Podcast
Welcome to the Party
Hosted by Treat Media · EN
What’s up, Party People! Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King welcome you to the women’s sports party. Whether you’ve been here all along or are looking to get in the game, you're invited. Twice a week, soccer legends and forever teammates Abby and Julie will be hanging with the change-makers and shot-takers in women’s sports while giving their perspectives on big issues and hot topics. Plus, there will be regular appearances by the LEGEND of legends Billie Jean King.
This show is on a mission to build a community that celebrates and elevates women’s sports. So bring it in, Party People, because Welcome to the Party is for YOU and the first Party Rule is: have a sh*t ton of fun.
New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
89episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Julie Foudy & Abby Wambach Answer Your Crazy Sports Questions
Yesterday00:38:58Summary readyIn this Party People Q&A episode, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King hand the mic over to the listeners and tackle the questions everyone actually wants answered. From the very real challenge of returning to sports in midlife, when your brain remembers one body and your knees remember another, to the eternal mystery of soccer’s offside rule, the trio brings their signature mix of wisdom, honesty, and chaos. Billie shares why strength, patience, and listening to your body matter more than trying to jump back in at full speed, Abby talks about learning new sports and taking ownership of your own growth, and Julie makes a passionate case for why offside keeps soccer beautiful, strategic, and just confusing enough to keep parents yelling from the sidelines. They also get into youth coaching, how kids can build confidence and skill outside of formal training, what makes a women’s sports league worth investing in, and the story behind the Welcome to the Party theme song. Plus: Billie’s iconic red glasses, Julie’s fancy hats, and a reminder that this party belongs to the Party People. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Welcome to the Party Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store SUBSTACK - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Summary
Why 90% of New College Sports Revenue is Planned for Male Athletes
3d ago01:18:52Summary readyOn the 54th anniversary of Title IX, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King look ahead at the future of women’s sports in a rapidly changing college athletics landscape. Joined by Women’s Sports Foundation President Swin Cash and CEO Danette Leighton, the hosts break down NIL, revenue sharing, the NCAA settlement, collectives, and the growing concern that women’s sports and Olympic programs could be left behind as new money floods the system. Together, they unpack why Title IX still matters as much today as it did in 1972, what’s at stake for girls and women at every level of sport, and how intentional investment, transparency, and advocacy can protect the next generation of athletes and leaders. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Merch - https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Keep the Party Going: Women’s Sports Foundation: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/ Play to Lead Study: https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/articles_and_report/play-to-lead/?_gl=1*1eia117*_gcl_au*MjEwNDczOTczMy4xNzgyMTYzMTIw Title IX Resources Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/title-ix-and-sex-discrimination?utm_source=chatgpt.com Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Learn more at Levi.com -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Goodles is available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers -Learn more about All Free Clear at https://www.all-laundry.com/ -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Use code Welcome to the Party at https://www.omahasteaks.com/ -Head to https://www.quince.com/Welcometotheparty for free shipping and 365-day returns.
Summary
Abby & Julie React to USA’s World Cup Win
5d ago00:36:41Summary readyAbby Wambach and Julie Foudy are coming to you straight from the Welcome to the Party x Airbnb World Cup Watch Party, where the vibes were high, the USA chants were loud, and the party people showed up in full force. After watching the U.S. men’s national team grab another huge World Cup win, Abby and Julie break down what this moment means for the team, why the energy around this tournament feels so special, and whether this group can make a deeper run than ever before. Plus, Abby takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic goals in U.S. Soccer history: her legendary 2011 World Cup header against Brazil. From the extra-time chaos to the knee-slide blackout to Megan Rapinoe’s very aggressive celebration jump, Abby tells the full story like only she can. It’s World Cup joy, USA belief, Abby chaos, Julie wisdom, and a whole lot of “Why not us?” Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: Party People, we got MERCH: https://welcometotheparty.voila.store Men’s World Cup Schedule: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums Abby’s INCREDIBLE Goal vs. Brazil in 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B4q6di-3fg 99er’s on David Letterman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFtvwHVfQU Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find an Airbnb experience near you at https://www.airbnb.com/experiences -Thank you to Apple Card -Thank you to Levi's
Summary
Why Messi is Proving the Haters Wrong
1w ago01:01:48Summary readyMen’s World Cup fever has officially taken over the party. Abby and Julie break down the start of what feels like the biggest Men’s World Cup yet, from the USMNT’s electric opening win and the power of playing on home soil, to Messi making history, Marta still owning the record books, and the global fan chaos that makes this tournament so magical. Plus, they catch up on the latest across women’s sports: Serena and Venus reuniting at Wimbledon, Wimbledon increasing prize money, the WNBA expanding to a 50-game season, the Indiana Fever quieting the drama with wins, the Commissioner’s Cup heating up, USWNT-Brazil fallout, and major PWHL movement with Hilary Knight heading to Detroit. It’s Men’s World Cup obsession, women’s sports headlines, and a reminder that sports might just be the great unifier we need right now. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: We’ve got Welcome to the Party MERCH!! https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/ The PWHL Award Winners: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/awards The WNBA Commissioner Cup Standings:https://www.wnba.com/standings/commissioners-cup Follow Freddy the German Tourist: https://x.com/FreddyLA7?lang=en The World Cup 15: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZn4EZ9PjdS/ Follow Cape Verde Goalie: Vozinha:https://www.instagram.com/vozinha1/ Boston Loves Their Scots: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZl0_zltP_2/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Pick up a bottle of all® free clear detergent for your next laundry day -Sign up and get 10% off at http://betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty -Apple Card is reliable, straightforward, and built to keep up. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today -This Father’s Day, give your dad something meaningful. Go to www.remento.co and use code WELCOME to save $20 through Father’s Day
Summary
Charlotte North Opens Up About USA Women's Lacrosse
1w ago01:22:24Summary readyWomen’s lacrosse is having a major moment, and Charlotte North is one of the biggest reasons why. This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with Charlotte North, two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, national champion, Team USA world champion, Boston Guard captain, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and one of the most electric players in the game. Charlotte breaks down why lacrosse is growing faster than ever, what the new Women’s Lacrosse League means for the future of the sport, and why the 2028 Olympics could be a total game-changer for women’s lacrosse. Before Charlotte joins the party, Abby and Julie get into the World Cup fever taking over the country, the emotional power of sports to bring people together, Abby’s new role as unofficial USMNT lucky charm, and a special lacrosse-themed Party Starter covering the Olympics, pro leagues, NCAA dynasties, and the Indigenous history of “the creator’s game.” Plus: two-point goals, stick-drop celebrations, Whitney Houston vocals, and the very important question: when are Abby and Julie playing lacrosse? Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: Follow Freddy the German World Cup Fan: https://x.com/FreddyLA7/ Follow https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/ Women’s Lacrosse League Schedule: https://thewll.com/schedule Follow Women’s Lacrosse League: https://www.instagram.com/wll Follow Charlotte North: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/
Summary
Jordan Thompson Opens Up About Her Mental Health Journey
2w ago00:51:05Summary readyThis week, Welcome to the Party goes live from the Girls in Motion “Her Story” event with Athletes Unlimited for a powerful conversation about mental health, leadership, confidence, and the future of women’s sports. Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy sit down with Olympic gold medalist, LOVB MVP, Athletes Unlimited standout, and volleyball superstar Jordan Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, and why medals, highlight reels, and MVP titles never tell the full story. Jordan opens up about therapy, medication, burnout, taking breaks, finding joy in the game again, and the support system that helped carry her to the Olympic podium. She also shares how she learned to lead with care, build real trust with teammates, and use the mantra “I have greatness inside of me” when her confidence starts to waver. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on what they wish they knew as teenagers, why failure doesn’t define you, and how young athletes can dream bigger than the world has even imagined yet. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Girls experience their lowest levels of self-confidence by the age of 14. Her Story protects their mental wellness. They’re on a mission to help teens discover what lights them up so they can show up with intention and confidence in every part of life. For more information: https://www.herstorymentorship.org/home Where to watch Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball: https://auprosports.com/volleyball/where-to-watch-united-states/ Follow Jordan Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/jtomm19/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Summary
The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil
2w ago01:01:51Summary readyWorld Cup fever is officially here…but so are the complications. This week, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach dive into the magic, madness, and massive stakes of the World Cup returning to North America. From the U.S. Men’s National Team’s chances on home soil to the sky-high ticket prices, FIFA chaos, fan concerns, and the unifying power of soccer, Abby and Julie break down why this tournament still has the potential to be transformative. Plus, the Party Starter covers Nelly Korda’s historic U.S. Women’s Open comeback, a chaotic French Open, Texas going back-to-back at the Women’s College World Series, Sophia Wilson’s return to the USWNT, and a little golf etiquette mayhem from Abby and Julie’s trip to Ally House. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Reserve Your Spot at Our FIFA x Airbnb Watch Party - June 19, 2026 in Culver City, CA: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6995610?location=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States&currentTab=experience_tab&federatedSearchId=c744bc22-5a75-4e00-9eec-6e877b0a19f7&sectionId=3be13c00-955a-4822-82b9-3075f7d5ef51 The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is a human rights organisation for the world of sport. Their mission is to advance a world of sport that fully respects and promotes human rights by generating awareness, building capacity and delivering impact: https://www.sporthumanrights.org/about-us/ Follow the No Laying Up podcast: https://www.instagram.com/nolayingup/?hl=en Follow Tisha Alyn: https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/?hl=en Athletes Unlimited Softball League kicks off today, schedule of games found here: https://theausl.com/schedule/?season=369 Professional Softball League (PSL) launches its inaugural season on Friday, June 12: https://www.instagram.com/professionalsoftballleague/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes -Get a $49 annual membership with promo code podcast at http://www.Shipt.com/offer. Terms apply. -Use code WELCOME at http://www.remento.co to save $20 through Father’s Day -Goodles are available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers
Summary
Tennis Stars Revolt at the French Open
3w ago00:51:49Summary readyThis week, the party gets a world-class tennis upgrade as Billie Jean King and Alana Kloss join Julie and Abby for a Coffee with Kinger all about the state of the game. The crew reacts to Serena Williams’ rumored return, Venus still being very much in the mix, and the chaos of a French Open where a new generation is breaking through. Then, they dive into the major player protest at Roland Garros, why top tennis stars are pushing for a bigger share of Grand Slam revenue, and how Billie and Alana see this fight as part of a much bigger battle for player power, pensions, health care, and a seat at the table. Plus: why college tennis programs are being cut, what tennis needs to do to survive in the new era of college sports, Naomi Osaka’s fashion moment, and Julie introduces the More Than Four Challenge in support of pediatric cancer research. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: Participate in Zoe’s Challenge: https://www.pledge.to/mt4zoesgoal Serena’s Nike Ad announcing her return: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZC5f9ZRAuL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== John Wertheim article about French Open: https://www.si.com/tennis/tennis-mailbag-breaking-down-players-media-protest-roland-garros Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Summary
The Most Dangerous Challenge in Sports?
3w ago01:39:29Summary readyWhat does it take to race 1,100 miles in a single day? This week, racing trailblazer Katherine Legge joins the party fresh off her attempt at one of the most grueling challenges in all of sports: racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Katherine takes Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King inside the physical, mental, and emotional demands of competing at 230 mph, burning 5,000 calories in a day, and staying locked in for nearly 10 hours behind the wheel. She opens up about the sacrifices she's made to build a career in motorsports, the pressure she once felt to downplay her femininity, and why driving a pink car became one of the most powerful moments of her career. Katherine also gets candid about the barriers women still face in racing, from sponsorship dollars to access to top teams, and why she believes the next generation deserves a clearer path to success. Before the interview, the crew celebrates Pride Month, congratulates Julie on her Sports Emmy win for Save: The Katie Meyer Story, wishes Abby an early happy birthday, previews their upcoming Ally House event at the U.S. Women’s Open, and dives into the latest from the NWSL, USWNT, WNBA, NCAA lacrosse, and NCAA golf. From life at 230 mph to the fight for equality in motorsports, this is a conversation about courage, resilience, and refusing to let anyone define what's possible. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: Watch Save: The Katie Meyer Story: Save: The Katie Meyer Story | E60 Follow Katherine Legge: https://www.instagram.com/katherineracing/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC
Summary
Shannon Boxx Opens Up About Her Lupus Journey
4w ago01:05:26Summary readyThis week on Welcome to the Party, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King sit down with U.S. Women’s National Team legend Shannon Boxx for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Shannon opens up for the first time in depth about secretly battling lupus throughout her iconic soccer career, while winning a FIFA Women’s World Cup, three Olympic gold medals, and nearly 200 caps for the USWNT. She shares the terrifying symptoms she ignored for years, the fear of losing her career if coaches found out, and the emotional toll of competing at the highest level while her body was literally attacking itself. The conversation also highlights the larger reality of chronic illness in sports and beyond, including the story of Belmont softball star Maia Johnson and current Division I soccer player Emma Peyton, both of whom are navigating lupus while continuing to chase elite athletic dreams. Plus, lupus expert Dr. Susan Manzi joins the show to break down why autoimmune diseases are so difficult to diagnose, especially for women and athletes. From invisible illness and self-advocacy to teammate support, mental resilience, and redefining strength, this episode is honest, eye-opening, and deeply inspiring. Also in this episode: Abby and Julie reflect on their years traveling the world with the USWNT The crew talks Olympic-level competition while living with chronic illness Shannon shares the adjustments that helped extend her legendary career A hilarious lupus awareness trivia game breaks out at the party And the team announces the launch of the brand new Welcome to the Party Substack This is a conversation about perseverance, advocacy, friendship, and what it really means to keep showing up when no one sees the battle you’re fighting. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com Keep the Party Going: The Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org/ The Lupus Quiz: https://knowlupus.lupus.org/ Support Shannon’s Lupus Fundraiser: https://sipandsupportfundraiser.eventbrite.ca/ Ali Truwit WttP Interview: From Shark Attack to Paralympian to Marathoner, the unbreakable Ali Truwit Ali Truwit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitruwit/related_profiles/ Ali Truwit Stronger Than You Think: https://strongerthanyouthink.org/ Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes
Summary