How Gotham FC Won the NWSL Championship

Summary

Podcast Summary: Welcome to the Party

Episode: How Gotham FC Won the NWSL Championship
Hosts: Julie Foudy (A), Abby Wambach (B), Billie Jean King (not present in this episode)
Date: November 25, 2025

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Main Theme

This episode dives deep into how Gotham FC pulled off a remarkable run to win the NWSL Championship, recounting the personalities, pivotal plays, and underdog narrative that led them from the eighth seed to champions. Julie and Abby share their firsthand experiences at the championship weekend, discuss notable figures in the women’s soccer world, and celebrate the transformation of the NWSL into a thriving professional league.

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Episode Breakdown

1. Opening Banter & Weekend Recap

• [00:38] – [05:00]

• Julie and Abby open with a hilarious, candid look at their busy championship weekend—Julie’s adventures with teenage boys at SoFi Stadium and Abby’s hot flashes at noisy postgame parties.
• They trade stories about enduring wild meet-and-greets, “viciously sweating” through events, and the smaller, more grassroots feel of early NWSL championships compared to today’s glitzy experience.

“These above 45 year olds are not used to going out late nights and hanging out with the young folk of the NWSL Championship weekend.” —Abby [00:45]

2. Women’s Sports Headlines & Party Starters

• [11:09] – [25:00]

a. Trinity Rodman Bidding War & NWSL Growth

• The USL Super League’s huge contract offer to Trinity Rodman could shift the power dynamics of women’s soccer in the US.
• NWSL viewership is up 61% this year, with Trinity Rodman driving much of that surge.

“This is the first real domestic bidding war in US women’s soccer… and could reset the power dynamics between leagues.” —Abby [12:30]

b. WNBA Draft Lottery

• Dallas Wings win the #1 pick for the second straight year; discussed with good-natured ribbing over “ping pong ball twerking.”
• Noted sweet support between young stars Paige Becker and Cooper Flag.

c. College Hoops & NIL Tournaments

• UConn survives a scare against Michigan; Notre Dame upsets USC with a late winner.
• Introduction of Players Era NIL basketball tournaments in Las Vegas highlights new trends in college sports and athlete compensation.

d. NCAA Women’s Soccer & Winter Olympics

• Celebrating underdog runs by Ohio State and Washington.
• Shoutout to ski legend Mikaela Shiffrin, now with 103 World Cup wins.
• US Women’s Deaf Soccer Team crushing at Deaflympics (14-0 over Great Britain; gold medal match next).

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3. Championship Weekend: Fan Fests, Tailgates & Lavelle Family Traditions

• [28:40] – [31:16]

• Julie details the wild Just Women’s Sports party, the Lavelle family’s notorious “fireball shots” tradition, and the legendary “shot ski.”
• Event energy and fan engagement highlighted as proof of how far the NWSL and women’s sports community have come.

"Janet was like, come on, you're having a shot. …They have the fireball they're pouring into all the shot glasses. … The four of us line up and you have to say, 'Go Bats for Gotham!'" —Julie [30:10]

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4. Deep Dive: Gotham FC’s Title Run

• [31:17] – [44:10]

The Underdog Story

• Gotham FC scraped into the playoffs as the #8 seed, then upset top-seeded Kansas City in extra time—giving rise to the now-iconic “Underdog’s my ass” Jaden Shaw quote.
• They then beat reigning champion Orlando Pride in the semifinals with another late goal.
• In the final, Gotham’s experience, depth (Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Jaden Shaw, Astear), and composure under pressure proved decisive, especially against a strong but injury-hit Washington Spirit.

“I just want to thank the one fan who had the, the guts to say, kinda, yeah, you do. You kind of stink.” —Abby [07:33] (memorable, showing the episode’s self-deprecating humor and the sense of community at the event)

The Final: Moments & Tactics

• The championship match was sold out (18,000 fans at PayPal Park).
• Rose Lavelle scored the winner in the 80th minute: “Rose Lavelle is like…she’s just like the sweetest thing that can be. She’s like a unicorn.” —Julie [35:38]
• Discussion on Lily Real’s narrow escape from a second yellow card (“probably could have deserved a red” —Abby [35:38]) and the critical substitutions and momentum shifts that led to Lavelle’s goal.
• Emily Sonnett’s gamesmanship and experience lauded: “She’s such a gamer…watching her go down and waste time at the end of games, that would have made my head blow right off.” —Abby [41:28]
• Gotham’s resilience underscored by late goals: “All their goals were really late too. Like, this is a team that just believed.” —Julie [41:00]

Injuries & Setbacks

• Spirit’s Trinity Rodman played limited minutes returning from back and knee injuries, impacting Washington’s effectiveness up front.

“You just could tell Trinity wasn’t…she didn’t have it. She wasn’t ready to like…I mean, I’m sure she was trying…but sometimes it just…those games aren’t meant to be.” —Abby [43:33]

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5. Notable Stats & Legacy

• [42:32] – [44:20]

• Emily Sonnett’s fifth NWSL final: new postseason records for appearances, starts, and minutes.
• McCall Zerboni and Lynn Williams (along with Caitlin Rowland) now tied for most NWSL championships with four each.

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6. Community, Growth, and Celebration

• [44:20] – [48:14]

• Heartfelt congratulations to Gotham FC and the larger women’s sports community.
• Shoutouts to sponsors (Ally), and reminders to watch more highlights, follow on social media, and rate the podcast.

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Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the evolution of the NWSL Championship experience:

  • “We just, like, went all—both teams went to, like, a pub in Rochester, New York, to go celebrate. And there was…Nothing planned. …It’s just very different now.” —Abby [03:36]

• On Gotham’s playoff mentality:

  • “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. …Sometimes those are the most dangerous teams to play against.” —Abby [39:24]

• On the championship-winning goal:

  • “Rose Lavelle is like a unicorn. …I cannot believe how calm, cool, and collected she was with her left-footed finish.” —Julie [35:38]

• Defining the “Underdog’s My Ass” moment:

  • “They knock off Kansas City Current…with a late goal…Jaden Shaw assisted it. And then that’s when you get the Jaden Shaw line: ‘Underdog’s my ass,’ which I love. And now a shirt. Thank you.” —Julie [33:05]

• On camaraderie and fan engagement:

  • “When I say Ally, you say WHOOP.” —Julie [11:18]
  • “I just want to thank the one fan who had the guts to say, kind of. Yeah, you do. You kind of stink.” —Abby [07:33]

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Conclusion

This episode is a spirited celebration of both Gotham FC’s wild ride to the 2025 NWSL championship and of the wider vibrancy, unity, and transformation in women’s sports. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories, tactical breakdowns, fan hilarity, and reminders of just how far the NWSL has come, it’s a must-listen (or must-read!) for any women’s soccer fan.

Catch the full Gotham run, minute-to-win-it games, and more on the podcast’s YouTube channel and social media at @welcometothepartyshow.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[A]

We have to give Gotham some props.

[B]

Jaden Shaw, like Jalen Howell, like, they have so many studs and they got their swagger back. I just want to thank the one fan who had the guts to say, you kind of stink. This is. Let's go, folks.

[A]

I don't. That, that looks like I'm flipping everyone off a little bit, but maybe it.

[B]

Means let's fucking go. Attention, the party is about to comm. Welcome to the party.

[A]

What's up, party people? I'm Julie Foudy.

[B]

I'm Abby Wambach. We're a little tired this morning, folks.

[A]

We are.

[B]

Because these above 45 year olds are not used to going out late nights and hanging out with the young folk of the NWSL Championship weekend. No, no, I, I.

[A]

And then, and then Declan is like, mom, Sunday Night Football, let's go. It's at SoFi. Rams are playing the Bucks. And I thought at the time, like, a few weeks ago, that was a really good idea. And I was like, oh. So I took three teenage boys to SoFi after I got home super late after the game, right? Like 11pm That I, like, did all our podcast stuff on Sunday to try and prep for today, and then went to freaking so far with three boys. And there was so much flatulence, is all I have to say. The whole well time, I was like, honestly, what are you all eating? This is insane.

[B]

And they just, like, they just let it go in the car. Are they like, oh, the whole time, what is that?

[A]

I was like, this is y'. All. Oh, boys, man. They're funny, but they were entertaining, that's for sure.

[B]

Yeah, I mean, I, I will tell you, I told Glennon last night, I was like, julie's at this NFL game right now. And she goes, that woman has, has a, A, no, she doesn't quit. She's got no quit in her. She just goes. She's just like. She's gonna, she's gonna die. And she's gonna say, I did it all. I did all that I could. Is what, Is what Julie's gon down.

[A]

Because the gas is from the boys is bad. Yeah, I got there and I. And you know, like, so have you, have you done a game in so far?

[B]

Yeah, I did the super bowl, but so that's a little different. Years ago.

[A]

Yeah, but like, you know that huge video screen, you're just watching it on tv.

[B]

You're just watching it.

[A]

I know. It's like you're watching it on tv.

[B]

Just stay home.

[A]

But it, it's kind of it kind of makes you a little dizzy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, because, like, it's so much. Yeah, it's a lot in your face. So I was, like, on top of being so tired, I was like, oh, my God, I feel nauseous, y'.

[B]

All. Yeah. The screen is so big. Like, when the. When the. The people on the screen are, like, 15 times bigger than you and your body, it feels a little daunting. Yeah, I get that.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. But what a fun weekend we had.

[B]

I know. I. Jules, I don't know if you know this, but this is the first NWSL championship game I've gone to since the one I was in the first couple of years at the NWSL.

[A]

Wow.

[B]

Since, like, 2013. And, boy, have things changed. Like. Like, we lost that game to Portland. And I remember, like, we were. We were. It was like, it was in Buffalo. Well, it was in Rochester. And the team's locker rooms, like, they were. I think that they were trailers. Like, we were in two trailers. And so after the game, you know, the ceremonies and stuff happen, but after the game, like, all of us are, like, walking out, and people are trying to figure out what we're going to do, you know? And, like, we just, like, went all. Both teams went to, like, a pub in Rochester, New York, to go, like, celebrate. And there was. Nobody knew. Nothing planned. Yeah, we were just, like, just going. And I was like, this is so. It's just very different. There's all these parties. You gotta go, you know, the red carpet. And Julie and I, we skipped. I don't do red card.

[A]

We're like.

[B]

We're. Yeah.

[A]

I don't. I don't like him either.

[B]

I mean, what do I. What am I wearing? What am I gonna show? What are we.

[A]

I'm like, I don't know, T.J. maxx. That's what I always say. I don't know, TJ Maxx. That's where I got it.

[B]

Well, Jules, you and I walk into this club, essentially, it's like the. The Just women. The just women.

[A]

Sports.

[B]

Yeah. And, you know, every day, the. It's the who's who of women's soccer is in this. In this bar, club situation. The music is so loud we can't hear each other. So we spend the whole 30 minutes that we stayed. We spend the whole 30 minutes going, what?

[A]

Huh?

[B]

Yeah, what?

[A]

You did what? Huh?

[B]

Oh, yeah. Okay.

[A]

It was so awful. On top of that, I'm having hot flashes because I'm still in my damn podcast clothes, which I had swear through because I Still didn't have time from our live podcast and all our twerking with the ping pong game.

[B]

Which reminds me, Stinky, I have to apologize to all of our, all of the people who came and take pictures and took pictures with us at the meet and greet.

[A]

I didn't realize after the podcast, yeah.

[B]

After the live podcast at the Ally House, I didn't realize how into the gaming I would get and how I would just immediately start to viciously sweat. And I had a sweater on, but my undershirt, My undershirt was just really. It was a clean. It was clean. I swear.

[A]

She took part of you when she took her job off.

[B]

We gotta have a picture of this.

[A]

She took her job off.

[B]

I go.

[A]

She goes, oh my God. I smell myself through the sweater.

[B]

Oh my God.

[A]

Do you smell me? Do you smell me? I was like, no, I, I'm standing like three fans between us. I can't smell you. She goes. So I go, take your top off. Let me see, let me see. She takes her sweater off. She's got these huge pits. Huge pits.

[B]

Sweat pits, sweat. I was really invested in winning those games. The minute to win it. But I also feel like.

[A]

And you did.

[B]

Did I not wear deodorant? Like, what is happening? I'm 45. Does deodorant just stop working?

[A]

The best part is she asked this fan who was taking a picture next to her, she goes, I'm so sorry. I sweated way more than I thought I would. She goes. She goes, do I stink? And the fan goes, kinda.

[B]

Kinda, Kinda.

[A]

And so I died. I died. So Abby, the whole time was high fiving people like this.

[B]

Yeah. Would not lift my arms, man, I.

[A]

Was like, she wouldn't even put her arm around people. She was just like leaning in with both arms.

[B]

My wife knows this. Like, I, it is my word. That is my worst nightmare is to stink. I do not. Because as an athlete, I sweated so much and I got a lot of feedback from teammates over the years that I needed to, like, I needed to make sure I showered and I needed to make sure I put deodorant on back in high school. And so, like, I've, I've been really conscious of it, but boy, this was, this was. I just want to thank the one fan who had the, the guts to say, kinda, yeah, you do. You kind of stink. I mean, you guys, I, I sprinted home after this event. I got in the shower, I took like a, like 30 minute shower. Just like washing and re. Washing.

[A]

Oh, so good. All from the Ping pong, twerk game. Oh, my God. All right, we'll talk more about that. We'll also talk. Abby went home to watch the game with Glennon, which is really cute. And explain the game to Glennon.

[B]

She's like, how else am I gonna understand what's happening if you don't come home and watch this game with me?

[A]

But I stayed and ended up. And we'll talk more about this in a bit. But I ended up doing every US Women's national team game. The Lavelles. Rose's parents are like, let's go. The shotsky is out, you know? And now their fireball tradition is public knowledge. That is coming out.

[B]

What is the three years? What is the tradition?

[A]

So Rose's mom, Janet, like, sneaks fireball into stadiums for years, and every time the team scores, the U.S. women's national team scores, they do a fireball shot. And Rose is like, oh, she sneaks it in my grandma. Because who's gonna search a grandma? Like, she's got it in every pocket. She's got him shoved down her bra.

[B]

The Lavelles are my favorite parents.

[A]

So the joke is always like, you know, she's like a clown car. It's like just. She just pulls fireballs out of every pocke pocket of every orifice. I'm like, what? Like, out of her ear, it comes a fireball shot. I'm like, what is happening? So they're always texting me like, let's do fireball shots. I'm like, I gotta call a game. Can't do fireball.

[B]

Right, right, right.

[A]

No, no, I'm not doing fireball shots.

[B]

But you weren't calling this. Yeah, you weren't calling this game.

[A]

Was not working this game. And so I was like, let's go, Janet. Where is the shotsky being set up? So I joined the Gotham pregame tailgate. I dragged Brandi with us, Brandy Justain, and I walked over to Gotham's pregame. Oh, my God. More on that and more on the alley house. And all good stories from the weekend. But first, Abigail. Yeah, because we got stories for days. And that would be the whole pod podcast. Let's get this party started with the highlights and headlines you'll want to celebrate this week in women's sports. Our party starter is brought to you by Ally the. The bank. That's your ally. When I say Ally, you say whoop.

[B]

Only the folks who are at the Ally house will understand that. Julie got the the crowd fired up. And it was one of my favorite things about the whole Day. I really loved it.

[A]

When I say ally, you say whoop. Ally.

[B]

Whoop.

[A]

Ally. Whoop. Better than a drinking game.

[B]

Okay, so topic number one. We want to get to this party starter. The battle for Trinity Rodman is heating up. Heating up. Julie According to the Athletic Hot. Yeah, super hot. Trinity Rod Rodman has a major offer from a D.C. power from. From D.C. power of the USL Super League. It's a deal so large that NWSL cannot match it under its $3.3 million salary cap. Jules. And for those who don't know, the USL Super League, it launched in August 2024 and plays a fall to spring season. Unlike the end of the cell, the super league, it has no salary cap, no draft and a full roster building freedom and players become free agents when contracts end. Now commissioner Jessica Berman says the end of his cell will will, in quotes, fight to keep Rodman. And Trinity has says she's honored but doesn't want to feel trapped as she figures out her next steps. And the bottom line is this. This is the first real domestic bidding war in the US Women's soccer and a bsl. And could a move by Trinity's reset the power dynamics between leagues? We are going to obviously be reporting on that as we hear more in the coming days and weeks.

[A]

Yeah, but I mean, I don't think DC Power, obviously USL is going to get her.

[B]

No, but it's important to note it could be Europe. Yeah. That of course that money could be a way to even leverage and drive more value overseas as well.

[A]

Right, right. So I. And the thing is we, we want her to stay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Here in the United States. I get it, I get it. It's very appealing. But hopefully they can sort something out. Okay.

[B]

Yeah. We want to understand. And then also as it relates to Trinity and the NWSL viewership, the viewership is way up. Meanwhile, the NWSL continues to surge and the league delivered record breaking growth across ESPN platforms this season, recording a 61% increase in average viewership for the regular season. That is huge. 61% increase.

[A]

That's awesome.

[B]

Three of the top five most watched NWSL matches on ABC and ESPN featured the Washington Spirit. Led by who else? Trinity Rodman. So you know, she's got a lot of, of things in her back pocket to say, look at what I'm doing. I'm helping actually grow this game. And, and honestly it's like, yeah, the valuations of these teams isn't going up because of the ownerships.

[A]

Right.

[B]

It's going up because these players are making names for Themselves. And we do need to keep these names in the league in order for the league to continue to thrive. So love that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Jules, you're up now, I think on the next. Okay, party starter.

[A]

All right, Dallas keeps winning and we're talking wnba. I don't know if y' all saw the draft lottery for the wnba, but the Dallas Wings landed the number one again as that draft lottery was held on Sunday and that's the second straight year. So of course last year. So they gone back to back number one picks and a chance to add another young star to to the roster. Last year they got rookie of the year Paige Becker. Top candidates for this year's number one for 2026, not this next year's number one, 2026 is number one, include LSU's Flage Johnson, TCU's Olivia Miles, of course, Yukon's Easy Fud, UCLA's Lauren Betts. You could also add 19 year old Spanish forward Awa Farm to the mix. So Dallas Wings with that number one. Number two pick goes to Minnesota, Number three to Seattle. Number four to Washington and number five to Chicago. And side note, I don't know if you've seen this Abs, but the dynamic Dallas duo of Paige and Cooper Flag and their support for each other is so adorable. Like Cooper Flag is, is like Paige is just a stud. But after a recent career high performance that Paige watched courtside, Flag said it's kind of cool to see for her. Cool to see for her to show up. I was able to go to one of her games right after the draft when I got down here. It's just cool to see the support and show up and be there for each other.

[B]

Oh, that's so sweet.

[A]

Yeah, that's where they pick with the draft. They get that number one pick or. And it's basically where they're gonna actually get their their players for next year. So that is a big one.

[B]

Okay, so Jules, the draft lottery, I just want to note it's a random drawing of four ping pong balls numbered 1 through 14 to create a four number combination before the lottery.

[A]

Just. I'm stopping you at ping pong balls because I already have some trauma around this with our ping pong twerking. Okay.

[B]

Okay. And for our folks before the lottery, 1,000 of the 1,001 possible combinations are assigned to teams based on their odds of winning the team. This is hilarious. I'm going to keep going because I just like want the party people to understand how ridiculous is the team who assigned combination is drawn wins the top draft Pick the assigned combination. The process is repeated by determine to determine the other top picks. And after the first four are set, the remaining draft order is determined by regular season record.

[A]

I just want to know, Abby, do they have to twerk those ping pong balls out of their tissue box?

[B]

I don't know.

[A]

Is that how they do it? Because if they could add that to the WNBA lottery, that is something I want to watch.

[B]

So evidently 14.

[A]

Can you imagine each owner having to.

[B]

That would be good. That's a good new way that every owner has to twerk in a minute to win it. Style ping pong challenge. Right. And whoever wins.

[A]

Spice this up.

[B]

Yeah. Whoever wins gets the first pick. That's good. I like it.

[A]

Okay. All right. NCAA hoops. All right. To college hoops. UConn had their first true chest on Friday, barely squeaking out a win against a surging Michigan team 72 to 69. They had a a 20 point lead. And then Michigan came back. They outscored the Huskies 18 to 4 in the third quarter. But then AZ Fudd dropped a cool 31 for the W. Um. And then meanwhile, Notre Dame stunned number 11, USC Friday as Hannah Hidalgo hit the game winner with 1.9 seconds left. She did it in front of an all star crowd that included WNBA stars Skyler Diggins, Kaylia Copper, and Erica Wheeler, all of which abs are Notre Dame alum sitting front row.

[B]

That like. Come on. Come on. She must have held that for a while. Whatever shot. It was just so good. Yeah.

[A]

And if you're looking for something to watch this Thanksgiving weekend, this is fascinating. Grab those mashed potatoes and turkey legs. Pull up a chair because we've got a goodie. Players era is in Las Vegas. It's a new nil tournament. That's really, it's. It's super interesting. Shaking things up. They've done it. This is the first year for the women. They did it last year for the first time with the men. Schools earn real nil money for competing. It goes into their collectives, not directly to the players, but the coaches get to decide how it's divided. But this is the first ever women's field. Four teams this year. The men have jumped from eight teams last year to 18 this year. And in 2026, the men go to 32 teams with full brackets over three weeks. Think about that, how it's changing the landscape of collegiate basketball. And the stakes are huge. We're like talking millions in nil money with teams guaranteed about a million just for showing up. And more, of course, if you're winning. And even though the inaugural women's tournament only has four teams, it's like they, they literally dropped a final four right into November. So we've got ucla, South Carolina, Texas and Duke as the four teams that they, they play the semifinal on Wednesday, final is on Thursday on Thanksgiving and then the third place match as well. So they, they both get two games. Yeah. And then they split up more prize money. So each gets a million and then they split up more, more prize money, the teams and it's, it's. I read this really long article about it. It's super interesting actually because you have two camps of like the traditional like Maui Invitational that has been going on forever in men's hoops. And, and it's basically shaking things up. I mean, because you look at what I was talking about, they're going to through 32 teams on the men's side next year over three weeks. I mean talk about it, changing the schedule. And they felt like there was this moment in November where there's this bit of gap that they could fill this players era group and it's proven to be very successful. It's in Vegas at the mgm, so. Interesting indeed. Okay, Abs on to NCAA Women's soccer tournament. Yeah.

[B]

NCAA Women's soccer. There's some upsets and one of our own, Asia Mape and her daughter Berkeley play for Ohio State. It's our producer. We are so pumped because Ohio State women's soccer, the team stunned the number one seeded Notre Dame in the second.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

With 34 seconds left in double over overtime. Sophomore Jaden Bonham with the game winner OSU got some big time plays from goalkeeper Molly Pritchard, the Big Ten goalie of the year. And you know, the Buckeyes then went on to beat Baylor this Sunday two to one to advance the Elite Eight where they will take on Florida State.

[A]

You guys and Asia, last minute went out and watched Berkeley, her daughter play, which is really cool.

[B]

I know. And we were all texting at the same time and we're all watching.

[A]

I have never rooted so hard for the Ohio State in my life.

[B]

That's so good.

[A]

I couldn't even believe who I was. Like, who am I? I don't even know who I am. I was like, let's go.

[B]

They're, they're pulling off this, this incredible run and we hope that it keeps going for them.

[A]

We do.

[B]

The Huskies pulled off a wild one in their Sweet 16 matchup, taking out the top seed Virginia on penalties after going down a player with 10 minutes left in regulation and then having to survive two full extra time periods under heavy pressure.

[A]

A really good Virginia team, you guys.

[B]

The number one seed, Washington, punches their ticket to the Elite Eight. And we know that the university that Washington has been has been having this incredible run since one of their own passed away. So, you know, we are very much watching this. Then next up, they're going to be playing number 11, Duke on Friday at 3pm on ESPN Plus. Also in NCAA women's soccer, number two two seed TCU takes on unranked North Carolina, and top seeded Stanford faces number five BYU in their third round matchups. Both games are happening after we finish recording this, but hopefully you've gotten a chance to check those out. Oh, God. Ncaa. Like, there's just, like, nothing better than, like, cozy fall weather. Seeing these folks freezing in the stands watching their kids. So fun.

[A]

I know we've got, like, friends playing everywhere, so it's so fun right now. That are Izzy's teammates. It's really cool. Okay. To Winter Olympics, because that is approaching and Mikaela Shifrin just keeps on winning. So we're going to turn our attention to some of the amazing athletes as. As the year wraps up and as the Milan Games are about to commence in February, we'll start talking about some of the athletes, the amazing athletes we're going to see at the Winter Olympics. Let's start with Michaela Shiffrin, the American World Cup Alpine skier who has the most World cup wins of any Alpine skier and in history, male or female, and is considered one of the greatest Alpine skiers of all time. So over the weekend, Michaela picked up her record extending. Get this 103rd World cup win with another dominant slalom victory in Finland.

[B]

What?

[A]

103Rd World cup win. And literally, with the Olympics just three months away, Shiffrin is locked in.

[B]

She is. Did you see the run? Did you see her. Her finishing run? She, like. She started ahead by like 0.3 and then finished by almost. Almost a full second, which in Alpine skiing, that's, like, very far ahead.

[A]

She. She looks good. And she has a new podcast out, y'. All. You should check it out. It's called what's the Point with Michaela Shifran. We love ourselves some Michaela Shifran, so we're gonna try and get her on. Welcome to the party. But she's a little busy right now, so.

[B]

Good.

[A]

And our final party starter party people, the US Women's Deaf soccer team. They're in the Deaflympics, which is in Japan right now. They Just beat Great Britain 14 to nil Saturday night. 14 to nil Saturday night. They are just crushing. They started with Japan, beat them, beat Australia. Now they beat Great Britain. That ensured that they are in the gold medal match on Tuesday. Let's go.

[B]

Usa. Usa.

[A]

Usa.

[B]

So what is it, Jules? We did this the other night.

[A]

I know. I think it's.

[B]

It's like, here, this. This is. Let's go, folks. It's. You. Okay, up and to the right, right? Yeah.

[A]

I don't. That doesn't. That looks like I'm flipping everyone off a little bit. Okay, maybe.

[B]

Maybe it means let's go.

[A]

Which is okay because that's what we tell them. So that's really cool. That is your party starter. And thanks to Allies for sponsoring this segment. As we know, Allies, a Bank and their do it right approach helps customers unlock their economic potential and guides their efforts as a leading sponsor in women's sports. Just like us, Ally believes that when women in sports win, we all have a reason to pate. Ali Ally Bank MEMBER FDIC.

[B]

Okay, Jules, you know, working on the show has had me thinking a lot about all the years that we spent on the road. And I can't express to you enough how done I am with staying in the normal hotel situation. Okay. But there was this one trip I need to tell you about that really sticks out. So we were in Chicago. We went for a game. It was incredible because we decided to stay at an Airbnb. And it was wonderful because there was like, we had no schedule. I had no. Nothing to do. I was just going to watch.

[A]

When does that ever happen? Never. Yeah, never.

[B]

And it was just so fun because we rented this Airbnb. It had all of these rooms, which was really important because I sleep loudly, slash snore. And Glennon just gonna say snore sometimes needs to kick me out of the bedroom and send me on my way. And so Airbnbs are really great because they offer that. And that's why I've always loved booking homes with Airbnb. It's not just because we have multiple rooms, but it's got the kitchen and the coffee machine, and it's like the feeling of belonging somewhere, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So when you spent half of our careers living out of hotels, finding a real home with space to really stretch out and actually have a kitchen. Most importantly for me, a cozy couch. Huge. And here's something I wish I thought about back then, while we were traveling so much, we could have been hosting our own place back home on Airbnb.

[A]

I know.

[B]

It's really easier than ever now, especially with the co host network. So you can hire a local co host to help manage everything while you're away, who creates the entire listing and handles all the reservations to the messaging, the guests and helping with design and styling. They're local, so they take care of all the on site details that would stress you out, which means you don't have to actually stress about any of the small stuff. Find a co host. Exactly. All you need to do is find a co [e-mail] host.

[A]

Okay, Abs, as we were talking about off the top, how fun Ally House was and the activations and how different. I mean, you hadn't been to one since you said 2013.

[B]

Yeah, forever ago.

[A]

Yeah, same. And I hadn't been to one since before COVID So I was. I was blown away as well. Like all the activations. The fan fest. We did a podcast at the fan fest as well. It was. It was amazing to see the Just Women's Sports party. We lasted 20 minutes. Proud of us for that. I was. I was really impressed. And then. Okay. And then for the. The Rose Lavelle, the lavelle family in the shots, we go over to their tailgating area.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I'm going to be quick on this because we got to get to the actual game that happened. And Gotham winning it all. We get over to the tailgating area and. And they have the shot ski out. Do you know what a shot ski is?

[B]

No.

[A]

So it's a board with all these little holes that you put the shots in. And so everyone. It's like a big ski.

[B]

Oh, it's like a literal ski.

[A]

Yeah. But it's like a big board.

[B]

Oh. With the whole like. And there's, there's. There's shots along it. I see, I see, I see.

[A]

And this had like the Olympic rings on it because they. Did they do this at all the events. Right.

[B]

So are there people more fun than the Lavelles? No. That's amazing.

[A]

There's not. And so Janet was like, come on, get you having a shot. I was like, oh, God. And they have the fireball they're pouring into all the shot glasses. So it's me, Brandy and Janet and Julie. Julie Edelman, who's our dear friend who used to work with P and G. And so the four of us line up and you have to say, go bats for Gotham. But I didn't say that. I said going just any. I was like, listen, okay. Let's not get carried away. Yeah, let's not get carried away. I did have my underdogs my ass shirt on though, thanks to Carrie.

[B]

Oh, that's sweet.

[A]

Yeah, that's the Jaden Shaw line and now shirt. So, yeah, we, we pounded, we pounded one shot with, with Janet. And I feel like, you know what, it might have, it might have actually helped him. Don't you think?

[B]

The, the, the, the tailgate shots that you guys did?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, no, that didn't help. I mean, I, I, I like the idea that it can help, but it had nothing to do with what happened on the field. You know, it's funny because I watched the whole game.

[A]

I think it was good juju.

[B]

I think it is good juju. I think it, it all, it when, when it's all added up in the end energetically. I think it does matter. Um, but it, like there's something about championship games and Jules, we've played in enough of them. What do you think it is? Like, what do you think the difference maker is for one team over another? Winning or losing? Do you know?

[A]

Well, it's interesting because we were kind of polling everyone in our suite before the game kicked off, so in and it's like people who know this game well, Emma Hayes, Leslie Gallimore was there, she's the, the GM for the Seattle Rain is coached forever. And, and a lot of people were picking Washington and then the Spirit and I, I was like, no, no, no, no, I'm not picking Washington. I'm going Gotham. And they're like, you are. I was like, yeah, because you of that you have all this experience. I mean, look at how stacked they are. And yes, they didn't have a great regular season, but when you've got Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnet, like, you go down the list of players, they have Jaden Shaw, Midge Purses back Astaire, she's won a World cup for Spain. Right. Like these moments, Jalen Howell, these moments aren't as big for them in terms of, and I know Washington Spirit has a lot of really good players as well, but I just felt you had more players with Gotham that would be able to stay calm in that moment, which is hard to do sometimes when it's such a big moment. It was packed, 18,000 people, sold out. Crowd at PayPal was really cool.

[B]

And, and you went to the game. Was there like pre game festivities where you even pay attention to the game or you just like hanging out with friends in the suite?

[A]

No, I was trying to pay attention, but, you know, it's hard but like I mean, let's just review like Gotham and Washington spirit and how they actually got here because the whole story of Gotham I think is fascinating as well. They came in as the eighth seed in this tournament. So they were the last seed. They knock off Kansas City Current, which as we know was the number one seed coming in. They hadn't lost at home since July of 2024. They have to go play them at Kansas City. They knock them off with a late goal from Katie Stengel and 120, first minute of extra time, right? Jaden Shaw assisted it. And then that's when you get the Jaden Shaw line. Underdog's my ass, which I love. And now a shirt. Thank you. Then in the semifinals, they knock off the nwsl, reigning champions in Orlando. Pride. They had to go there to play them. They're on the road again. Another late goal in the seventh minutes of stoppage time. A beauty by Jane Shaw. Then they go into the finals as these underdogs. And I mean, I don't know how you can say your underdogs when, when they have as much talent as we talked about. They also have Lily Real. They've got Jess Carter, they've got Anne Katrine Berger. Jess Carter plays for England and Katrine Berger is the German starting goalkeeper. You have Astaire, as I was talking about, the Spanish World cup winner who scored 13 goals this year. And then they're playing against the second ranked Washington Spirit. Of course, Rose Lavelle scores this beauty of a goal in the 80th minute and Gotham goes on the underdog to win their second title in three years. And here's the crazy thing, Abs, I didn't know this. I knew they came in as the eighth seed, the last seed. I had forgotten when they did their NWSI NWSL title run in 2023, they were also, back then it was just six teams. They were also the last seed.

[B]

No way.

[A]

Run as well.

[B]

I had no idea. I mean, and I think it's it. You know a lot of what I, I love the idea of an underdog coming into the playoff system and them being able to make a run to win it. But I also think, you know, I love Jaden Shaw's quote. Underdogs my ass. And yet when, when I was watching Rose like Rose Lavelle is like this. She's just like the sweetest thing that can be.

[A]

She's like a unicorn. I love that woman.

[B]

And, and I cannot believe first of all how calm, cool and collected she was with her left footed finish. I Mean, it was so. It was so good because championship games are tough to score goals. Everybody's kind of fighting for their lives. Lily Real gets into what I thought probably could have deserved, a red card situation. She was sitting on a yellow, and then even though the play was very far away from the goal, it was a yellow card. It was a second yellow card. And she absolutely, in my mind, probably could have gotten. But I was, like, so surprised that the Washington Spirit and the entirety of the team wasn't going wild. Like. Like, they weren't coming at the ref. Like, what is going on? Like, that was a red. That's another yellow. Because she literally takes a player out and it's a rookie, right? Like Lily.

[A]

Right.

[B]

And a few minutes later, the coach takes literally out of the.

[A]

Carlos was like, okay, you're out.

[B]

I was like.

[A]

And that's when they brought in Bernina, which then assisted on Rose Lavelle's goal, which is crazy with that nice little step over, step over, step over, like, four times.

[B]

A move that I would. I would, like, trip over my own feet. I'd be like, oh, no, I fell. Oopsies.

[A]

Very Brazilian. Yeah, I. I think also how Hirschfeld getting injured affected, obviously, right when that happened, when she was the Washington Spirit midfielder trying to come back from that, they ended up in literally, like, if she'd been healthy, I think she probably could have intercepted that pass to Roosevelt. But they put her back on the field, and then they ended up taking her off the field after that. And I hope she's okay. And also, I mean, obviously not having a full trinity. Rodman for Washington Spirit was huge. She has battled that back injury and missed a lot of the season. Three and a half months with that. And then when she comes back and she's doing really well and she's scoring goals, she wins, you know, player of the month, NWSL player of the month honors in September, and then she gets the knee injury right after that. The day she was actually named to the U.S. women's National Team roster, when they were also so excited to have her back. So that was a bummer. She did get 33 minutes in that final, but really couldn't find the game. And. And she even said that. But I think we have to give Gotham some props because their regular season was just average, really. They were 4, 5, and 3, like, in the middle of. Of the season, really struggled to kind of string consistent wins together. You had Rose Laval, you'll remember, ABS was hurt. She had that ankle surgery in the early part of the year. So she, they didn't get her back until June or July. Tierna Davidson has been out with that acl, so she's not back. Mitch Purse has been out. Astaire had hip, a hip injury. Gabby Portillo, another star of theirs, was, was out with some injury. So they had lost Lynn Biandolo, of course to Seattle. Yasmine Ryan was gone. So they were trying to fill some of those gaps and, and they got their swagger back, they got Rose back, they got Midge back, they got healthier, they got Jaden Shaw from North Carolina Courage. That was huge. In September, this intra league transfer deal was worth $1.25 million, largest in the history of the National Women's Soccer League. So, and Shaw was involved in, geez, all three of Gotham's play up playoff run goals. I think scoring in two, assisting in another. She was huge.

[B]

Yeah, I mean look, it's not how you start, it's how you finish. And if you can get into the playoffs, especially that last playoff spot where those last four or five games matter, so your whole team collective consciousness is like it's either now or never, right? And so like you throw the throttle down and, and everybody is trying to fire on the same page, right? Like all cylinders go a go and sometimes what you find is like those teams that are fighting for their lives for those many games leading into the playoffs and then, and then they just keep that, that, that energy going forward in every playoff game and it's like we've got nothing to lose here. And sometimes I think those are the most dangerous teams to play against is players for sure. And, and teams that are like, just like throwing whatever at the wall, seeing with sticks and like continuing to go and that confidence that they can build over time, you know, I mean Roosevelt having been hurt and then coming on and then scoring the game winner, Jaden Shaw, like Jalen Howell, like there's, they have so many studs on this team that all they needed was a reason to come together. And the reason that they brought on it was we got to make the playoffs. And then it was like, well, we got to win this next game. And then it was like we got to win this next game. And then they find themselves in the final with 10 minutes left and, and Rose gets a ball on her favored left foot. It just come on. This is so good. Just like, come on. A really good story.

[A]

Yeah, I think they're gonna want to go in last seed going forward for, for eternity. Like yeah, we, we just go in as last seed and, and Crush all the way through. And all their, all of their goals were really late too. Like, this is a team that just believed. Okay, we can get it done. And can we just talk about Emily Sonnet? Oh my gosh, that woman, she's so funny. She's like setting all these NWSL record. I, I have those somewhere.

[B]

How many championship games has she probably played in? A lot, right? Like, she's played on really good quality teams that have gone far. And she's such a gamer, right? Like, just watching her go down and waste time at the end of games, like that would have made my. That would have made my head blow right off my, my body if I was playing against her. Because it's so frustrating playing against a really savvy player who knows about time management and then is like, oh my God, my back. Ow. And then she was like, but my leg. Oh no, my neck. It was my neck. Oh no, no, no. It's my shoulder. And she went through this whole thing. And I was like sitting on the side. I was sitting in my living room and I was like telling Glenn and I was like, that would drive me bonkers if I was. I would, I would, I would get a red card for sure if I was on the spirit trying to like, like get the ball back into play. And she's going down and she's like, no. Ow, my back. Oh no, my, my shin guard. Oh no. Oh, my shoulder. And I was like, oh, good on you, Emily Sonnet.

[A]

Okay, so this is, this is Sonnet's fifth start in an NWSL final and she is the new holder of a handful of league postseason records including appearances, starts and minutes. The 31 year old defender ties the league high for NWSL championship starts with.

[B]

Her inclusion Champion champion charts with her.

[A]

Inclusion in today's 11.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

The fifth start in an NWSL final. Okay. And then she had this. Sonnet had this like sliding across. Did you see this tackle? And like to stop that, that spirit from. I think it was Lacey Santos was right in front of Gold. She just. All of a sudden I was like, where did Sonic come from? She just comes like this superwoman comes flying across. Sliding tackle. She was really good.

[B]

Yeah, she's great.

[A]

Really good. And then. Oh, did you see Ben consoling Trinity after?

[B]

That was sad.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Yeah, it's. You just could tell Trinity wasn't. She didn't have it. She wasn't. She wasn't ready to like. I mean, I'm sure she was trying to get as ready as she can, but it's just hard when you're coming back from an injury and you're pretending that you're fine, but you know, like that you're not. And then she gets into the game and falls on her back. And so it's just like sometimes it just sometimes those games aren't meant to be. And it's sad. It's a sad time.

[A]

And back to back appearances in the final for Washington Spirit and back to back one nil losses, which is tough. So, you know, she was feeling that as well.

[B]

Yeah, that's tough.

[A]

All right. Well, congratulations to Gotham fc. That was. That was fun. That was a great run by y' all and you and you deserve it. So congratulations. Really fun to watch.

[B]

Oh, I.

[A]

Really fun.

[B]

Wait. Yes, I knew this. I knew McCall, Zerboni and Lynn Williams. I knew that they are the NFL players with the most championships, each with four. They are joined by Caitlin Rowland as the only player to have won four NWSL titles. And I hope that Lynn Bindolo or.

[A]

Lynn Williams, formerly Lynn Williams. Yep. And McCall Zerboni. Ah.

[B]

And I knew it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I knew McCall. Like I. McCall was like, during my time I played with McCall and it feels like she was always on the championship team. Like, she was like the. The link. Her and Becky, who used to play for Florida State and used to date the. The. The PGA player, Becky Edwards. Becky Edwards was also, I feel like, always on championship, at least in the championship games.

[A]

Well done, Abigail. That's it. Pulling Becky's name out too. Really impressive, Abigail. Break through the busiest time of the year with. And you know what I'm gonna say the brand new Peloton Cross Training Tread plus, powered by Peloton iq. Oh, God, I love this.

[B]

It's my new favorite toy.

[A]

Yeah. And here's why. The Peloton Cross Training Tread plus, it's Peloton's most advanced equipment yet. Because it's built for runners, it's built for lifters. Anyone really ready to move smarter. And. And that's us, clearly. Because we're smart, we always want to be intentional about how we're moving our bodies, which is why I love this new peloton because it helps you achieve more and less time.

[B]

Do you want to know why I love it so much?

[A]

Yeah. Why?

[B]

Because it's giving me a lot of confidence. Because all I do is I keep winning, winning, winning, winning, winning.

[A]

All I do is win, win, win. No matter what.

[B]

What? I've beaten you two and. Oh, you're o. And two. And the other thing that I really love about it is actually when I come downstairs, which is where I do a lot of my work, my family, they're all on it. They're just on it. They love it. It's like it's a whole family affair.

[A]

Yeah, that's the thing, right? It helps you stay motivated. You're actually seeing progress. I feel like it's giving main character energy for me. You can also do with. With the peloton iq, which we've discovered. It's genius, right? And it literally is a genius trainer living in my tread because it counts my reps, it fixes my form even when I don't want it to. It reminds me, get your butt down. Even tells me which weights to grab. Right? So I'm not guessing and hoping and all that thing. It counts for me. Bless you. So it's smarter lifts, safer training, zero brain power required. And there's all this variety. Like you could do a 45 minute run and then you swivel the screen and you could do, you know, a five minute stretch, or you could do a five minute, you know, full body workout on your mat next to your tread. It's brilliant. So Peloton iq, Abby. It gets.

[B]

It's our favorite gift of the year.

[A]

And it gets me. It builds a personalized plan with classes and instructors that match my goals and my vibe. It's basically my coach who knows exactly what I need before I do. So let yourself run, lift, sculpt, push, and go explore the new peloton cross training tread [e-mail] this episode of welcome.

[B]

To the Party is brought to you by Ally Financial. We love that Ally is more than just a bank. They've got this do it right approach that shows up everywhere.

[A]

That's right, because Ally actually helps customers unlock their economic potential, all while powering the growth of athletes, fandom, and leagues across women's sports. And as we know, it's been anchored by a historic commitment to increasing visibility by, get this. Spending equally on men's and women's sports media. Ally truly does it right. And they've had official partnerships across the nwsl, wnba, usga, unrivaled and drumroll, please. Beyond that. Now, that includes this podcast too, so welcome to the party.

[B]

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[A]

And here's what we truly love. The same way as Abby was talking about that Ally puts customers first in banking, they put women first in sports, and they are literally making history with equal spending on men's and women's sports media. And that's why they're the perfect partner for welcome to the party. Visibility, equity, empowerment, it all connects party people.

[B]

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[A]

Abigail, let's talk about finding your perfect fit. And by perfect fit, right, I'm talking about better bras. And just in time for the holidays. I did not know about third love and I have discovered third love. And what I've discovered is it has you covered with bras and undies that look and feel incredible. And they've been around for over 10 years and they're literally redefining comfort and support because they're offering, listen to this. Thoughtfully design bras in over 60 sizes from double A to H, including exclusive half cup sizes. I didn't know that either. You could do a half cup size. And their bras are made with high quality materials, innovative details like thermo regulating fabric. Thank you. To keep you cool, smoothing designs for a seamless look. Because no one wants that bra that's underneath your shirt and you're seeing it. I've had plenty of those and options for lift and added support. And I'm telling you, y' all need these bras in your life. It's like night and day. So right now, during their their Black Friday sale, you can shop their entire collection for up to 60% off. I will say it again right now, during their Black Friday sale, you can shop their entire collection for up to 60% off. Plus, you spend $135 and you'll get an extra $25 off. Perfect for holiday outfits. Or even better, gift yourself a little comfort this season. Why not? This sale won't last forever, party people. So head to thirdlove.com and find your perfect fit today.

[B]

You won't regret it. So Glennon is terrible at keeping track of her contacts. Every time I open the drawer, I'll see one lonely lens and think, yes, future Glennon. Is she going to be able to handle this? Spoiler? Probably not. I don't know. That's why I finally switched us to 1-800-contacts. And honestly, I wish I had done it years ago. They've made the whole process unbelievably easy. The exact contacts my doctors prescribes delivered. Yeah, Right to our door. Fast. Free shipping on every order. And if something's off they have free returns, free exchanges, and even free torn lens replacements. It's like that. They've thought of every annoying thing about wearing contacts and essentially fixed it. And the big one for me. They're the only major retailer that lets you renew your contact lens prescription online with their express exam that so you don't have to go to the doctor. It takes less than 10 minutes and you get a doctor issued prescription you can use to buy your contacts. You can renew an expired prescription if you see clearly with your current lenses. For someone like Lennon or you strong prescription, easily annoyed by errands, 1, 800 contacts has genuinely made our lives easier. Getting contacts doesn't have to be a hassle. Let 1-800-contacts get you the contact lenses you need right now. Order online at 1-800-contacts.com or download the free 1-800-contacts app today.

[A]

Okay, party people, congrats to Gotham. I don't know. I don't understand how the Lavelle family doesn't have a Fireball sponsorship yet, but they're gonna get there. I, I hope. And party people, if you want to watch all of the fun that happened over the NWSL weekend, you need to get on that YouTube channel. Yeah, you're gonna want it. You're gonna want to see some of the minute to win. It's and Julie, of course, losing again. Welcome to the party YouTube channel.

[B]

You third personed yourself. You couldn't even say I.

[A]

You're like Julie, you can't even say it. I am a loser.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And click that little bell icon. So you get updates when new episodes go live.

[B]

Yeah. And you know, we really read and would appreciate so much.

[A]

Let's see what the update is.

[B]

Oh, yeah, anytime you rate or you leave a comment. Also subscribe to podcasts on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcast. And also, Jules, be sure you, you guys just got to follow us on Tick tock and Instagram. We are really bringing good content out into the world. You just go to app. Welcome to the party show. That's where Julie, Billy and I will bring the party straight to your feed. So you can also, by the way, email us at party people questions, gmail.com, shout out to our friend. What's the number, Jules? What's the number?

[A]

Kate Diaz. Kate Diaz. Yes. Okay. But we are at almost 805.0 stars and we said we would get to a thousand by Thanksgiving. We have time, party people. We have four days. Two days. By the time this airs. Three days. Two days.

[B]

I wonder.

[A]

It's gonna be tight. I wonder you said we're get there by Christmas. I'm gonna lose again.

[B]

You are gonna lose again.

[A]

God, yeah. Come on, party people. Get in there and rate us. Give us. Give us five stars. We're at 5.0 right now with 791. We got to get to a thousand by Thanksgiving.

[B]

Come on.

[A]

That was what I thought.

[B]

We can do this. Yeah, we can do this. I think by Christmas.

[A]

Leave a comment. We love the comments.

[B]

Yeah, we read them all, you guys. It's like. It's what we do when we're feeling sad. Yeah, we appreciate it so much. All right, you guys, we love you so much. Party people, hands in. Let's do this. Let's do one.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Two, three. Welcome to the Party is an independent production brought to you by Treat Media. Treat Media makes art for humans who want to stay human. Silver Tribe is our production partner, and you can also watch our full conversations on the welcome to the party YouTube channel and follow us at welcome to the Party show on Instagram and TikTok.