TDS Time Machine | Conversations with Olympians

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Episode: TDS Time Machine | Conversations with Olympians

Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Comedy Central / Trevor Noah
Guests: Lindsey Vonn, Gabby Thomas, Allyson Felix, Misty May-Treanor, Megan Rapinoe

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Episode Overview

This special “TDS Time Machine” episode features interviews with some of the most decorated recent Olympians, delving into their journeys, personal challenges, and ventures beyond sport. Trevor Noah and the News Team explore the stories behind the medals—with humor and heartfelt dialogue—providing listeners with inspiration and insight into the lives and legacies of these world-class athletes.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Lindsey Vonn: Life on and off the Slopes

[02:50–09:39]

• Early Ambition & Family Support:

  • Trevor Noah is amazed by Vonn’s meticulous Olympic ten-year plan, starting at age nine after meeting skier Picabo Street.
  • Quote (03:39): “We printed out calendars, we had highlighters. It was like a whole thing.” — Lindsey Vonn
  • Vonn credits her racer dad for helping break down the milestones needed to reach the US Ski Team. The family relocated from Minnesota to Colorado to further her training.

• Coping with Fear & Mental Health:

  • Despite skiing at 85 mph with apparent fearlessness, Vonn admits:
    • Quote (05:48): “Skiing was, like, the most simple thing in my life…the easiest thing. Everything else was hard, and skiing was, like, my sanctuary.” — Lindsey Vonn
  • She candidly discusses openly sharing her depression, bucking the stigma that could harm athletes’ careers.

• Crashes & Resilience:

  • Vonn jokes about enduring countless crashes:
    • Quote (05:58): “We don’t have enough, you know, hours in the show…” — Lindsey Vonn
  • She explains the risk is integral to skiing's excitement.

• Mentorship & Retirement:

  • Vonn mentors younger athletes and will be commentating at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
  • On retirement:
    • The initial transition was hard, as everything she loved “was no longer possible.”
    • Now throws herself into business, especially venture capital, for new challenges.

• Pre-race Rituals:

  • Trevor Noah teases Vonn about her pre-race spitting habit (09:09):
    • Quote: “I don’t know. I think that’s just something that I naturally did. But I guess it, like, boosts testosterone.” — Lindsey Vonn

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2. Gabby Thomas: Sprinting to Gold and Giving Back

[11:01–18:55]

• Paris 2024 Triumph:

  • Three gold medals: 200m sprint, 4x100m relay, 4x400m relay.
  • Thomas describes crossing the finish line:
    • Quote (12:37): “When I got into the starting blocks, I had already won the race. I had believed that I was an Olympic champion.” — Gabby Thomas

• Impact of Family:

  • Raised by a single mom who went from waitress to endowed professorship at the University of Michigan.
  • Quote (13:55): “She told me…I had a light in me and that I was going to shine very brightly, and that it was my purpose to do so and give it back to the world.” — Gabby Thomas

• Science Meets Sport:

  • Harvard grad (neurobiology) with a master's in public health.
  • Applies her neurobiology background to recovery, training, and understanding the importance of sleep and neuroplasticity.

• Health Advocacy:

  • Volunteers at a free clinic in Texas for uninsured individuals, focusing on racial health disparities.
  • Quote (16:54): “There are just so many things that we can do better... It’s a simple concept, right? We could increase funding for it and people can have access to healthcare so easily.” — Gabby Thomas

• Life After Olympics:

  • Looking forward to returning to “normal life” in Austin, celebrating quietly, and then perhaps a vacation.

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3. Allyson Felix: Legacy, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurial Drive

[20:59–25:34]

• Record-Breaking Career:

  • Seven Olympic golds, 11 total Olympic medals, 20 World Championship medals over five Olympics (2004–2020).
  • Quote (22:28): “In high school, they called me chicken legs. I was just concerned with making friends... But I had no idea or even really aspirations to take it this far.” — Allyson Felix

• Representation & Empowering Women:

  • Reflects on Black women’s experience in track (hairstyles, visibility).
  • Strongly addresses motherhood:
    • Quote (23:42): “It’s so hard... The thing about it is just not being supported… Everyone wants the glory moment... but they don’t want to support you through that.” — Allyson Felix

• Nike Split & Founding Seiche:

  • Left Nike over maternal protections, founded her own women’s footwear company tailored specifically for women's biomechanics.
  • Quote (24:34): “Shoes haven’t been made for women... Our shoes are built off the mold and off the function of the woman’s body.” — Allyson Felix

• Gratitude and Sisterhood:

  • Receives heartfelt acknowledgment from the host for her advocacy and achievements.
  • Quote (25:06): “Women looking out for women.” — Host

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4. Misty May-Treanor: The Joy of Competition and Paying It Forward

[25:46–32:10]

• Beach Volleyball Icon:

  • Three-time Olympic gold medalist, known for her successful partnership with Kerri Walsh Jennings.

• Women’s Impact in Olympics:

  • Credits Title IX and previous generations for opportunity and growth in women’s sports participation and success.
  • Quote (28:10): “I wouldn’t be doing what I, you know, I am unless the women before me kind of gave us that foundation.” — Misty May-Treanor

• Olympic Life & Village Stories:

  • Shares humorous anecdotes about Olympic Village life, the wild post-event parties, and media focusing on athlete bodies rather than achievements.
  • Discusses the infamous village “condom shortage” with comedic flair.

• Retirement and New Passions:

  • Transitioned focus to family and a campaign on allergy awareness (Ditch the Drip).
  • Passion for mentoring the next generation and working with kids.

• Memorable Moment (31:56):

  • “It’s about getting that next generation, which is why the female athletes did so well. It’s about getting that next generation, paying it forward a little bit, doing the right thing.” — Misty May-Treanor

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5. Megan Rapinoe: Activism, Equal Pay, and Persevering in Divided Times

[33:38–39:02]

• Soccer & Activism:

  • Two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, known for outspoken advocacy—especially on pay equity.
  • Quote (35:35): “If the NBA is getting a billion dollars of investment, the WNBA is getting…even $100 million… One business is going to be more successful… So by the time we get to the game, we’ve been under-invested in…” — Megan Rapinoe

• Inspiring Others to Fight:

  • Shares how her own family members were inspired to fight for equal pay after her public efforts.
  • Quote (36:47): “To know that we’ve inspired or at least made people think down to every single level is the biggest win I think we could have.” — Megan Rapinoe

• Family Divides over Politics:

  • Discusses how her father’s Trump support created family rifts, and the importance of open dialogue.
  • Quote (38:11): “We can’t just not talk to each other. It’s obviously a tough time for everyone right now… but there’s much more to it that I think we need to dig into and have more conversation with. Just as family, as friends, as a nation...” — Megan Rapinoe

• Book Release & Looking Forward:

  • Trevor Noah jokes her memoir “One Life” should be called “Many Lives.”
  • Noah encourages listeners to read her memoir for a full picture of Rapinoe’s experience.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lindsey Vonn:
  • “Skiing was, like, the most simple thing in my life, the easiest thing. Everything else was hard, and skiing was, like, my sanctuary.” [05:48]
• Gabby Thomas:
  • “She told me… I had a light in me and that I was going to shine very brightly, and that it was my purpose to do so and give it back to the world.” [13:55]
• Allyson Felix:
  • “Shoes haven’t been made for women… Our shoes are built off the mold and off the function of the woman’s body.” [24:34]
• Misty May-Treanor:
  • “It’s about getting that next generation, which is why the female athletes did so well. It’s about getting that next generation, paying it forward a little bit, doing the right thing.” [31:56]
• Megan Rapinoe:
  • “To know that we’ve inspired or at least made people think down to every single level is the biggest win I think we could have.” [36:47]

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Lindsey Vonn Interview: [02:50–09:39]
• Gabby Thomas Interview: [11:01–18:55]
• Allyson Felix Interview: [20:59–25:34]
• Misty May-Treanor Interview: [25:46–32:10]
• Megan Rapinoe Interview: [33:38–39:02]

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Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is humorous, celebratory, inquisitive, and supportive—Trevor Noah and the guests blend candid storytelling with laughter and mutual respect. The Olympians speak authentically about struggles, transitions, empowerment, and giving back—offering inspiration in and out of sports.

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a dynamic homage to the power, vulnerability, and legacy of elite athletes, especially women who’ve changed their sports and the world around them. It’s full of unforgettable anecdotes, honest reflections, and the kind of wisdom that speaks to all listeners—whether or not you’ve ever watched the Olympics.

Transcript

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[Comedy Central Announcer]

You're listening to Comedy Central.

[Trevor Noah]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated female skier of all time, Lindsey Vonn. She's here to talk about her new memoir about her record breaking skiing career and her new journey as an entrepreneur. Lindsey Vaughn, welcome to the Daily Show.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Hey, thanks for having me.

[Trevor Noah]

Um, I, I've, I've known you for a few years, so I knew some of the stories in this book. But, like, I didn't know how much of a. Let me choose my words carefully. Crazy person you were.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Um, I was expecting something like this.

[Trevor Noah]

No, no, no. You know why? I'll tell you why. I'll tell you why. Because, like, I struggle to plan what I'm gonna do next week in life. You had a 10 year plan to make it to the Olympics, and this is a. A plan as a nine year old, I have to add on top of that. So at nine years old, you're like, I want to go to the Olympics in 10 years. Yeah.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I mean, my dad definitely helped me with the planning. Um, but we had. Yeah. I met Peekaboo street, my idol, when I was nine. Came home and I was like, this is it. This is what I want to do. And I was like, okay, let's make a plan. We printed out calendars, we had highlighters. It was like a whole thing.

[Trevor Noah]

What are you planning in that 10 years? No, I mean, I know you're the greatest, but what takes 10 years? I need to understand what takes.

[Lindsey Vonn]

So when you're nine, you have to, like, build up a point profile, you know, certain requirements that you have to make in order to kind of make the progression to even get to the US Ski Team and then to the Olympics, so. And my dad was a racer when he was growing up.

[Trevor Noah]

Right, right.

[Lindsey Vonn]

He's a junior racer, so he knew kind of all the levels that I needed to get. And, you know, obviously I had to start expanding my repertoire. Cause I was from Minnesota, so 300 vertical feet is not a place where you learn downhill skiing. So we had to move to Colorado when I was 12. So it was like, you know, the 10 year plan was extensive.

[Trevor Noah]

I understand. I mean, yeah, Minnesota might not have been great for your repertoire, but it was great for preparing you for the doldrums of the cold. Do you even feel cold anymore? Like, everyone is dying here in New York. Everyone's freezing. And then today when you came in, I was like, oh, she's just gonna come in like a tank top and be like, ah, summer day, everybody. How you doing?

[Lindsey Vonn]

I hate the cold.

[Trevor Noah]

You like the bane of the cold? Ah, brah, bah, bah. Like, that's you.

[Lindsey Vonn]

The bane of the cold.

[Trevor Noah]

You are the bane of the cold.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I mean, why don't you think I ski fast to get out of the cold?

[Trevor Noah]

Exactly.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Literally. I make it to the bottom as fast as I can. I put my clothes back on.

[Trevor Noah]

Okay. This makes a lot of sense. Makes a lot of sense now. Yeah, Yeah. I also didn't know. And this was really cool to read. In the book, you're an interesting human being in that you. You talk about how, like, how hard life was for you in some instances. Athletes used to be told, hey, don't. Don't tell people you're depressed. You're gonna lose everything. Endorsements don't. People don't want you on a team. You came out and said, hey, I'm struggling with depression, and this is what I'm doing about it. But what was interesting to me is the fact that you. You don't. You don't seem to have fear when it comes to the slopes, though. Like, life is this scary thing, and then you're going to. Down a hill at I don't know how many miles an hour.

[Lindsey Vonn]

85.

[Trevor Noah]

85 miles an hour. 85 miles, not kilometers.

[Misty May-Treanor]

I'm right.

[Trevor Noah]

Correct.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Miles per hour.

[Trevor Noah]

And there's no fear?

[Misty May-Treanor]

No.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I mean, skiing was, like, the most simple thing in my life, the easiest thing. Everything else was hard, and skiing was, like, my sanctuary.

[Trevor Noah]

How many times have you crashed?

[Lindsey Vonn]

I mean, we don't have enough, you know, hours in the show to.

[Trevor Noah]

After the first crash. No fear. No.

[Gabby Thomas]

It's just.

[Lindsey Vonn]

That's part of the job, you know, like, that's the risk factor in skiing, and that's honestly one of the things that makes it exciting.

[Trevor Noah]

Right?

[Lindsey Vonn]

It wouldn't. Wouldn't be exciting if every time you fell, you fell onto a pile of pillows.

[Trevor Noah]

Well, that's what I thought it was. I wanted to go skiing. I don't know how to ski, and I always wanted to learn how to ski.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Okay, it's done.

[Trevor Noah]

We're doing it. And then.

[Misty May-Treanor]

No.

[Trevor Noah]

And then I saw all of your injuries, then I was like, I thought the whole point of skiing is that you fall into, like, clouds and then you don't get hurt, and then you.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Snow is not as soft as it may appear.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, you see, that's ridiculous.

[Lindsey Vonn]

No, it's not. This is hard.

[Trevor Noah]

Y. Um, Lindsey Von has gone on to inspire so many people. You know, you're mentoring, you know, some of the skiers, some of the athletes who are going to. To the. To the Winter Olympics. You're gonna be commentating on that. When you. When you're watching the Olympics, do you have favorites? Do you have sports that you love? Is it always gonna be skiing, or are there some winter, like, sports where you're like, nah, this is, like, my secret passion. Like, curling is my shit. That's how I roll.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I mean, I'm from Minnesota, so curling should be my shit.

[Trevor Noah]

Okay.

[Lindsey Vonn]

But it's not.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Sorry.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I love figure skating. I just think it's really cool. Like, figure skating and gymnastics are my jam. But, you know, I always love alpine skiing. And of course, I'm gonna be cheering for people that I've helped over the last couple years and throughout my career. And obviously, Team usa, Right? But it's also gonna be, you know, hard. A little bit to watch. Cause I'm gonna be miss. I will miss competing a little bit.

[Trevor Noah]

One of the hardest things athletes face is the fact that their careers are essentially over when life sort of begins.

[Megan Rapinoe]

Yeah.

[Trevor Noah]

You know, athletes talk about this all the time. You know, whether it's, you know, Chris Bosh, you know, whether it's Dwayne Wade, whether it's yourself. Everyone goes, yeah, I'm. I'm 36 years old, 37 years old, and now life is over. How. How have you dealt with that?

[Lindsey Vonn]

It was a tough transition. I think the first year was. Was really hard. And even though I had set up business and I had so much to do, it didn't take away from the fact that, you know, skiing was gone.

[Trevor Noah]

Right.

[Lindsey Vonn]

You know, it's something you've done your entire life, and it's not like a career change where, you know, you could change your mind and go back to it. It's like one day you wake up and literally what you love to do is no longer possible.

[Trevor Noah]

Wow.

[Lindsey Vonn]

So it was just. I don't know, it was a hard moment for me, but I figured it out, and I found new passions and new ways to challenge myself. I think that's the most important thing. You know, athletes are very driven and goal oriented, and. And we just need something to push ourselves towards. And for me, that's become business. And, you know, I've been venture capital a bit now, so there's just a lot of things that are going on which, you know, excites me. It's not going 85 miles an hour down a mountain.

[Trevor Noah]

Right.

[Lindsey Vonn]

But, you know, I will make do with what I have.

[Trevor Noah]

Are there any things that you. That you miss, that you. That you try and apply to your life now? Like, I didn't know, for instance, that before you went downhill, you would spit. I didn't know if I was reading that correctly. You were spitting? Yes.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Of all the things that pick out in my book, you know, we can talk about spitting, but I just.

[Trevor Noah]

This is the thing to not like, I didn't understand this.

[Lindsey Vonn]

Well, I don't know. I think that's just something that I naturally did. But I guess it like boosts testosterone. I think some athletes do it, so it's not very lenient.

[Trevor Noah]

So you spit before, like you do the thing?

[Lindsey Vonn]

Yeah, it's just like a. I don't know. It's a thing.

[Trevor Noah]

Wow.

[Gabby Thomas]

I don't know.

[Trevor Noah]

Do you do that now before big meetings? No. It could bring back the throne.

[Lindsey Vonn]

No, I don't think the boardroom is meant for.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, you do it outside the boardroom, obviously. I mean, this is a civilized environment. Just outside the boardroom before the boardroom.

[Lindsey Vonn]

In the bathroom, before I go to my meeting.

[Trevor Noah]

I just get into it. Don't knock it before you try.

[Lindsey Vonn]

I'll just do some Lil Wayne instead, I think.

[Trevor Noah]

Lindsey Vaughn, congratulations on writing an amazing book. It's really fun. It's a really inspiring story. I think people will really enjoy it. And good luck for the Olympics.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Thank you.

[Trevor Noah]

Good luck for the world of venture capital and business and hopefully we'll see you again on the show. Thank you. Alright, people. Lindsay's memoir Rise is available wherever books are sold.

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[Trevor Noah]

Welcome back to the Daily Show.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

My guest and I just returned from the Paris Olympics after winning three gold medals for Team USA. Here she is winning her first gold in the 200 meter sprint and Gabby.

[Trevor Noah]

Thomas is running away from the field. It's goal for usa. Congratulations.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

You must be over the moon. Good Lord. Three gold medals. One gold in the 200 meter sprint. Another gold in the 4 by 100 relay. Another gold in the 4 by 400 relay. I feel like I just ran a marathon. Just getting through all of your accolades.

[Lindsey Vonn]

This is amazing.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

Congratulations.

[Gabby Thomas]

How do you feel?

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you.

[Gabby Thomas]

Honestly, very relieved to be back in America. I was overseas for about a month and just so grateful. I really am. This is years in the making. I've been training for this moment for five years, and so to have it all turn out this way is truly incredible for me.

[Trevor Noah]

Too.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

Teamgrass, we just saw you win the 200 meter race. You were so far ahead. Everyone else, like, what was the moment that you realized, oh, my God, I'm gonna win the gold?

[Gabby Thomas]

So truthfully, I had been envisioning myself winning that race over and over again the entire time that I was in Paris. And so in my head, when I got into the starting blocks, I had already won the race. I had believed that I was an Olympic champion. But the true moment that I realized I had won was coming off the curve. Anyone who watches my track career knows that I finish my races really strongly, and the last hundred meters is my bread and butter. And so if I can come off the first hundred meters ahead, I kind of. I know I've won the race.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

You essentially manifested this for yourself. Is there anything you can do about the upcoming election? Asking for a friend. One of my favorite moments in all of this was getting to see your mom's reaction, the moment that you won. Can you talk about how instrumental she's been throughout your journey?

[Gabby Thomas]

Oh, my goodness. I can go on and on about my mom and her support. So I grew up with them.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, yeah.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

Give it up for mom.

[Trevor Noah]

Give it up for Mom.

[Gabby Thomas]

I mean, my mom has believed in me since I. Since I've been born. I grew up with a single mom. I grew up with her and my twin brother. And she has done everything for us from, you know, she started as a waitress and then worked her way and now is a professor of an endowed chairman professorship at the University of Michigan. And so I watched her. I watched her my entire life work really hard for something and to make her dream happen. And she's always instilled in me the importance of not only education, but going after your dreams and giving back to your community. And so she was the best role model that I could have ever imagined having. And she told me, I will never forget when I was 9, maybe 10 years old, that I had a light in me and that I was going to shine very brightly and that it was my purpose to do so and give it back to the world. And I will never Forget that conversation. But just constantly having that type of validation, having that type of a role model to look up to, it got me to where I am.

[Trevor Noah]

Well, she got mama.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

Well, as though it's not enough to be a three time gold medalist. You also graduated from Harvard with a bachelor's in neurobiology. You have a. Yeah, yeah. You have a master's in public health. Do you use your neurobiology education to help inform the way that you train?

[Gabby Thomas]

I think so. So I think I actually had a bit of an advantage studying neurobiology when I was an undergrad because I grew to have a very deep understanding of how the brain could actually help you athletically. And what was important. For example, recovery is huge in our sport. It is almost as important as the actual racing and the actual practicing and understanding neuroplasticity and the neural pathways and how they. When you're doing certain things for your recovery was really important. Understanding how sleep was very important. If you're not getting enough sleep every day, how that can detrimentally affect your training, how can it affect how you compete? And just really having that understanding for it, understanding how going through training and the repetition, the muscle memory, all of that is integral to being successful in track and field. So actually understanding that and appreciating it, I think really helped me. It's different from your coach just telling you, go get eight hours of sleep, you really need it. But I really appreciated it you, as.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

Though it's not enough all that you do, you're endlessly impressive. You dedicate a lot of your time towards volunteer work with a health clinic in Texas providing medical care for people who don't have health insurance. Why is this kind of work so important to you?

[Gabby Thomas]

Mainly because I believe everybody deserves equal access to health care.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you.

[Gabby Thomas]

Simply put, but when I was in school studying neurobiology, I started taking a few sociology courses as well to complement it. And I realized that there are a lot of things we don't learn about the healthcare system in our regular curriculum. And I was being exposed to it and I drew a passion for studying and gaining a foundation in racial disparities in healthcare. And it just really struck me to my core, especially being a black woman in America. And now that I'm actually seeing it in real time in Austin at the volunteer healthcare clinic, there are just so many things that we can do better. I mean, these are people who really don't have access to healthcare. Otherwise I don't know where they would turn to. And we are people. It's a volunteer based clinic. So these are people who are dedicating time out of their day to give just primary care, preventive care, education. And it's unfathomable to me that these people would have nowhere else to turn to if this clinic didn't exist. And it's just so simple. It's a simple concept, right? We could increase funding for it and people can have access to healthcare so easily. And that's what we do at the clinic. And it's really just near and dear to my heart because everybody deserves that.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

That's so inspiring to do.

[Trevor Noah]

Truly remarkable.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

I refuse to ask the question, what will you do next? Because for the love of God, you just won three gold medals. You should celebrate it and enjoy it. So what I'm curious about is how are you celebrating this incredible moment?

[Gabby Thomas]

Well, I'm just really excited to go back home to Austin, Texas to be honest, and spend time with my puppy, Rico, get back into my morning routine of going to my local coffee shop, go see my friends and family and get to celebrate with them just in our home setting and then maybe plan a vacation after that. But I just can't wait to get back to my normal life.

[Gabby Thomas Interviewer]

I'd say you earned a pretty nice vacation.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you. Thank you so much for playing here.

[Audible Announcer]

Danny Thomas.

[Trevor Noah]

Every time.

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[Trevor Noah]

Dripping in gold. That's cool. Dripping in velveeta's supremely creamy golden cheesiness.

[Misty May-Treanor]

That's respect. Elevate your drip with Velveeta's range of.

[Trevor Noah]

Outrageously delicious dips and dishes. Shells, cheese melty blocks and heat and eat queso that Go all in on indulgence. Flex on your fam with a creamy cheesy masterpiece. And go all in on what you love with Velveeta.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Respect the drip and satisfy your cravings.

[Trevor Noah]

Bring home the drip with Velveeta.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is the most decor track and field athlete of all time. She's also the co founder and president of Seiche. Please welcome seven time Olympic gold medalist, Allyson Felix.

[Trevor Noah]

Yes, y'. All, give it up. Dance. Oh, my.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Now, first of all, you already know I'm obsessed. Obsessed with the Olympics. You know everything Olympics. Now you. I know you done seen all of the clips.

[Allyson Felix]

Your commentary is everything. It's everything. Top tier.

[Trevor Noah]

I love y'. All. I love.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

I love giving Olympic athletes they love. I mean, because you guys deserve it. Like, let me read this off.

[Audible Announcer]

Let me read this off.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

She has been in five Olympic Games from 2004 to 2020. She has 11 Olympic medals. Seven gold, three silver, one Bronx. She has 20. She has 20 World Championship medals.

[Audible Announcer]

Go ahead, girl.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you. Yes. That's what I'm talking about.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

I got this question. When you were in high school and running track, did you ever think you was gonna do all of that?

[Trevor Noah]

Not at all.

[Allyson Felix]

No. In high school, they called me chicken legs. I was just concerned with making friends. And, you know, I was like, may maybe I could get a scholarship to college. And that was my big thing. But I had no idea or even really aspirations to take it this far.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Now, I know this is crazy because, you know, I'm gonna ask this because I'm a black girl like you. When you're running, how do you choose how to do your hair? Because, see, people don't know that black women, you know, we got to put our hair in a certain way, you know, explain all of, like, the hairstyles.

[Allyson Felix]

I'm a braids type of girl, and so I just don't want to be bothered. And so, yeah, usually some type of braids or cornrows or something that makes it really easy so I can focus on what I have to get done.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Exactly, exactly. Now, this is my big question, and this is always gonna be the big question. And men, y' all don't even understand how insulting you are that you don't even understand the stuff that female athletes go through. We gotta have babies. Y' all wanna have babies. Y' all get your wife to do it, and you ain't gotta go through that. So tell. Tell this. Tell this, America how it feels to have to not only be this Olympic icon, but then turn around, have a baby, and then have people tell you that you can't do it after you done had your baby. Tell us about that.

[Allyson Felix]

I mean, it's so hard, and women have been doing it forever. And the thing about it is just not being supported. You know, everyone wants the glory moment when everything is great and when you've come back and you've gone through the struggles, but they don't want to support you through that. And that's what I experienced and really wanted to fight on the behalf of other mothers, to say we have to do this differently. You know, we need a support every athlete, holistically. And that means motherhood as well.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Absolutely, Absolutely.

[Trevor Noah]

Absolutely.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Now, now, was that. Was that criticism and all of that stuff coming towards you? The, like, the meaning of you doing your shoe, your own shoe?

[Allyson Felix]

Absolutely. I, you know, I parted ways with Nike over that fight for maternal protections. I was looking for another footwear sponsor, and I couldn't find it. And so in talking with my brother, we just decided to do it ourselves.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

That's right.

[Allyson Felix]

Ye. We were making. Yeah, we thought we were making shoes that I could wear in the Olympics. But then we learned as we went down that path that shoes haven't been made for women. And what that means is a shoe is made off of a last, which is just a mold of a foot, and it's been the mold of a man's foot to make women's sneakers. So we do things differently. Our shoes are built off the mold and off the function of the woman's body, and they're just specifically made for her.

[Audible Announcer]

That's right.

[Trevor Noah]

That's right.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Women looking out for women. Now, I want to say, as another black woman, if no one's ever told you, and I'm pretty sure you've heard this before, I have never been so tremendously proud of your accomplishments. Thank you so much for being the person you are and being strong and fighting and just showing people that you got to fight for yourself. I love you, and I think you're. I think you're a bag of chips and all that. You know what I'm saying?

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you.

[Allyson Felix]

Thank you for seeing me.

[Trevor Noah]

No, for real, for real. Thank you, Alison. Thank you, Allison Phillips, for coming out. Welcome back.

[Audible Announcer]

My guest tonight. She is a Three time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball. Most recently taking home gold in London with her partner, Kerry Walsh Jennings, please welcome. Welcome to the program. Misty May Trainor. Welcome.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you.

[Misty May-Treanor]

I like that. It doesn't get old. Believe me. I wish I could bottle that. Sound like. All right, I'm going to open my can of usa get you excited.

[Audible Announcer]

First thing I have to ask you, how could you do that to Robert Pattinson?

[Trevor Noah]

Play along.

[Audible Announcer]

Young people are watching.

[Misty May-Treanor]

I thought it was a hunger game.

[Audible Announcer]

There you go. Katniss Everdeen. By the way, did we have archers there? Did we have Katniss Everdeens on the bus at the Olympics?

[Misty May-Treanor]

No, but this is what's funny. So I watched archery and there's. I live in Long Beach, California. And there's. I always go by this park with archers.

[Gabby Thomas]

I'm like.

[Misty May-Treanor]

So now I'm like, what am I gonna do? I think I should take up another sport. So I was like, I should go archery, but dress in character. Like Robin Hood, something every time I go take a lesson. Like, what are you today? I'm Katniss.

[Audible Announcer]

Right. This is the difference, I think, in the California lifestyle and New York, the idea that you're allowed to have a bow and arrow in a park.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Right?

[Audible Announcer]

We would like the ide. Like, we're not even allowed to have Nerf footballs in New York. No Bloomberg House.

[Misty May-Treanor]

I mean, you get ticketed on the beach now for shooting arrows, throwing footballs. In California, if kids dig a hole, you're gonna get a ticket.

[Audible Announcer]

I had no idea about that.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Yeah.

[Audible Announcer]

It's the nanny state. It's gotten to be unacceptable. Let me ask you this. The women of the Olympics, if you just took the medals that the women of the United States won, it would be the third largest country haul for the entire thing. The women drove us to victory. They drove us. Have you seen over this was your fourth Olympics. Have you seen the women grow in confidence and ability? What do you attribute that success to?

[Misty May-Treanor]

Oh, my gosh. I think. I mean, obviously there's Title IX that happened, that I wouldn't be doing what I, you know, I am unless the women before me kind of gave us that foundation. But if you. Look, no matter what, soccer, volleyball, tennis, so many young kids are playing. It's just the amount of young kids that are out there playing has grown tremendously. And I think that says a lot. But also, I mean, you see the hard work that each individual athlete on the female side and male side is putting into it.

[Audible Announcer]

No, no, no. I think the female side I thought from what I saw of the male side, it was a lot of, like, what time is. There's a lot of. Did you see any of those? There was always pictures of, like, here's the Belgian cyclist. He just urinated on himself. It meant that, like, they're, like, carrying him into a cab. Do people go nuts?

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Like, do they.

[Audible Announcer]

I mean, this is your. For the limit. So it's a little bit moral hat, but did you notice psychotic displays of like, my event's over. I'm gonna ruin everything?

[Misty May-Treanor]

Well, it's funny you should say that, because our venue's usually pretty far from the Olympic Village. So we always stay up until opening ceremonies. And everybody's pretty calm. Everybody's training, everybody's doing their thing. And then the fun or the craziness starts after, and we're usually at a different venue. But, you know, it was funny because I'm reading through a magazine, and it wasn't about the athletes. You know, it was the body issue, had the athletes there. And you think that would be the highlight. No, it was about the naked pictures. No, exactly. You think that would be the highlight, Right?

[Audible Announcer]

It was the highlight.

[Misty May-Treanor]

No, it wasn't. No, it wasn't. It was talking about the international love of the Olympic Village.

[Audible Announcer]

Can I tell you something? I didn't notice that there were words on that page. And I. I'm gonna go back now and I'm gonna look at those. Cause that sounds fascinating.

[Misty May-Treanor]

And I was like. I was like, come on, really? And they, you know, they're talking about condoms, how there's a shortage and then they gotta get more and stuff. And I'm like, there's a condom shortage? I guess so.

[Audible Announcer]

Is that global warming, do you think?

[Comedy Central Announcer]

Is that the.

[Audible Announcer]

Is it for you now you have decided enough. Was it a. Was it a. Was that foremost in your mind when you're standing on the metal stand and you've got that gold finally? Is it a feeling of relief? Is it a feeling of regret in any way? Are you tempted to go back? I'm sure it's very complex. You have 30 seconds.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Okay, well, I think I'm ready. No. My husband and I want a family. That's our priority. We put that on hold.

[Audible Announcer]

What do you want? I can get you that.

[Misty May-Treanor]

We put that on. No, but we put that on hold. So I don't mind the condom shortage. Right.

[Audible Announcer]

The one athlete in the village.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Yeah, I'm okay, But no, family's important. And, you know, female athlete, you gotta step aside. So I made the choice, and I said, you know what? It's time for me to do other things. I wanna be a wife. I wanna be a mom. I'm working on several different campaigns which.

[Audible Announcer]

What are your campaign.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Are you running for something I could probably win.

[Audible Announcer]

I think you could. I really think you could usa, that's for sure. What is your. What do you think? I do know you have one thing we'll get to so.

[Trevor Noah]

No.

[Misty May-Treanor]

So I'm currently doing a campaign called Ditch the drip and sorry ditchthedrip.com and what it is, it's about seasonal allergies. And I know probably many more people suffer. I'm a sufferer and it's just about going to your doctor and getting it taken care of before it gets worse.

[Trevor Noah]

So.

[Audible Announcer]

Allergies.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Allergies. Thank God allergy season's coming around again.

[Audible Announcer]

Because with the whole condom thing, I was like, please don't make this about gonorrhea. This is not about.

[Trevor Noah]

No.

[Audible Announcer]

So we're good to go.

[Misty May-Treanor]

But then also I love working with kids and it's about getting that next generation, which is why the female athletes did so well. It's about getting that next generation paying.

[Audible Announcer]

It forward a little bit, doing the right thing.

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah.

[Misty May-Treanor]

And I love it. I love sharing my knowledge. So that's, that's what I want to do.

[Audible Announcer]

It's wonderful. And I just want to tell you just the thrills and the excitement that you have given Americans low these past four Olympics. We just want to thank you. You guys were amazing, wonderful, wonderfully done. Really appreciate it.

[Trevor Noah]

Misty May Trainer My day kicks off with a refreshing Celsius energy drink. Then straight to the gym, pre K pickup back home to meal prep time for my fire station shift. One more Celsius. Gotta keep the lights on when the three alarm hits. I'm ready. Celsius live fit. Go grab a cold refreshing Celsius at your local retailer or locate [e-mail] the French dip from Firehouse Subs is here for a limited time. Piled high with premium roast beef, caramelized onions and melty cheese on a freshly toasted garlic butter roll. Every French dip is served with warm savory au jus for dipping. This melty French dip is only at Firehouse Subs for a limited time. So head to your nearest Firehouse Subs or order on the app and try the French dip before it's gone. Limited time at participating Firehouse Subs restaurants while supplies last. Earlier today I spoke with Megan Rapinoe, a two time World cup champion and Olympic gold medalist. She opened up about her activism, her success on the soccer field, and so much more. Megan Rapinoe, welcome to the Daily Social Distancing Show.

[Megan Rapinoe]

I'm a big fan. I'm very excited to be here. This is exciting.

[Trevor Noah]

I am a bigger fan now that I see what you're wearing, because as a. As a fan of hoodies, I am partial to the hoodie game. That's a pretty dope hoodie. I like that.

[Megan Rapinoe]

Yeah, it's a good one. Chinatown Market is, you know, nice and colorful. It's comfy. I'm probably sweating underneath, but you can't tell, so it's fine.

[Trevor Noah]

That's what makes hoodies the best. No one knows what's happening underneath. What matters is what you look like. That's all that matters. Welcome to the show, and before we get into it, congratulations on your recent engagement.

[Megan Rapinoe]

Thank you. Thank you very much. We're both very excited.

[Trevor Noah]

You're engaged to somebody now who has a list of achievements that could only be matched by yours. So on your side, you have won two World Cups, an Olympic gold medal won Ballon d'. Or. Sue, on her side, has won four WNBA titles, four Olympic gold medals, and four FIBA World Cups. Question is, in the Ikea, like, bookshelf, who gets to put the trophies? Where is there, like, a. Like, is there, like, priority?

[Megan Rapinoe]

Even my mom, when we first got together, she's like, I googled sue and, like, you're really not that impressive anymore.

[Trevor Noah]

And I'm like, I know this is crazy.

[Megan Rapinoe]

It's probably be, like, percentage. So I'll, like, have, you know, my little sliver of, like, 20%, and then, like, Sue's gonna take up the rest of the show.

[Trevor Noah]

I like that there's no lie that there has been pay disparity between people of different genders and different races. You know, in sports, it's really interesting because, you know, people always go like, oh, well, I mean, it's about income, and it's about revenue. People don't go to the games as much, the women's games. That's why they don't get paid as much. It's not us. It's the fans who are not going. How do you handle that dispute? And how do you try and educate, you know, onlookers who are just going like, well, Megan, I don't know who's right and who's wrong in this thing. I mean, I understand what these owners are saying, but I understand what you are saying. How do you handle that side of the argument to win people over?

[Megan Rapinoe]

I think in Sports, we often go to, like, what's your salary and how many people are watching you or how many people in the stadium. But it really starts a lot before that. You have to think of it as like a business that needs to be invested in. And, you know, if the NBA is getting a billion dollars of investment, the WNBA is getting, you know, even $100 million of investment, like one business is going to be more successful if you spend more on your marketing person and your branding person and your tick and your CEO and you have all these people, like, the business is going to run better. So by the time we get to the game, we've been so under invested in or at such a, at such a disadvantage the whole time. Like, like, it's shocking that we have as much success as we do, or we're as popular as we do as we are. I think it's like, let's understand the entire picture before we just go to the very last stage and be like, well, see, no one wants to come.

[Trevor Noah]

I also love that your fight has inspired other women. And you talk about this in your book and you know, you've shared this story. Your aunt told you that she fought for her pay when she saw you fighting for yours. What was that like? And like, what did she do in her world that changed everything?

[Megan Rapinoe]

To know that, like, she found herself in our fight? Yeah, it made me really emotional. It was a really touching moment. And I think that's probably the most rewarding and the most important part out of our team's fight with the federation and the lawsuits and the equal pay fight is like, yeah, of course we're doing it on our behalf. But still, in the grand scheme, like, we're so privileged. We still make a lot of money. We're still like superstars of some kind, but. But for so many women out there, like, it's my aunt in her job, it's a domestic worker or it's a restaurant worker. It's so difficult to do these things, even in our position, it's difficult. So to know that we've inspired or at least made people think down to every single level is like, that's the biggest win I think that we could have.

[Trevor Noah]

The title of your newly released memoir is One Life, which I think is very misleading because I feel like you've lived many lives. You share so many inspiring, heartfelt, and painful experiences from your journey. You know, um, I mean, just some of the stories that stick out for me is, you know, the moment when you realize that your dad is a Trump supporter. And yourself and your twin sister, who are both gay, say, hey, this. This breaks our hearts. And. And you. You have to deal with that with somebody that you love. Do you have any tips or tricks on how to mend the wounds between family members who've been ripped apart because of politics?

[Megan Rapinoe]

Mm. I just tried to keep talking. I still, like, obviously have this relationship. I love him. And while it's painful, of course, and it was painful to know that, you know, he would have voted for someone like that and supported him for a lot of years, I don't think he voted for him this year, which I'm thankful for. But it's like, we can't just not talk to each other. I mean, it's obviously a tough time for everyone right now knowing it's that 71 million people or something voted for someone who's just spewed hatred and chaos and disaster. And we have, you know, approaching 250,000 people dead from COVID and all of these things to know that someone supports that. But like that, clearly there's much more to it that I think we need to dig into and have more conversation with. Just as family, as friends, as a nation, as everybody.

[Trevor Noah]

I thank you for sharing, um, your book. Truly, Truly, Truly is something that I think everybody should read. They're gonna love you even more. You're gonna be. You're gonna have even more fans. And you're probably gonna have to build, like, an extra trophy cabinet. Cause of all the awards, the book is probably gonna win as well. So tell sue to make some space for those extra trophies. And congrats on the hoodie. Thank you so much for joining me, Megan. I appreciate you.

[Fabric by Gerber Life Announcer]

Thank you.

[Trevor Noah]

Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount. Plus.

[Comedy Central Announcer]

This has been a Comedy Central podcast.

[Trevor Noah]

Well, the holidays have come and gone once again. But if you've forgotten to get that special someone in your life a gift, well, Mint Mobile is extending their holiday offer of half off unlimited wireless. So here's the idea. You get it now, you call it an early present for next year. What do you have to lose? Give it a [e-mail] Switch limited time, 50% off regular price for new customers. Upfront payment required. $45 for three months, $90 for six.

[Fabric by Gerber Life Announcer]

Month or $180 for 12 month.

[Misty May-Treanor]

Plan taxes and fees.

[Fabric by Gerber Life Announcer]

Extra speeds may slow after 50 gigabytes per month when network is busy see.

[Allyson Felix]

Terms day or night. Verbo Care is here 247 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either.