Kylie on Olympic Proposals, Gold Medal Games & Tiramisu-Off w/ Laila Edwards, Breezy Johnson & Jason | Ep. 55

Summary

Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce

Episode 55: Kylie on Olympic Proposals, Gold Medal Games & Tiramisu-Off w/ Laila Edwards, Breezy Johnson & Jason

Release date: February 19, 2026
Host: Kylie Kelce
Featured guests: Laila Edwards (Team USA Ice Hockey), Breezy Johnson (Team USA Alpine Skiing), Jason Kelce (husband)

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Episode Overview

Kylie Kelce brings her candid, irreverent style to Milan for her first-ever international episode, recorded amidst the buzz of the 2026 Winter Olympics. With Jason Kelce (her husband) in tow, she shares on-the-ground updates, riffs on Italian cuisine, and highlights Team USA’s standout women. The episode is a playful yet heartfelt dive into women’s sports, family support, gold-medal moments, and the vital importance of homemade tiramisu. Special guests include hockey phenom Laila Edwards—fresh off a historic Olympic run—and Breezy Johnson, newly crowned gold medalist and star of a viral finish-line engagement.

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Key Segments & Highlights

1. Milan & Olympic Vibes: "Places Kylie Has (Some) Business Being"

[00:00 – 11:20]

• Kylie kicks things off with Italian mascots, Milan Fashion Week shoutouts, and beginner Italian phrases (“Per favore”, “Scusa”, “Ciao”).
• Reflects on Eat, Pray, Love and the “soul-moving” nature of Italian food.
• Notable Moment: Kylie describes her mission: “I want to take pasta to the face in all shapes, and I’m not going to discriminate at all.” [03:43]
• Recaps attending the women’s hockey semifinals and the viral tweet: “Kylie Kelce and her husband supporting Team USA women’s hockey. Jason actually just told me about this at breakfast. This is ridiculous. Cut that out.” [06:24]
• Takes playful issue with always being “the football wife,” suggesting: “How about that? Jason and Kylie Kelce. That’s cool.” [06:47]

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2. Doom Scroll of the Week: Olympics Edition

[11:20 – 18:24]

• Kylie spotlights Team USA’s Haley Winn’s three older brothers—and their viral, jorts-and-mullet-clad support:
  • Quote: “...the three older brothers are going to the Olympics, but it’s to cheer on their little sister. I love that so much.” [12:04]
  • Connects to Jason’s own mullet—“I begged and pleaded for him to no longer have the mullet in the photos with our first child. You guessed it. There is a mullet in the photos of our first child’s birth.” [12:20]
• Tiramisu-Off with Jason
  • Kylie and Jason taste-test three tiramisus, referencing the viral Olympic Village dessert:
    • Jonas Hasler’s review: “He rated this tiramisu at the Olympic Village a 12 out of 10. We attempted to get this specific tiramisu, but apparently it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on, which makes sense because we’re not Olympic athletes. So we accept that fate.” [12:58]
    • Ratings chaos: Kylie and Jason spiral through scores like “9.2,” “4.2,” and “eight, seven, five, four.” Jason: “I think I was just really hungry when I ate the first bite.” [17:17]
    • Kylie’s take: “This only solidifies my thought process on us and desserts because, more for me.” [18:03]

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3. Interview: Laila Edwards – Making Olympic, Cleveland Heights, and Hockey History

[19:06 – 41:03]

Laila’s Olympic Journey

• Kylie introduces Laila Edwards, Team USA’s first Black woman ice hockey Olympian—“a first time Olympian who has two goals and five assists so far… making history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. hockey team.” [18:47]
• Connection: Years ago, the Kelce brothers gave Laila an enthusiastic shoutout on their podcast, cementing mutual Cleveland Heights pride.
  • Laila: “Ever since then, I think they’ve just realized that I’m the best athlete out of Cleveland Heights.” [21:05]

Family Support

• Laila beams about having 10 family members cheering her on in Milan, ranging from her sister (24) to her 91-year-old grandma, who had never left the U.S.
  • “I look for her after every game to wave and it’s really cute.” [23:04]
• On Jason & Travis Kelce’s support—donating to the family’s Olympic travel: “People know them as really good athletes... but only a handful... get to know how good they are as people.” [21:26]

Life as a Trailblazer

• Kylie and Laila discuss the “role model” weight: “I definitely feel the weight, but I try to channel that into motivation and pride...” [27:41]
• Scoring against Canada: “To get my first one against them. Yeah, that felt good.” [28:26]
• The joy & sacrifice of sports:
  • Laila: “I didn’t get to hang out with my friends on weekends because I was traveling… I’ve ruined every single garage door we’ve ever had.” [29:31]
  • “Do you regret it?” Laila: “I don’t regret it at all. Not at all. I’m here at the Olympics, you know, on Kylie Kelsey’s Not Gonna Lie podcast. I mean, what regrets could I possibly have?” [30:36]

Women’s Pro Hockey & Advice

• On the new women’s pro league: “To have that league and it’s growing at a pretty good rate—I’m really excited.” [36:12]
• Message to young girls: “If you love something, even if there aren’t many people that look like you or support you, you know you belong. I feel like loving something is enough.” [36:51]
• Memorable Moment: Laila gifts Kylie a Team USA jersey and trading pins, with Jason chiming in from the sidelines.

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4. Interview: Breezy Johnson – Gold Medals, Olympic Engagements & Knitting Superstitions

[41:06 – 60:05]

Viral Engagement & Olympic Gold

• Kylie welcomes Breezy: “She’s a two-time Team USA Olympian, fresh off of her gold medal win... she’s also fresh off her engagement scene around the world.” [41:06]
• Breezy’s Olympic finish-line proposal to fiancé Connor becomes a viral, tearjerker moment.
  • Kylie: “What’s great about this is you forever get to remember his words. Because I am on record saying that I blacked out [during my proposal].” [43:00]
• Breezy posted about the proposal using Taylor Swift lyrics; Taylor commented on her post:
  • “At dinner the girls were like, Taylor Swift commented. And I was like, on what?... And then it was like, oh my god, that is on my post.” [45:12]

Wedding Planning & Meet-Cute

• Breezy and Connor met on Bumble: “We swiped our way right into that.” [48:22]
• Kylie shares corny Tinder pickup lines with Jason in the room—laughter abounds.

Victory Reflections & The Process

• Breezy recounts her gold medal run: “You’re doing a lot of mental physics at 80 miles an hour... It’s the feeling of being alive.” [51:19]
• Olympic celebration: “So we had a team toast... we cried some more… hung out with my now fiancé, and went to bed at 9:30.” [53:34]
• On her knitting superstition:
  • “I try to knit a new hat or headband for every race... It kind of became a superstition because whenever I had new knits in the finish, then I did well.” [54:00]
  • “I’m a big stomper, so I have to stomp before I go. Yeah, there’s… I have lucky socks…” [55:51]

Advice for Future Olympians

• “You have to be able to find joy in the process, find joy in the work… it’s taken me 30 years, and I just got my first one of these [a gold].” [60:05]
• Encourages getting girls into skiing, regardless of location: “There’s a sport for everyone.” [58:46]

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Kylie on Pasta in Italy:
  “I want to take pasta to the face in all shapes, and I’m not going to discriminate at all.” [03:43]
• Jason on Tiramisu Hangups:
  “Maybe your tiramisu hangup has just been that you weren’t eating tiramisu in Italy.” [14:29]
• Laila Edwards on Role Models:
  “If you love something, even if there aren’t many people that look like you or support you, you know you belong.” [36:51]
• Breezy Johnson on Winning:
  “You have to be able to find joy in the process, find joy in the work... it’s taken me 30 years, and I just got my first one of these.” [60:05]
• Kylie (playfully, to Jason):
  “This only solidifies my thought process on us and desserts—because, more for me.” [18:03]
• On Confidence as an Athlete:
  “What some people... would call cocky is confidence. You have to have some of that... You obviously could not go out there if you were questioning yourself.” [34:44]

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Arrival in Milan & Olympic Opening | 00:00 – 11:20 | | Doom Scroll of the Week + Tiramisu-Off | 11:20 – 18:24 | | Interview: Laila Edwards | 19:06 – 41:03 | | Interview: Breezy Johnson & Proposal Story | 41:06 – 60:05 | | Breezy’s Gold Medal Reflections & Advice | 50:00 – 60:05 | | Wrap-Up & Family Banter | 60:33 – 62:37 |

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Tone & Style

• Casual, witty, family-centric, and empowering—Kylie Kelce blends humor, pop culture savvy, and genuine support for women in sports throughout the episode.
• The atmosphere is friendly, sometimes teasing, but always supportive—especially in moments highlighting women breaking barriers and the tight-knit world of Team USA.

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Key Takeaways

• Women’s sports are having a moment—and Kylie is front and center, using her platform to champion female athletes and push for visibility.
• Family support matters—immensely—from Cleveland Heights pride and the Kelce brothers’ involvement to the 91-year-old grandma in Milan proving you’re never too old to cheer.
• Olympic moments are about more than medals—love stories, superstitions, and finding joy in the work are part of the journey.
• Be yourself, support your people, and never skip dessert in Italy.

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For more Olympic coverage, extended interviews, and daily highlights, subscribe to “Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce” on YouTube and follow @NGLwithKylie on social media. The next Olympic special drops Sunday, February 22nd!

Transcript

[A]

Not going to lie. This Olympics mascot are so cute. This is Milo and this is Tina. Yep. Let's get this podcast started. Welcome. Or should I say bienvenuti? That sounds. I really want to say bienvenue. Oh, no. To our first ever international episode of Not Going to Lie. A wave original. That's right. I'm here in Milan. What with YouTube and NBC at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. This is so silly. I'm your host, Kylie Kelce. Food, motivated and speaking of my favorite Italian dish. Oh, no. How do you choose literally pasta in any shape or form? The best movie set in Italy of all time is. Oh, of all time. Makes it sound feel much bigger. But I really enjoy Eat, Pray Love. I feel like the way Julia Roberts makes you feel about Italy and the food that you're eating and the experience that you're supposed to have is like felt deep in your soul. And I love that, truly. Also, the Lizzie McGuire movie. Great, great. Second. And the winter Olympic sport I have the least business trying is definitely bobsledding or any of that type of track. Speaking of which, Jason went bobsledding and just posted a video on it. The top comment on Jason's bobsled post is, are we allowed to watch this? Asking for permission? Yes, and I highly encourage it. This was not only eye opening because there's a lot to learn and I always say I am winter sports dumb. And so I was sat for this entire episode and I. I really enjoyed it. I also enjoyed Jason wearing a bobsled suit. So thank you for that. You may look. I give you permission because I was also looking. Now that that's been addressed. Coming up on today's episode. Since I've returned to the birthplace of places, Kylie has no business being shout out to Milan Fashion Week. I'm going to talk all things Milan and Winter Olympics in the latest edition of Places Kylie has some business being pl. We're all in for Winter Olympics edition of Doom Scrawl of the week featuring a lot of tiramisu. Another great Italian food. Oh, no. After that, I'm going to be joined by not one this is silly. But two Team USA superstars. Layla Edwards, the women's ice hockey phenom from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and fresh off her gold medal win and her engagement, skiing sensation, Breezy Johnson. I have no business talking to either of them and we're going to double whammy it in one episode. Silly. But before we get into all that, let's start off with a quick NGL announcement. If you were already Sad that this Winter Olympics episode from Milan was eventually going to end. Literally. Don't be. Because we have a second episode. Yep, that's right. It gets even sillier. More people to sit down with. Oh, gosh. It's coming to you this Sunday, February 22nd. We have amazing guests lined up, so make sure that you subscribe on YouTube and set your alerts. All right. Told you it was a quick announcement. That was efficient. Next up, we're in Milan, the OG place. I said I had no business being. So we're going to do a new version of that segment called Places. Kylie has some business being. And this week I have some business being at the Winter Olympics in Milan. I still. I think this might be under I have no business, but I have some business because Go USA first. As Queen Emma can attest, I've been practicing my Italian phrases. It's not going great. I have learned, per favore. That's please, Buongiorno. That's hello, good day. Technically, scusa. That's excuse me, ciao. It's hello or goodbye. Ciao, ciao, ciao. And that's all I've got. That's all my Italian. And I'm trying desperately, really fighting for my life here to not have my French schooling bust through. I did find out how to say fuck around and find out in Italian, but I'm going to go to my friend to repeat it again because Maurizio is here and he's going to you. You're going to hear him in the background because I'm not. I'm not raw talking. Oh, no. Casagiare I scaprillo. No, say it again. Oh, no. Cazzagiare e scoprilo. Okay, I'm getting a thumbs up. I'm here with Jason this time around. It's a no kids parent trip. I have eaten everything I've seen. Literally, if I see it, I'm eating it. I am really looking to get just some homemade spaghetti. I want it and I want it with just pomodoro. That's. That's it. That's all I want. Simple, straightforward, and I want to lean so far away from American Italian because everybody knows in America you can get it on every corner, and some are better than others. But I want to take pasta to the face in all shapes, and I'm not going to discriminate at all. Also pizza, but for some reason, I don't feel as strongly about pizza. The main event so far was definitely the women's ice hockey semifinals last night that we Just happened to. We came without a plan for something last night, and then as soon as we heard that the women were playing, we were like, can we. Can we go? Some of you may have seen us there, courtesy of this tweet that's now going viral. It says, Kylie Kelsey and her husband supporting Team USA women's hockey. Jason actually just told me about this at breakfast. This is. This is ridiculous. Cut that out. We've leaned too far in the opposite direction. You know what's great? Jason and Kylie Kelce. How about that? That's cool. Also, I would just like to point out I was a little sad about this because I'm barely ever on my phone, and especially last night. I was busy watching, and then you caught me on my phone. So you caught me. You got me. Got my ass. People were enjoying the caption, though. I think that maybe we should say both names, but, you know, sure. This was the first competition that we've gotten to see for Winter Olympics, and the women's ice hockey team dominated in a way that I can't explain. And also, I brought my resident ice hockey player and was asking my husband necessary questions because, yes, I did, in fact, not know what icing was. Don't worry. We'll get to it because Jason and ratted me out to Layla. That's fine. I'm only slightly embarrassed. My favorite story so far to come out of the Winter Olympics. Oh, gosh, that's a good question. There's so many. I mean, we're biased, but Corey and Corey winning silver, big deal. We got to hang out with Corey. We actually got to fuck around and find out with Corey in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, when we went out there to learn how to curl, and we got to meet Corey, that's male Corey, and he was telling us about how he and Corey were preparing to compete. So that was. That was a big one. Pretty big one. All right, that's it for places. Kylie has some business being. Next up, doom scroll of the week, Winter Olympics edition. First up on our Olympic doom scroll, two things we love around here are joining forces. Hyping up women's sports and supportive siblings. Queen Emma, the clip, please. Yes. Yep. So, for anyone who doesn't know these are Team USA hockey player Haley wins three brothers. They have been putting out some of the best videos of the Winter Olympics so far. First of all, their energy. Outstanding. Let's start there. Second, the outfits. I mean, to hit the mullet and the jorts. Well done. Haley is the youngest of the four siblings and the only girl So I think that this is a really cool, just concept that the three older brothers are going to the Olympics, but it's to cheer on their little sister. I love that so much. Also, anyone who has been around older brothers, I'm married to one, and you know that the younger siblings, they've been through it, and it's made them better in their life. It's sent them on the path that they're on. And so I can only imagine that her three brothers helped her achieve greatness. And honestly, ice hockey is a sport of grit and toughness. I feel like. Not to take any credit from Haley, but I feel like she was better prepared because she had three older brothers, and now they're doing exactly what they should be doing, and it's cheering loudly for her and wearing jorts while doing it. So well done, guys. And more importantly, well done, Haley. We are having a fun time cheering you on. I do think that these are the types of outfits that Jason would lean in on heavily. And I say that because at some point in our lives, he not only has worn jorts, but had an actual mullet. So in case you want to look that up, it was. He had the mullet around the birth of Wyatt. And the reason I know that is because I begged and pleaded for him to no longer have the mullet in the photos with our first child. You guessed it. There is a mullet in the photos of our first child's birth. So did I admit on this show that maybe the mullet was kind of hot? No. I don't know what you're talking about. This is called not going to Lie, but he's sitting in the room, so I said it. But I need you to know not tell him about it because I told you not to tell him, and now he's in here. Okay, next scroll. Yeah, that's right. It was magic. And now he appeared. Look at him in his Italian hat.

[B]

Yes. Well, it's not.

[A]

Yeah, it's a flower.

[B]

I don't know what it is, but I like it.

[A]

It's a flower. It's beautiful. Anyway, for my last scroll, I have a special guest. And when we try things, when we eat things on this show, we just really like to have Jason here, because

[B]

Jason likes to be here.

[A]

Apparently, the Winter Olympics has its very own version of the Paris viral chocolate muffin. I think we all remember that everyone was feening for chocolate muffins. And of course, the version here, Tiramisu. So Queen Emma is gonna roll the clip of the viral tiramisu in the Olympic Village. I think I found the chocolate muffin of the Winter Olympics. It's gonna be the tiramisu, and I heard it's insanely good. The smirk.

[B]

All right, there we go. Positive review. 12 out of 10.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Well, he doesn't know how rating systems work.

[A]

Snowboarder Jonas Hassler, he rated this tiramisu at the Olympic Village a 12 out of 10. We attempted to get this specific tiramisu, but apparently it's nearly impossible to get your hands on, which makes sense because we're not Olympic athletes. So we accept that fate. I will be making every effort to find it this week, but also, I don't know that I've earned the right to taste it. So in the meantime, I'll eat it. Okay. Won't stop Jason. In the meantime, we have a tiramisu tasting here with three of the best tiramisu's our team could find. So we're going to give it a rating out of 10. That's right. 12 is not part of this rating system. Are you good with that?

[B]

Yes. Yes.

[A]

Okay. Which one would you like to try first?

[B]

I feel like we should try whatever you want to try first. You're the. You're the. You're the queen.

[A]

I actually don't.

[B]

You're the queen. I guess you're more of the tiramisu fan. I'm not a big tiramisu person.

[A]

I'm a big tiramisu person. Let's try the flat one first because I think it's. I think you're going to be the

[B]

least satisfied with this one.

[A]

With this one. I don't think you're going to like that. I like it.

[B]

That's fantastic.

[A]

Really?

[B]

You don't like that?

[A]

I said I like it. That's why, I guess that you wouldn't like it.

[B]

No, I like this a lot. Oh, my goodness.

[A]

I can't tell if he's kidding.

[B]

No, that's fantastic.

[A]

Maybe your tiramisu hang up has just been that you weren't eating tiramisu in Italy.

[B]

The balance of it is great. There's like, the biscuit is soggy or whatever, but then there's also a nice crunch to it. It's really good.

[A]

He's gonna eat the whole thing.

[B]

I want to.

[A]

I'm coming back to that one.

[B]

Where are we going next?

[A]

We're going to this jar, the front jar.

[B]

Trying to get all of it. Get out of your microphone. That other one's. I mean, of all the Tiramisu I've had. That's probably. I can't go 10 out of 10 because I'm waiting.

[A]

I'm going to go 9.8. That's. Jeez, it's aggressive.

[B]

It's too high. My hat's got to fall out to be like a 9.8.

[A]

All right, all right, all right, all right, all right. Let me edit it. 4.2.

[B]

It's not good.

[A]

This one is not good.

[B]

I was expecting a lot of the jar. I don't know who made it, so sorry to whoever made that.

[A]

No, no. I did confirm before we tried it that this was purchased.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

This.

[B]

Well, I think they were all purchased.

[A]

The custard is.

[B]

There's two.

[A]

It's almost like the custard is, like split. You can see it on the sides.

[B]

The balance is off. The custard isn't really airy.

[A]

Like, I still have not rated a single one. What'd you give the first one?

[B]

Cheesy. It's a little bit too cheesy.

[A]

What'd you give the first one? Okay, read the first one, please.

[B]

I mean, I'm pulling a number out of my ass.

[A]

Okay. I'm gonna go 9, 2 on the first one.

[B]

I think 92 is a fair rating, but just I don't want to be exactly the same. I'll go 8.9 just because I'm gonna leave some buffer to maybe go up. So I'm gonna go six on the side. It's edible.

[A]

Is it?

[B]

Yeah. We going, what, this one? I feel like, How do I even eat this right now? I just don't even like that. There's a thing of chocolate that doesn't even. Is this plastic? This one is presentation wise. Getting docked.

[A]

This is the lady finger that soaks up the espresso. My instinct is that the jar is an eight. Six. He's going to strongly disagree with me here.

[C]

Jar's good.

[A]

You don't like this one?

[B]

Jar's bad.

[A]

Okay. To me, being a complete and total American, that is not. I don't even think I'm part Italian. I want to throw that out there. 9, 2, 4, 2, 8, 6.

[B]

So much. So much random numbers. All right, I'll go. I'm gonna. This isn't a nine. It's just not a nine. I'm gonna go eight, seven, five, four.

[A]

Now you're just making up numbers.

[B]

Seven, six.

[A]

You went off of all the scores you had already given seven, six.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you still think this one's the best one?

[B]

I think so. I mean, but it's not like is. It was very good the first time I had it. Now that I'm going back to it, it's still good, but it's not like I think I was just really hungry when I ate the first bite.

[A]

I'm so happy that you've come around on tiramisu. We just had to come to Italy

[B]

around it in Italy. I'm not around it.

[A]

I'm okay with that.

[B]

I've been to the nicest Italian restaurant in the United States and had their. Yeah, it's okay.

[A]

It's fine. He says it's fine.

[B]

Which is great for me or something like that. I'd much rather do that, you know. But the show I've had so far

[A]

has been this only this only this only solidify even further. Solidifies my thought process on us and desserts because more for me. So. Yep.

[B]

Should I get up now?

[A]

No, you're staying until I do this outro on the Doom Scroll. That's it for Doom scroll of the week and our tiramisu taste test. Now it's time for the main event. The reason I'm here and so are you, our badass Team USA athletes. Oh, God, it's so silly. Once Again, thanks to YouTube and NBC for hooking it up. Queen Emma. Let's bring in Layla. She's the women's ice hockey phenom out of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. A first time Olympian who has two goals and five assists so far in the Winter Olympics. She's making history as the first black woman to play for the U.S. hockey team. She's also a University of Wisconsin Badger and a friend of the family. Laila Edwards. Welcome to Not Gonna Lie.

[C]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

This is so exciting. We are connected by way of the other podcast. We don't say it here.

[C]

No, I don't know what you're talking about.

[A]

Yeah, perfect. They you got a seal of approval from them years ago.

[C]

Yeah, that was pretty cool.

[A]

And then you made the Olympics because you're the best athlete out of Cleveland Heights.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

I do have a lot of questions for you because as my husband so nicely exposed me when you first walked in, I was asking him about icing last night. I did not grow up with a lot of ice hockey around me. I went for the other hockey, the outside hockey. But I was questioning my husband last night and so I might have more questions for you if that's okay.

[C]

Oh, definitely.

[A]

Perfect. Thank you so much. Now, for anyone who isn't familiar with this connection between you and my husband and my brother in law. Like I said, it's been years in the making. Can you fill everyone in on this story?

[C]

Oh, gladly. Yeah. When I first made the US national team as the first black woman, I got a shout out on that one podcast. I can't remember the name.

[D]

One of Cleveland Heights own, Layla Edwards.

[B]

Hey, shout out to Layla Edwards.

[D]

She's set to become the first black

[A]

woman to play for Team USA Senior hockey team.

[C]

Everyone was just blowing up my phone like, yo, the Kelsey's just shouted you out. Or those guys just shouted you out on their podcast. And it was just so cool. I remember watching the video and thinking like, wow, you know, just to hear my name coming out of that guy's mouth, it was just really cool. And yeah, it was just showing the love and support, you know, because we've got a cool community in Cleveland Heights. And ever since then, I think they've just realized that I'm the best athlete out of Cleveland Heights.

[A]

So fair. Now the guys shout you out again in December for making the Olympic roster. And then they donated to the GoFundMe to make sure that your parents would be here and your whole family would be here for the Olympics. And they're here because I saw them last night.

[C]

Yes, you did.

[A]

What has it been like to have your family here in Milan cheering for you?

[C]

Yes, it's been so awesome. And this has been one of my favorite things to talk about too, because everyone's talking about how those guys donated and it was really nice. But I think it just goes to show, it's like everyone knows them as really good athletes. And I think only a handful of people get to know how good they are as people. And I think it's just really cool. And I can't thank them enough, you know, just for helping out. Because my family means the world to me. And so to have them here, just that sense of love and support, it allows me to play my best hockey.

[A]

Well, it's crazy to think that there are actually some Olympic athletes whose families don't make it over here, when it really is an effort of the family. Right. To get you to this point. Who drove you to practice? Who took you to early morning rink, like, exactly. Rink. Ice. Ice rink. Rink.

[C]

Yeah, sure. Okay.

[A]

Thank you. Not me. Questioning all of my hockey lingo. How many family members do we have here?

[C]

I have 10 family members here.

[A]

That's such a good showing.

[C]

I know. It's unbelievable. That's so good in the age range too. It's like my sister's 24 and my grandma's 91, so. My 91 year old grandma's here.

[A]

Nuh.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

Isn't that crazy?

[A]

Stop it.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Has she ever been to Italy before?

[C]

I don't even think she's been out of the country.

[A]

Stop.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

That's gonna make me cry.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

That is so sweet.

[C]

It is so awesome.

[A]

Is she not the most, like, excited?

[C]

Yes, just so excited and like proud and happy to be here.

[A]

That's so cool of you to give your grandmother the opportunity to not only come, but like to have a reason to come to Italy.

[C]

Exactly. Yes.

[A]

At 91.

[C]

I know. Yeah. Look for her after every game to wave and it's really cute.

[A]

Stop it. This is so good. If. If maybe we could just, you know, weasel our way down there. Maybe we could just sit near them.

[C]

Oh my God, they would love that.

[A]

Okay, perfect. We're just gonna. We're gonna channel our most Cleveland Heights energy and then we're just gonna pop right down there. No, it'll be great.

[C]

Yes. It's gonna be awesome.

[A]

It'll be perfect. Who's the MVP of the Edwards family at this Olympics? I do think I know the answer already.

[C]

Yes, I think everyone knows the answer. It's my mom.

[A]

Is it?

[C]

Who are you thinking?

[A]

Your mother.

[C]

Okay, good.

[A]

Yeah, just to be clear, hands down, a thousand percent. I actually love her videos on social media.

[C]

Oh, gosh. So you've seen those?

[A]

We're gonna watch the fit check right now.

[C]

Oh, gosh. Okay.

[A]

I am channeling my Taylor Heisey and Zumwinkle Grace. Some winkle that that is. I'm doing a fit check. Yes, she is. My sweatshirt is courtesy of USA supporting the all American hockey moms. I have on Chuck Taylor. My kind of girl.

[C]

You guys are the same person.

[A]

The red, white and blue nails by Adult Vision by Millie to match. And look at these earrings, courtesy of adult Alicia Stefan. That was such good fit.

[C]

That's like one of five. So many more.

[A]

Love it. You actually commented on that.

[C]

Yep.

[A]

You said, oh goodness. How does it feel? How do you feel about this fit check?

[C]

You know, at first I was like, oh, gosh. Like, oh goodness. But then I was like, you know what? I love it. She's being herself. She's having fun. She had that strong personality. Everyone's enjoying it. I'm like, do your thing. Do your thing.

[A]

Honestly, she's having her own Olympics right now.

[C]

That's the best way to put it.

[A]

And I am so here for it. Is she your ultimate hype woman?

[C]

Yes, she is hands down my ultimate hype woman. But what I love about her, she's everyone's ultimate hype woman. Like everyone on the team she cheers for like they're her kids.

[A]

So good.

[C]

It is so awesome.

[A]

We love women supporting women.

[C]

Yes, that's her.

[A]

Now, of course, we also have to talk about Cleveland Heights. I know how much pride my husband and my brother in law taking Cleveland Heights, they literally named the other podcast after it. What do you love about your hometown?

[C]

Oh, man, there's so many good things I could say about my hometown. And the community is just like one of a kind. It's so diverse and welcoming and to understand it the most, you just have to live there. And obviously some pretty good athletes come out of there, you know.

[A]

Very good.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

I. I'm not even saying this just because you're here. My husband can vouch for me on this. I love Cleveland Heights. It feels like a warm hug.

[C]

Yes, yes.

[A]

It is the most delightful. Like you saying that, it's like welcoming. It is all of that and more. Like it has the most lovely mom and pop places. It just feels like a true sense of community. And you can tell because when people go out into the world, they still talk about it non stop.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

And also the number of people who are. Who stop me to tell me that they're from Cleveland Heights. I'm like, thank you so much for telling me, like, I'm part of the party. Right. Let's talk about the main reason why we're here. Team USA women's ice hockey. You guys are. Do we have wood?

[C]

Close enough.

[A]

You guys are crushing it. Oh, you have wood behind you. I'm going to steal that. Oh, I'm going to steal a piece of. Do you mind passing? That would be so sweet. Thank you so much.

[C]

Perfect.

[A]

Perfect. We forgot our wooden spoon. I'm sure I can find an Italian grandmother to give me one. I have an Italian spoon at home that I keep in the drawer of my desk just for like the moments where I feel like I have gone too far and I need to back it up with some good juju. You, first of all, you're making history by playing on this team. With every goal you score, how does it feel to play in each game knowing just that?

[C]

Yeah, I mean, just knowing that. It's a sense of pride and motivation, you know, just the opportunity to be a role model and an inspiration, you know, regardless of if I chose it or not, it is what it is. And I just love the idea of being able to make an impact on other people.

[A]

Do you feel that weight? Do you feel the weight of knowing that, like, young kids are watching you and you're inspiring them to know that they can do exactly what you're doing with hard work and a lot of time?

[C]

Yeah, I definitely feel the weight, but I kind of try to channel that into, like, motivation and pride. I mean, it's just so cool, like, even to hear parents tell me their kid either plays because of me or still plays. And it's just nice to know that they have that representation, and I'm hoping that grows.

[A]

That's so badass.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

That's so badass. You scored the first goal, your first goal against Canada. That had to be, like, a life highlight, right?

[C]

Oh, for sure.

[A]

Like, of all the games that you could have scored your first goal.

[C]

Right.

[A]

That was awesome. Ball session right there.

[C]

Thank you. I mean, well done. Like, every game is awesome, but it's just a different game against Canada.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

So to get my first one against them. Yeah, that felt good.

[A]

I mean, that's. You get to hold on to that forever. You get to take that with you. That's so good. What has this whole experience been like for you?

[C]

It's been crazy. I mean, it's been the experience of a lifetime. You know, I've got to meet some really cool people. Like, I mean, it's brought me here to, you know, meet you and that other guy that you're with. I think that's really cool. And just to, I don't know, be here and making an impact and just doing what I love and having a lot of people support me. It's been so cool.

[A]

Do you. I know by way of my husband that to get time on the ice, it means early mornings or late nights. I'm sure that you have had your fair share of that and many other things. What has brought you to this moment? Like, what are the things that you remember along your journey of maybe those early practices, that extra work that you put in to get here? Because I'm sure that it wasn't just practice time.

[C]

Right? Right. Yeah. I mean, I was never really a morning person, but my dad made me go. Ed was like 5am Wake up every day, 6am to 7 before school. And it was tough, but I got up every single morning that I had to, and I feel it paying off, you know, and just those sacrifices, like, I didn't get to hang out with my friends on weekends because I was traveling to Detroit, Pittsburgh or somewhere for hockey, or I was playing on two teams at morning skate. Then Night skate. And I would try to get any extra work in, in my driveway. And my dad can attest to the fact that I've ruined every single garage door we've ever had.

[A]

Of course.

[C]

Naturally. Yeah. And so, yeah, there's been so many sacrifices and a lot of that, you know, it's come from my family too. So I'm sure my dad didn't want to get up at 5am every day, but he knew, you know, how much I loved hockey and he saw a

[A]

future for any kids listening, specifically young girls listening. You mentioned not going out on the weekends, maybe missing some friend socializing time. Do you regret it?

[C]

I don't regret it at all. Not at all. I mean, I'm here at the Olympics, you know, on Kylie Kelsey's Not Gonna lie podcast. I mean, what regrets could I possibly have?

[A]

This is such a drop in the bucket. I asked because, and I want to say this in the most self aware way, I always talk about like my high school experience. I played hockey, field hockey, not ice hockey. I was not cool enough to play ice hockey and, or coordinated enough on skates, so. But I spent a lot of weekends where people that I went to school with, I was at public school, people were not taking their sport very seriously, or if they were, they weren't the people I was talking to in this moment. But I had many weekends where people were like, oh, you're not coming here. Oh, you're not coming there. Because I had a 7am tournament the next morning for field hockey.

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

And I never felt like I was missing out because when you end up at these places, you end up with probably some of your closest friends. Yes, 100%, because they're your teammates and you're working towards the same things. And they understand the hustle and they understand what you're doing and they understand your passion for your sport, so you bond over that. So I always felt strongly about sharing the message of like, I put my eggs in my athletic basket and I don't regret it for one second. And I didn't make the Olympics. I played Division 3 field hockey and it was great and I loved it.

[C]

Well, it's still like, yeah, if you loved it. And that's, that's the thing is like there were moments here and there I was like, oh, I wish I could stay back on my friends. Yeah, I'm not, you know, I'm just going to keep it real. But I still don't regret it because some, those were some of the sacrifices you have to make, you know, to Separate yourself from others. It's small percentage that get to play D1, D3 go to the Olympics. So it's like, you know, you just have to make.

[A]

So nice of you to put D3 in there with you. That was cute. That was so cute.

[D]

What do you mean it?

[A]

What do your friends back at the University of Wisconsin think of all this?

[C]

They think it's crazy. You know, they can't even wrap their minds around it. It's really funny. But, you know, a few of them are actually here supporting me too, which has been really cool.

[A]

This feels like the perfect time to. You're in your senior year at Wisconsin.

[C]

Correct.

[A]

This feels like the perfect time to put a plea out to your professors.

[C]

Agreed.

[A]

Perfect. Leila said that she's been busy doing her homework. And considering she's representing our country.

[C]

Let's cut the shit, please and thank you, period.

[A]

Maybe like, maybe like excused on a couple assignments. Guys, it's second semester.

[C]

That would go a long way.

[A]

We really need you to chill out, okay? I feel like anything that's due between. Now it's Wednesday. It's Tuesday in graduation.

[C]

Perfect.

[A]

But if we had to, maybe Monday. Yeah, that's pretty Monday. Anything due Tuesday, February 17th. Next Monday. I don't know that date either, but we want it.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Perfect. We would say no assignments. We're just hundreds. We'll take Hundreds, please.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Nineties. We'll take 90s. Look, we'll take 10 points off.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

For not ending it.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

This is a great plea. I feel like.

[C]

I think this is strong. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

[A]

Great.

[C]

How can they?

[A]

We love Wisconsin. Go Badgers.

[C]

Yes. Go Badgers.

[A]

But also go usa.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

You're being ridiculous. Come on.

[C]

Outrageous.

[A]

We're so excited to cheer you on what will be today because this. This episode comes out on Thursday. You guys are playing Canada.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

How are you feeling?

[C]

I'm feeling so excited. You know, it's obviously, it's all this talk about how good and dominating we've been, but no, it's for a reason. Because we're good. And in the most humble way. It's just facts.

[A]

I do think there is a degree where you need to have what some people I think truly non athletes would call cocky.

[C]

Right.

[A]

Is confidence.

[D]

Yes.

[C]

You have to have some of that.

[A]

You have to.

[C]

Especially to be like, first of all,

[A]

there's some swag to it. Like, as an athlete, you have to sort of like, have a little bit of like, yeah, yeah, I'm cool. Have you seen me play my sport? But also, I think that like, that confidence. You obviously could not go out there if you were questioning yourself.

[C]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

You would not be able to be as dominant or as good as you are if you were out there. Like, I don't. Am I good tonight?

[C]

Exactly.

[A]

So that's called confidence. Cut it out. How about that? Is it surreal to think that you guys are in the final game?

[C]

Yes. I mean, I've dreamt of going to the Olympics my whole life, but the dream really has been getting to that gold medal game, so it's still hard to believe.

[A]

It is nuts to think how many kids play ice hockey and dream of exactly what you're talking about, making it to the Olympics. But the people who make it is such a small margin. The people who end up getting to play in the game you are about to play in is even tinier. That's insane. You're about to do that.

[C]

It's crazy when you put it that way.

[A]

That's so nuts.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. I'm so. This is making me more excited. Now, after the Olympics and after you finish your college season, we do have the professional Women's Hockey league in the U.S. correct. What does it mean to have that option and the support of the league?

[C]

It's awesome. I mean, it's something to look forward to after college. You know, there's uncertainty of what to do after college because there's a US Team, but you only get together so often, so just to have that league and it's growing at a pretty good rate. I'm really excited. And to have that support, it's good. It's awesome.

[A]

The boom right now for women's sports in general is great. And the coolest part is, is that you are actively a part of that.

[C]

It is cool.

[A]

That's so amazing. Is there anything else you want? Other young women out there who want to be like Layla Edwards, what would you say to them?

[C]

I would say if you love something, even if there aren't many people that look like you or support you, you know you belong. I feel like loving something is enough

[A]

now. I just want to say, as a proud person who married into Cleveland Heights, as if I have any ownership into Cleveland Heights whatsoever, I would like to think I am, because it's very cool there, and I love it. We're very proud of you.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

Yes. I am trying to speak for Cleveland Heights, but I'm gonna get a nod from my husband in the corner, who. There we go. Thank you so much for coming today.

[C]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

This is so cool. That you took the time to do this. I'm so sorry that we interrupted your week.

[C]

Yeah. I'm so annoyed. This is so awesome.

[A]

So excited to cheer you on on Thursday.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

You and the entire team. We will be cheering extra loud. Yes.

[C]

So next to my grandma, please.

[A]

Dear God. That would be so amazing.

[C]

But also, on behalf of Cleveland Heights, like, you're a part of us.

[A]

Thank you so much, by the way. Thank you.

[C]

Not that you needed my validation.

[A]

No, no, I do, because my husband's never said that.

[C]

It's kind of ridiculous, huh?

[A]

He's shrugging in the corner. He was like, she's. Don't give her all that. He's like, she has not earned it at all. Don't give her that. Thank you so much. Thank you. Oh, my gosh. Who is this? Look at this. Hello.

[B]

How are you doing?

[A]

We. We brought my resident Cleveland height Cleveland Heights person into the frame because there's something exciting happening.

[B]

What's happening?

[A]

I don't know yet. Gonna tell us?

[C]

Yes. I wanted to give you some few things before I left.

[A]

This is so exciting.

[C]

Oh, New Jersey.

[A]

I was just hyping up these jerseys literally last night.

[C]

Yeah, you were.

[A]

I was. I'm so excited. Oh, my goodness.

[C]

Thank you so much.

[A]

This is. This is insane.

[C]

Okay, so you're racing on the team now.

[B]

Look at that.

[A]

Look at that. This is very cool.

[C]

I got some pins, too. I couldn't leave without giving you pins. This is amazing.

[B]

The whole thing.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, the whole.

[B]

How many pins have you collected so far?

[A]

Let me see.

[C]

Which? Upwards of 30, 40, maybe 50.

[A]

I'm so excited. Well, we will be cheering you on.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

I am very, very excited. And for the record, I'm gonna. That's that perfect. I don't think you guys need it,

[B]

but what are the keys of victory against Canada? What do we got to do?

[C]

Start fast, finish strong.

[B]

Love that.

[C]

Simple. All right, there we go.

[A]

You guys did start fast last night.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

We were talking about. They. It felt like they were hanging back a little bit. Like, a little bit of zone.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Early on, they just weren't pressing very hard. No. And then you guys.

[C]

Oh, yeah. Said just like, enough of this.

[A]

That's not gonna end well for you.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Also, side note, do you guys fight, like.

[C]

Yes, but we can drop our gloves like the men.

[A]

Okay.

[C]

Because we don't have as good dental insurance that they do. And we have cages, so.

[A]

Sure.

[C]

But it gets feisty, like against our. Against Italy. Like, we were getting into it, like. Yeah. There's a Few little. Like a little bras. But it gets crazy against Canada, and I have a feeling Thursday it'll be, you know, more stakes.

[A]

There were some, like, blatant.

[D]

Oh, yes.

[A]

All I'm saying is, is like, if you need backup, I know who to call. I'm tall.

[B]

I don't think she needs your hookah.

[A]

I know she doesn't. No, that's why I said, but it's

[C]

good to have that. I said, if you need.

[A]

For sure, you just let me know.

[C]

I appreciate that.

[A]

Okay, great.

[C]

I'll let you know.

[A]

Thank you so much for coming. Thank you. This has been incredible. Thank you for the gifts. These are amazing and you're doing it. And thank you for doing it because you are representing so much good that everyone in the world needs to see, but including young girls who need to see an athlete who has poured everything into them, into their work. And also to still be paying homage to where you've come from and Cleveland Heights and your roots is so incredibly beautiful. So thank you for being the most incredible role model to young women.

[C]

Thank you so much and good luck. Thank you.

[A]

She's a two time Team USA Olympian, fresh off of her gold medal win in women's downhill skiing here at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. She's also fresh off of her engagement scene around the world. She's a world champion in alpine skiing and apparently also so knitting. Breezy Johnson, welcome to Not Gonna Lie.

[D]

It's so incredible to be here.

[A]

I am so grateful that you took the time. First of all, congratulations.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

I just mentioned before we started recording, but I didn't even think to myself. Breezy so casually was like, oh, should I put this on? And she pulled out her gold medal. And I didn't even. I didn't even think that you would have it on you, but to see it in person is bananas to me. Also, what I did ask to see when you walked in was your engagement ring. Congratulations. Thank you.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, you're used to Lombardi trophies. They're a little harder to hold in your pocket.

[A]

No, you're not carrying those around. Also, super bowl rings get lost in our house, so. Oh, well, don't worry, it's in a landfill somewhere in Cincinnati. I wish I was kidding. I think maybe it would be fun to see both sets of hardware that you have. So if you want to. If we could just get a close up on your ISO, look at those two pieces of hardware together. Are you kidding? Stop it. Okay. For anyone who hasn't seen the clip of Your engagement. We have it right here. Your fiance, Connor, proposes at the finish line of the Super G event. Let's see.

[E]

It worked so hard and achieved so much, and yet you still find the time to love me, to make me feel special, and most importantly, you help me.

[A]

Does it make you tear up?

[D]

A little bit.

[B]

And now that I know what that

[E]

feels like, there's only one way I want to spend the rest of my life, and that is by your side.

[A]

You know what's great about this?

[C]

Will you marry me?

[A]

That you forever get to remember his words. Because I am on record saying that I blacked out. I have no idea what my husband said. I know he asked me to marry him, but I forget all the things that led up to it.

[D]

Yeah. I mean, even right afterwards, they were like, what did he say? And I was like, I don't know. I was just crying.

[A]

Run the clip. Is it true that you always wanted to get engaged at the Olympics, so.

[D]

Not always, but when I went to my first Games, there was rumors that, like, one of my teammates was gonna get engaged, and it kind of just like, stuck in the back of my head. I didn't. Wasn't dating anybody at the time, wasn't on the horizon, but I was like, that would be cool. And then, like, thinking through it further, like, I mean, obviously the Paris Games, there were so many really cool love stories that came out, and I was like, yeah, I feel like that'd be pretty cool.

[A]

It's great. And then you did it. Was your fiance aware that you liked that idea?

[D]

Yes, I did tell him that I had always kind of had that idea. And then about a year ago, he was like, okay, so, like, are you serious about this? Because he was like, I need a plan. And then there was a lot of people that he had to. To get the say so from. He had to. Had to move around the Italian president to avoid. To get into the finish on the day, and. Yeah, so it was very logistically challenging for him, and. Yeah, but he pulled it off.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

You're beautiful.

[A]

How surprised were you on a scale of 1 to 10?

[D]

Well, I mean, it was like a 2 or a 3 because I knew it was coming. But when he came over, I have, like, the ring box, and it doesn't look like a traditional ring box. I was like, oh, he's got, like, a cute little note or something. Like, this is adorable. And then he opened it up and got on one knee, and I just started crying. So.

[A]

Yeah, that's so perfect. Well, when you posted the pictures Afterwards, the photo you shared, your ring box has the lyrics from Taylor's song the Alchemy. Yes, we all know that. For anyone who somehow doesn't know what happened next, can you please share?

[D]

So at some point between then and our dinner time, somebody at Taylor's team saw it, probably, I assume, told Taylor. She was like, oh, that's adorable. And then she wrote my favorite lyric from the song, which is, where's the trophy? He just comes running over to me. Congratulations. As a comment on my post. And then we were at dinner and the girls were like, like, she commented. Like, Taylor Swift commented. And I was like, on what? And then they were like, on your post. And I was like. And then I went in and I don't know, for some reason. And Instagram didn't automatically put it at

[A]

the top, which seems like summarizing.

[D]

Instagram should just do that automatically, but. So it was like, scrolling, scrolling. And then it was like, oh, my God, that is on my post.

[A]

How dare they bury the lead like that. That's ridiculous to hide that comment. I do love your response as well. You said, I don't know what's better. Olympic Golder this comment. Sourdough engagement gift, please. Would you. Would love to teach you to ski. Is this further down the rundown? Me admitting my skiing story? Perfect. The first time I ever skied, we were in Aspen, and we went to a mountain, and then I found out there was not a single green run on that mountain, and there wasn't even a bunny hill. And we ended up on a blue run with my husband going, just. Just get on your edges. And I was like, what the fuck is an edge? So it went great. I. Maybe I've gotten better, I think. Think. Jason, would you. Would you like to agree with that?

[B]

I mean, we were on a bunny

[C]

hill last time we were there, and I did better.

[A]

I didn't fall down. I didn't fall down. Needless to say. Can I join your ski lesson?

[D]

Of course.

[A]

Okay, great.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Because I'm not the best skier.

[D]

That's okay.

[A]

I'm actually pretty bad at skiing, but I can hit a pizza pretty hard all the way down the hill.

[D]

Yeah, that's where you start.

[A]

Great. Just annihilate my hips. No. I'm gonna take a wild guess. Are people already asking you about the wedding?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

That's crazy. That's crazy behavior.

[D]

Yeah, they asked me within five minutes and I. Yeah, when are you gonna.

[C]

When are you gonna have it?

[D]

I was like, actually. Really? The only date that I knew was like, Maybe sort of. This one.

[A]

Yes.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

We had to get through this. Now we'll make another decision. Do you, like, have any thoughts on wedding planning?

[D]

I mean, a.

[A]

Great.

[D]

We've talked a little bit, I guess so. Yeah, I. I'd like it, I think, in the fall, and we're talking about doing it in Jackson, which is where I'm from, so.

[A]

Yeah, in due time, guys. They all have plans. In due time. You leave them be. Now, I did see that you and Connor met on Bumble.

[D]

That is true.

[A]

And from a Tinder couple, I can deeply appreciate that. So well done.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

Is Bumble also a swipe situation?

[D]

Correct?

[A]

Yes. Yeah, we swiped our way right into that. Yeah, I feel good about it.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The Bumble is. The whole thing with Bumble, Is that you message first, right?

[D]

Yes, the one.

[A]

Great. What was your message? Good one.

[B]

I know, right? I was waiting for your ass.

[A]

I would forget about which one's which.

[D]

Yeah. So he was. He had, like, Noah Khan, like, his. Some of his music tastes, and I'm a big Noah Khan fan, so. And I had just been to, like, a little concert of his that they did for Michaela Schiffrin. So I was like, oh, I was just at a little Noah Khan concert. So then it really intrigued me.

[A]

He's like, can I come?

[D]

He was definitely, definitely like, yeah, I think I should probably try to figure out how to get in here.

[A]

That's perfect.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. You did better than me. I messaged first, but on Tinder.

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And it was. I didn't pick up lines. It was good. It was good enough that we're married with four kids.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

You know, it also wasn't great, but

[D]

also, I mean, it must have been something on Tinder for you to message him first. He was probably.

[A]

Oh, it was just. It was funnier that way. It wouldn't have been as funny if he was like, hey, what's up? I had to hit him with the pickup line first. You gotta go in strong. So. I appreciate that. Bumble does that.

[D]

Which pickup line?

[A]

My first one was, I need life alert. I've fallen for you and I can't get up.

[B]

Very corny. I said, you can do better than that.

[A]

And then I said, if I told you I work for ups, would you let me handle your package?

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Very aggressive. And he said, that's great.

[D]

So, okay, we're fine.

[A]

Now I also gotta ask you about the other piece of hardware, that gold medal. Once again, congratulations. I was just watching your gold medal run, and it is Insane. It's incredible. I don't even. And I told you when you first walked in, I'm winter sports dumb because I didn't grow up in a winter sports family, which is why I failed so hard at skiing. This run was unreal. This is your first ever medal, correct?

[D]

From the Olympics?

[A]

Yes. And it's gold.

[D]

Yeah, I mean, I. So I qualified to the team in 2018. Going into this Games, I was like, this may be kind of my last games at the top of my game. Although ski racers careers are going longer and longer.

[B]

Longer.

[D]

And yeah, it was definitely like a crazy full circle moment. It was. You know, I just kind of kept coming back to, like, trying to execute my plan, trying to execute my run, and by 400ths of a second, which is very, very small amount of time, I pulled it out so good.

[A]

How did you feel in that moment?

[D]

Doing it is like. It's really like. Skiing is a really cool sport because you're doing a lot of mental physics at 80 miles an hour. So it's very physical and very mental. You're trying to figure out the right line. You're trying to figure out how to ski it. You're trying to time everything correctly, but you're also resisting up to four GS of force and trying to avoid the nets, which are very hard and not fun to hit. So, yeah, you know, doing it, it's a very. I call it like the feeling of being alive. I think that people that do sports that they really love, I think that that's a lot of. What kind of brings them back to it is that that feeling of. Of being fully in the moment, of being connected between mind and body. And so that's kind of why I love skiing.

[A]

It's. It's something that I want. I will never get anywhere close to 80 miles per hour on skis, but watching you do it is one of the most impressive things. Now, one of my favorite clips from the entire Olympics so far. You were asked the day you won how you planned to celebrate, and we have a clip of that. How are you planning on celebrating tonight?

[D]

I'm not really sure yet. I haven't even had lunch, so I just like to get some food to start.

[A]

That's such an important take.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

What did you end up having for lunch?

[D]

So I ended up having pumpkin risotto. It was actually funny because we got. I mean, we ran at like 11:30, so it was kind of too early for lunch. So I really hadn't eaten since breakfast. That clip was taken around three and I got back at like 4:30.

[A]

That's too much time.

[D]

Yeah, I, like, texted ahead and I was like, can I have the pumpkin risotto? They have really good pumpkin risotto.

[A]

Risotto.

[D]

And the servers were like, no, it's too late. Like, we don't have the lunch menu anymore. And like, one of my. One of our staff members was, like, running around like she just won a gold medal. She can have the pumpkin risotto. So eventually they got me the pumpkin risotto.

[A]

That's such a good team member.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Good job because that's important. Also, how did you end up celebrating your gold medal?

[D]

So we had a team toast that night and we, you know, all got around and everybody said heartfelt things and we cried some more. And then we still had more racing to do, so it was still a pretty early night in and just hung out with my now fiance and went to bed at like 9:30.

[A]

Right back to it. Yeah. I also mentioned this in your intro, but I have to ask you about the knitting.

[D]

Yeah, so I'm a big knitter. I try to knit a new hat or headband for every race. So, yeah, I have a couple of them here somewhere, but I don't think they're in this room specifically, which is unfortunate. But, yeah, I. I like to knit. And I knit a lot, like before competitions, just to calm down. And then, yeah, it kind of became a superstition because I started having new. Whenever I had new knits in the finish, then I did well. And even if I liked the knits and I wore them again, then I wouldn't do well. So then it knew that I had to. Had to stick with it. But now I have way too many knits now.

[A]

Are you knitting with, like, traditional knitting needles?

[D]

Yes.

[A]

So how do you feel? You're saying you make headbands and hats. How do you feel about the looms that you just crank? That feels like cheating.

[D]

I don't mind it as cheating. I don't. I do a lot of complex knits, so a lot of twisted.

[A]

And that's not the same knitting I do.

[D]

That's not often the loom, so. But no, I mean, I. I think whatever crafts people want to do is great.

[A]

Which hat or headband are you most proud of? Do you have a favorite?

[D]

There is a favorite. There's a white one that I'm really proud of. It's got, like, a cool basket weave and these, like, diagonal. I do a lot of diagonal ones, but the one that Connor was wearing in the finish like, that one is also one of my favorites.

[A]

Okay. Now, the idea of you not wearing them again and needing a new knit, it speaks to the superstitious person in me deeply. That's why I have a chunk of wood here, because I was needing to knock on it earlier.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Yep. You never know. So you would say it's a superstition at this point not to wear the same one?

[D]

Oh, yeah, it's definitely a superstition.

[A]

I love that so much. Do you have any other superstitions?

[D]

I have lucky socks. I.

[A]

This is safe space.

[D]

I have to fist bump my physiology and my ski technician once before I go in the gate. This is so perfect. I'm a big stomper, so I have to stomp before I go. Yeah, there's.

[A]

Do you do one of your lucky socks on before the other one? Like, do you have a specific foot?

[D]

No. I also, like, I did have to draw the line at wearing them dirty, so, sure, if they're dirty, then I have to wear something else, but.

[A]

Okay, but let's not do that.

[D]

Yeah, sure. But, no, I'm pretty superstitious generally.

[A]

I love this so much. I. Same. Wow. How do, like, let's just say, hypothetically, if someone wanted to commission you for a headband, you got, like, an Etsy store. Do I just ask you here?

[D]

You can just ask me. I can definitely send you one. Your people can talk to my people, which is. Which is just me. But, yeah, I mean, it's also, like, at this point, I need so many of them for the finish, so I'm, like, curious if it's okay if I wear one in the finish and then give it to you.

[A]

Yes. Aggressively. Yes. For all of your fans and all the new fans you've gained throughout the Winter Olympics, what's next for you?

[D]

So we have more World cup races. Ski racing is a little bit like Formula one. We have races every weekend, and then, you know, every four years, we go to. One of them is the Olympics. And so now we go back, and at the end of the year, we'll have the Chris. We have crystal globes, which are like, you know, the overall champion. So those are a really big deal. So off to go. Try to win one of those. And then. And then probably a beach vacay.

[A]

That's the spirit. Okay, now the last question for you, Breezy, and I love to talk to female athletes about this. How can we get more girls into skiing?

[D]

So, for one, I mean, obviously, Olympic success has always, like, inspired young athletes. I work with a couple of great organizations, ShareWinter and Coombs Outdoors, which works in Jackson to get underprivileged kids skiing. It's. I understand that there's huge barrier to entry with skiing, and I think we're working to try to bring some of those costs down and get more people into it. I think, you know, I love skiing. I love to see people in sports. And so also, if people are like, I live in Alabama, and I just love skiing, it's like, well, maybe try some water skiing or something. Like, I'm not. You know, I'm not gonna. If people get moving and they get doing something that they love, I think that there's a sport for everyone.

[A]

The other thing I want to ask is, how can they follow in your footsteps to be a gold medalist? Like, what would you say is your biggest advice to end up doing what you've done?

[D]

So one piece of advice that I think was really big for me is, from an early age, skiing equipment's really important. That's probably one of the reasons that you were struggling with your skiing the first time. Is that a lot.

[A]

Thank you for blaming this.

[D]

A lot of equipment out there is really not very good, especially rental equipment. Perfect.

[A]

That's what it was.

[D]

So I always worked from a young age to make sure that my equipment was consistent and as good as I could get it, which it's not. Not that good now that I know what I'm looking at, but still much better than a lot of people. And to have it consistent every day, like, allowed me to have something stable under my feet that I could progress with. And then also, I mean, I think you, as any athlete, you have to be able to find joy in the process, find joy in the work, because, you know, it's taken me 30 years, and I just got my first one of these, and it's really cool. But you can't survive 30 years before it unless you enjoy the work that goes into it. And so find joy in the process. Find meaning in the process, and that'll help get you there.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for coming to do this, taking time out of your very busy schedule. I always like to tell female athletes, we have four daughters, and so seeing athletes who are doing this is such an incredible thing for our girls to get to see and get to aspire to or even just cheer you guys on. So thank you so much, and congratulations on everything.

[D]

Thank you.

[A]

Yeah. All right. And that's a wrap on the first of our two Olympic episodes of Not Gonna Lie. You'll be able to Find even more clips. My longer conversation with Layla and breezy on my YouTube channel on more Shit Monday again, Reminder, I'll be back this Sunday, as in three days from now with another Olympic extravaganza. We have some amazing guests lined up. You're not going to want to miss this. Follow us on social media at NGL with Kylie for clips throughout the week. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcast. Not gonna lie is a Wave original. Thanks to our partners at YouTube and NBC. And of course, thanks to the real ones for tuning in. I did these four kids.

[D]

I didn't know how to spell Benny, so thank you.

[A]

That's so perfect. Oh, thank you so much. Oh, my gosh, you spelled Elliot right. That's impressive.

[D]

I did my best.

[A]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

I had a question for Connor, actually. What hap. Was there a backup plan in case. Oh, yeah, yeah. You had one just in case. We're confident going into it, I'm sure.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[E]

So there are several backup plans. One, we didn't know if she was going to qualify for the Super G at first, so I had multiple plans depending on which race was going to be her last. And then, I mean, even at the Super G, not sure how. Where you guys are, but she crashed. So that was a pretty, pretty hectic moment where I didn't know if she was even coming down to the finish line.

[C]

Right.

[E]

So luckily the best part of that day was she got up pretty much unscathed. So the backup plan, though, was if she was not feeling it in the moment, I did have a little engagement party put together back at the hotel. So we would have pivoted to that. And then worst case scenario, if I needed to do it in the hospital,

[A]

I would have done it there.

[E]

So that was.

[A]

I'm so glad you wouldn't have to

[D]

knock on that one there. That's right.

[A]

Oh, my gosh, I'm so glad you're in. I literally, I just love that we're like disembodied voices. This is a women's supporting women podcast. We just have the men in the corner answer from a random microphone. I'm so sorry.