it to Boston."
[25:05]
The segment explores the complexities of league policies on team relocation versus expansion, highlighting the strategic hurdles faced by ownership groups.
Listener Interactions: The WNBA Crawl Race Debate
Controversial Baby Victory
A humorous yet thought-provoking debate arises around a WNBA-sponsored crawl race where one baby inadvertently took its first steps, raising questions about fairness and rule enforcement.
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Listener Joe defends the baby’s actions:
"I choose to view it as the winning baby won by so much that she had time to learn to walk."
[17:47] -
Katie reflects on societal tendencies:
"It's like tall poppy syndrome. Let the baby grow and thrive."
[17:47]
The discussion captures diverse perspectives from listeners, showcasing the podcast’s ability to engage and entertain its audience while addressing contemporary issues with a lighthearted touch.
Sam Mewis Interview: Championing Women's Soccer and NWSL Insights
Generational Shift in the U.S. Women's National Team
Sam Mewis joins the conversation to shed light on the evolving landscape of women's soccer, particularly focusing on the generational transition within the U.S. Women's National Team.
- Sam discusses emerging talents:
"We still have two more years to give them reps and see them grow."
[43:15]
International Experience with Manchester City
Sam shares her enriching experience playing for Manchester City, highlighting the higher level of professionalism and structured training compared to the NWSL.
- Sam reflects on her time abroad:
"I felt like I was really given opportunities to be involved in the attack."
[44:07]
Transition to Coaching
Delving into her coaching journey, Sam talks about leading the Vermont Green and the challenges of fostering a team focused on environmental justice and becoming a Net Zero soccer club.
- Sam explains coaching insights:
"I have to figure out if you should be... I'm scrambling to put together a starting lineup."
[56:53]
The interview underscores Sam's multifaceted role in advancing women's soccer both on and off the field, emphasizing her commitment to the sport's growth and sustainability.
Humorous Segments: Meme Coins and Dildos on the Court
Guerrilla Marketing Gone Awry
Adding a comedic flair, the hosts discuss bizarre incidents where sex toys were thrown onto WNBA courts as part of a guerrilla marketing campaign for meme coins. This segment blends humor with a critique of unconventional marketing strategies.
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Katie advises caution:
"It's a meme coin. It's a nightmare. Don't. Please don't do it."
[28:46] -
Producer chimes in on compliance concerns:
"The longer this goes, the more I'm certain we're violating the FCC."
[78:03]
The conversation highlights the absurdity of certain marketing tactics in professional sports, reflecting on their impact on game integrity and audience perception.
Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
The episode concludes with personal anecdotes, shout-outs to upcoming live shows, and promotions for Sam Mewis’s podcast. Katie and Chris share humorous plans for their attire at live events, maintaining the show's personable and relatable atmosphere.
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Katie announces:
"We'll see you there. We'll obviously be there."
[68:35] -
Chris adds excitement about team achievements and future prospects:
"Kansas City is so good. Their owners are investing in them."
[51:00]
Listeners are left with a sense of anticipation for future episodes, live events, and continued discussions on women's sports and beyond.
Notable Quotes
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Katie Nolan:
"You bought a team. You hadn't even visited yet already."
[05:05] -
Chris:
"I was 3-0 undefeated as a coach."
[55:32] -
Sam Mewis:
"We want to give Thailand our best because they're here at this tournament, and that's what we did."
[40:26] -
Producer:
"Let's fucking go works because of the scarcity of it."
[07:47]
This episode of Casuals with Katie Nolan provides a comprehensive look into the current state and future of women's sports, enriched by candid discussions, expert insights from Sam Mewis, and the hosts' signature humor. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or someone curious about the evolving landscapes of women's leagues and celebrity investments, this episode delivers engaging and informative content.