The Wild Story of Hockey’s Ultimate BFFs

Summary

Podcast Summary: Welcome to the Party

Episode: The Wild Story of Hockey’s Ultimate BFFs
Date: July 21, 2026
Host: Treat Media — Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, and Billie Jean King
Guests: KK Harvey & Layla Edwards

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Welcome to the Party" dives deep into the incredible friendship, careers, and impact of trailblazing hockey stars KK Harvey and Layla Edwards. The two, Olympic champions and best friends since childhood, are now set to face off on opposing teams in the rapidly growing Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). With hosts Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach, and Billie Jean King guiding the conversation, the show explores women's sports milestones, the challenges and joys of lifelong friendship in pro athletics, and the power of representation. The episode is a joyful mix of party vibes, thoughtful questions, and memorable moments from some of women’s sports most iconic voices.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Sports Friendships – Then and Now

(00:55–04:30)

• Julie reflects on her own “forever teammate” experience with best friend Heather McIntyre, paralleling it to KK and Layla’s bond.
• The emotional impact of now playing against your best friend after a decade as teammates.
• Abby likens it to the transition when the Women's United Soccer Association started, and national teammates became league rivals.

Notable Quote:

• Julie: “We never had to line up against each other. And so, when we talked to KK and Layla about that, that's gonna be odd.” (03:34)

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2. Women’s Sports Growth & Milestones

(04:30–10:44)

• Rugby: Record-breaking audience growth for the Women’s Six Nations (peak TV audience: 2 million, 500% digital growth, over 77K fans at Twickenham).
• Hockey: Over 1.1 million fans attended PWHL games this season — first million-fan season. Average attendance up 28%, league expanding to 12 teams, and $100 million in new investments.
• Parasports: Events generated $1.16B in economic impact (2024); working-age Americans with disabilities have $490B in disposable income, underscoring the value of accessible, inclusive sports.

Notable Quote:

• Abby: “Women’s rugby now accounts for 27% of all women’s sports and TV viewing in the UK.” (06:20)

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3. Meet KK Harvey & Layla Edwards: A Friendship Forged in Ice

(17:00–18:00 introduction, 18:00 onward for main conversation)

Backgrounds

• KK Harvey: Olympic gold medalist, this year’s PWHL #1 overall draft pick (Vancouver Golden Eyes), three-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin.
• Layla Edwards: Olympic gold medalist, World Championship MVP, first Black woman to win Olympic gold in hockey for Team USA, #4 overall pick (San Jose), three-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin.

Notable Quote:

• Julie: “These two have been best friends since they were 10 and 12. They went to boarding school together. Won three national championships together. Won a damn Olympic gold medal together. They were roommates. They even raced a bunny together.” (16:56)

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Main Interview: Key Segments & Quotes

Friendship on and off the Ice

(18:00–20:00)

• The hosts lovingly tease KK and Layla about the heartbreak of having to play against each other.

• The fate of their pet bunny (rehomed after a few chaotic days) becomes a humorous highlight.

  Layla: “We didn’t have the credentials to take care of a bunny…so it was a better home.” (18:43)

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Training & Off-Season Life

(19:39–21:30)

• Layla: Training with local men’s leagues, younger brother, and following a Red Bull-designed program.

• KK: Training mixes girls’ three-on-threes, gym sessions, and planned reunions for workouts together.

  Layla: “My little brother, half the time, is out there, and then I kind of just have my own program that I do at a gym.” (19:54)

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Winning Gold & Making History

(22:06–25:54)

• Billie Jean King emotionally recalls watching them win Olympic gold in person: “I almost had heart attacks all night long…overtime, I thought my heart was going to stop.” (22:19)

• Reflections on achieving dreams side by side: Olympics gold and NCAA title in one month.

  Layla: “You achieve your lifelong dream…alongside your best friend, and then you get back and you’re doing finals, essays, and then you win your third national championship. I don’t think I ever want to lose another game.” (23:39)

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Representation and Inspiration

(25:54–26:35)

• Layla on being a “first” and inspiring others: “I’m just playing a sport that I love, and other people are being inspired by it…even outside hockey, which I think is really cool.”

• Real stories of young fans, especially young athletes of color, finding courage to start hockey after seeing Layla.

  Layla: “People have come to me and say, ‘You’re the reason I started playing because of you…’ That’s my bigger goal…to inspire other people.” (25:57–26:35)

• Billie Jean King underscores their role in changing the landscape for future generations.

  Billie Jean King: “You’re really playing, quite frankly, for the future generations…We want more, and we want more women, more girls of color. So, Layla, you being there makes a big difference.” (28:13)

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Origin Story & The Power of Belief

(29:14–34:34)

• KK & Layla laugh about their beginnings—figure skating, “glitter tutus and leotards” (Layla), ambitious early dreams, and learning to believe in themselves.

• The pivotal “shooting room” conversation at Wisconsin, where KK’s belief in Layla gave her confidence to pursue national team dreams.

  Layla: “I think there was, like, almost a switch in my mentality and confidence, and I was like, ‘Okay, I can make this team. I can get on the radar.’” (34:06)
  Billie Jean King: “A great team player really believes in their teammates.” (34:49)

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The TikTok Era: Joy, Authenticity & Laughter

(35:39–37:58)

• Hosts gush over their memorable TikToks—KK and Layla say it’s “50/50” on who’s the ringleader.

• Spontaneous, joy-filled moments as they coach the hosts through a “Scuba” TikTok.

  KK: “We bounce off one another…we’re just very authentic. We just have fun with it.” (36:01–36:12)

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Facing Off as Pros

(38:49–39:41)

• The reality of lining up against each other: last time was high school, but “the stakes weren’t as high.”
• Playful banter about one team getting beat, but the other winning when it counted.
• Acknowledgement that this chapter will be different but no less meaningful.

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Game: "Party Poppers" – Lightning Round

(43:58–46:29)

• Fun, quickfire Q&A to see who’s more likely to…
  • Show up late to the team bus (unanimously, KK!)
  • Lose their gold medal (again, KK—confirmed by a “lost” world medal story)
  • Laugh at the wrong time (both!)
  • Get everyone dancing (Layla on the dance floor, KK in the locker room)
  • Be superstitious (neither!)
  • Leave dishes in the sink (neither—“good job, teammates!”)

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Closing Reflections

(46:44–47:41)

• Hosts gush about KK and Layla’s character and friendship.
• Billie: “They’re fantastic human beings. You can tell…Our country’s in good shape with two people like them.” (47:13)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Billie Jean King (to Layla):
  “We want more, and we want more women, more girls of color. So, Layla, you being there makes a big difference.” (28:13)

• Layla Edwards (on representation):
  “I didn’t think people that looked like me played, and then I saw you…you’ve inspired me to do what I love, even if it’s in a space where people don’t look like me.” (25:57–26:35)

• Julie Foudy (on friendship and sports):
  “Doing it alongside your best friend, both the Olympic gold and that game, it was a cherry on top.” (24:36)

• KK Harvey (on childhood dreams):
  “I just had big dreams…once I really fell in love with it, I was like, okay…it was around five or six.” (31:32)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:55–04:30: Stories of lifelong sports friendships
• 04:30–10:44: Women’s sports growth & highlights
• 17:00–18:00: Introducing KK & Layla’s accomplishments and relationship
• 18:01–20:00: Interview starts, friendship/transition to competitors
• 22:06–25:54: Olympic gold, NCAA titles, living the dream
• 25:54–28:13: Representation, impact, and inspiring the next generation
• 29:14–34:34: Childhood dreams, confidence, belief, and team mentality
• 35:39–37:58: TikTok fun, authentic team energy
• 38:49–39:46: Facing each other as pros
• 43:58–46:29: “Party Poppers” lightning round
• 46:44–47:41: Closing reflections and gratitude

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Tone

The episode is warm, teeming with camaraderie, and unashamedly joyful—"party" is both metaphor and mood. Hosts and guests alike are playful but earnest, celebrating women’s sports, representation, and authentic friendship. The tone is open, supportive, and accessible, creating a welcoming vibe for all listeners.

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Closing Thoughts

“The Wild Story of Hockey’s Ultimate BFFs” is both a celebration of two athletes’ on-ice triumphs and a testament to the impact of friendship, belief, and visibility in women’s sports. Julie, Abby, and Billie Jean King foster an atmosphere where triumphs are shared, impact is recognized, and the future feels bright—making this episode a can’t-miss for anyone curious about the heart and humor behind sports’ greatest teams.

Party Rule Reminder: Have a sh*t ton of fun. You will—just tuning in.

Transcript

[A]

Kk Harvey and Layla Edwards, our favorite BFFs. After having lived together for decades, and teammates and roommates and best friends, you're on different professional teams.

[B]

Too soon, too soon, too soon, too soon.

[C]

It's heartbreaking, honestly.

[A]

Who is more likely to misplace their Olympic gold medal?

[D]

Kk.

[B]

Kk. Kk.

[A]

Could you create like an idea for a TikTok right now on the live podcast? Maybe King can't stand up because she doesn't have pants on.

[D]

I actually have my pants on today. I can stand up.

[C]

Attention,

[B]

the party is about to commence.

[A]

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

[B]

And I'm Abby Wambach.

[A]

Abs. Imagine spending 10 years with your best friend. You're living together, you're training together, you're winning everything together. And then suddenly you have to line up across from them on a different team. So that is exactly what two of hockey's biggest young stars, Olympians, three time national champions, and now PWHL stars KK Harvey and Layla Edwards are going to have to do. And they are gonna be here with us to talk about all of it. We will also have the Kinger joining us for this interview. So that is all coming up in a bit, but first I wanted to talk about my bestie that I played with forever. Because when we. When we found out, we. We got this interview with KK and Layla and their history, and I'm reading through all of the things they've done together. I'm like, oh, my gosh. My best friend growing up is Heather McIntyre, okay? And she's now Heather, buddy. We were on from her, from me being 7 years old and her being 8 years old, or maybe 8 and 9, we were on the Soccertes. Go Green Machine. That was really our name. Nobody messes with the Green Machine. Nobody even attempts the scene, okay? You've heard me sing that song million times.

[B]

Okay?

[A]

So Heather and I were on the Soccertes together. And if I'm just gonna give you a visual. Striped green dolphins. Do you remember dolphins? You probably are too young for dolphins, but dolphins, Dolphins were all the rage. Y' all know what I'm talking about if you're in your 50s, okay? These little green and white striped dolphin shorts were our shorts. And then she went to play at Stanford University. I had wanted to play at Stanford University. She was a year older than me. And so we. I, of course, followed Heather to Stanford University. So we played then three more years because she was a sophomore when I got there as a Freshman. We played three more years at Stanford together and room together and all the fun things, and we're still dear friends and our families are friends, and all of you know our Stanford posse is very tight, so.

[B]

That's awesome. I did not know that. That you played with somebody for that long.

[A]

You met Heather. We stayed at Heather's. I just remember this.

[B]

Oh, my gosh.

[A]

That Heather.

[B]

That Heather.

[A]

Yes, Heather and Steve. You stayed at their house with me. Yeah. So.

[B]

Hi, Heather, if you're listening.

[A]

Well, we're gonna tell her to listen. She listens. She's a party person.

[B]

So they're the nicest. They're the sweetest.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah, she's rad. Two kids, Luke and Molly, and they're rad. And Steve was a wrestler at Stanford as well, so. And so. But the thing is, we never had to line up against each other. And so when we talked to KK and Layla about that. That's gonna be odd.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

Like, you've spent 10 years of your life as besties KK and Layla, and now because they got drafted to different PWHL teams,

[B]

that's like it. That's like. It was. That must have been how it felt like when the WSA started for y' all to play against each other from, like, going from the national team full time to that.

[A]

It was really weird. We used to so look forward to national team breaks or windows, FIFA windows, because we could come back and be together. And it was like, ah, it's just so familiar. Right? Oh, I'm back with my sisters. So that's how it was with. With Heather. Okay, let's get into this party starter. The highlights, shakeups and headlines. You'll want to celebrate this week in women's sports. This party starter is brought to you by Ally the Bank that is your all party people. Sometimes we want these party starters to do more than just recap the headlines and the news. Sometimes they're actually a chance to celebrate the incredible growth happening across women's sports. And that's exactly what we're going to do today with our party starter. So topic number one. Women's rugby, as we know, is having itself a moment. We touched on this about a month or so ago when we highlighted women's elite rugby. We are that league, that professional league, and we shared that. According to World Rugby's A Blueprint for Growth report that nearly. Listen to this party, people. Half of all women's rugby fans are brand new to the sport. That's crazy to me, having discovered it within the last two years. But there's more great news on the women's rugby front that we wanted to share. The 2020, 2026 Guinness Women's Six nations that wrapped in May set new records for attendance and fan engagement. And according to the unbreakable female athlete, the tournament reached a peak TV audience of 2 million viewers. And England's red roses saw 500% plus growth across the digital channels. And women's rugby now accounts for 27% of all women's sports and TV viewing in the UK.

[B]

Say that again. Say that again.

[A]

So women's rugby now accounts for 2027% of all women's sports TV viewing in the United Kingdom.

[D]

Whoa.

[B]

And also, by the way, Jules, the Roses won their eighth consecutive Women's Six nations title in May. It's a little confusing because I'm sure there's six nations in that tournament, but they won their eighth consecutive one of those.

[A]

Oh, my gosh. That's incredible. And a record 77, 120 fans packed Twickenham Stadium in London for England versus Ireland. The largest crowd ever for a Women's Six nations match. And the tournament finished with the highest overall attendance in women's Six nations history. Also, we did want to let the party people know that We Are Us professional league will wrap up their second season July 26th with the championship set for August 2nd. Okay, topic number two. Hockey continues on a high, as we know. And because we're obviously interviewing KK and Layla and hockey is a big topic in this episode, we wanted to share a few numbers that show just how much momentum women's hockey has right now. More than 1.1 million fans attended PW HL games this season. That's the league's first million fan season million plus fan season.

[E]

Wow.

[A]

Average attendance reached 9,304 fans per game, which is up 28% from the last season. And as we know, the league, which is in his off season, is now expanding from eight teams to 12 teams, adding Detroit and Hamilton, Las Vegas and San Jose for the 2026, 27 season. Morgan News, Abigail. The PWHL announced its first outside investors.

[B]

I saw this.

[A]

Did you see this?

[B]

I know. I was pissed. I was like, yeah.

[A]

We were like, wait, wait, what about us?

[B]

What about us?

[A]

Billy Ilitch Companies and Kilmer Sports Ventures are the two that came in, which I think is another sign that major sports ownership groups see a bright future for women's sports. Because get this, ABS Kilmer Sports Ventures, they reportedly invested 100 million in the PWHL. They have ownership stakes in Toronto Maple Leafs, the Raptors, Toronto FC, which is the MLS team, and WNBA's Toronto Tempo. Ilitch companies have ownership in Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and now of course, Detroit P, Detroit's PW HL expansion team. So that's very cool to see. Topic three. And officially, we want in, by the way, for topic 2. Topic 3. Adaptive and Parasports are growing. And finally, we always say we are at our best when we bring people in, not keep people out. So women's sports has been a huge part of that movement and so is the growth of adaptive and parasports. The Sports Business Journal shared a few numbers in a post recently adapted and parasports events generated an estimated 1,164 million in economic impact in 2024. And working age Americans with disabilities represent an estimated 490 billion in disposable income. So there is a market and a place for these incredible athletes. And it's just another sign that when sports become more accessible to more people, we all win. That's a wrap on our party starter. And thanks to Ally for sponsoring this segment. Ally is more than 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. And just like us, Ally believes that when women in sports win, we all have a reason to party. Ally bank member, FDIC okay, Abs, after the break, we're hanging out with KK Harvey and Layla Edwards and Billie Jean King. And of course, KK and Layla were best friends since they were kids. They're Olympic champions, they're roommates, and now they're going to spend the next few years trying to beat each other. I love this so much.

[B]

Okay, Jules. So I try to be pretty intentional about the products that I buy for my family. So when it comes to laundry, I really, I. I choose All Free Clear detergent.

[A]

I love this. Yeah, because we're always talking about being mindful with what we eat or what we put into our bodies, but I actually never really thought about laundry detergent in the same way.

[B]

Yeah, I know. Same. And, and when you really think about it, you're wearing these clothes all day, you're working out in them, you're traveling in them, sleeping in them, and then drying off after the shower with them on. So I do think it matters. That why I like that. All Free Clear uses only essential ingredients that just tackle tough stains and tough odors. We've got teenagers.

[A]

I was going to say you need that.

[B]

It's exactly. It's Gentle on the skin. So it's. It's also soft.

[A]

Yeah. And it's 100% free from dyes and perfumes and parabens. And I feel that once you know that, you can't unknow it, which is a good thing.

[B]

Totally. I know. And for me, between our kids and sports gear and just life, there's just always stains. Always stains. Like there's always something happening.

[A]

Yeah, always. And honestly, I do feel like workout clothes and watch washing them and especially Declan's, like, layers of workout clothes and how many he puts on a day is a full time job.

[B]

Exactly. But. But that's what's great, right? Because it actually works on all of that. But I still feel good about using it for everyone in the house and myself too.

[A]

Yeah. I love that you can look at the back of the bottle and actually see what's in it and what each ingredient actually does. That level of transparency, by the way, is not just something you usually get with laundry detergent. Plus, my son Declan has really sensitive skin. He has some allergies. So I love that. As I was saying, there's no dyes or perfumes since those can be irritating to his skin. And as we know, skin is an organ, we worry about what we put on the inside of our bodies. So we should also care about what touches our skin too, with clothes and what we wash them in.

[B]

I know. And that is why it makes it such an easy choice. Jules.

[A]

It works. And it's a clean you can feel good about.

[B]

Pick up a bottle of all free clear detergent for your next laundry day.

[A]

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp ABS. I think we've gotten a lot better at talking about mental health. We check in with our friends. We remind people they're not alone, but when it comes to ourselves, somehow it's really easy to think, I'm just gonna deal with that later. Better helps. 2026 State of Stigma report surveyed 2,000Americans, and it revealed that 85% of Americans believe getting support is wise. But listen to this. 74% say society discourages people from doing so. Yeah, and that disconnect says a ton. Because we believe in getting support, we just don't always feel comfortable being person who asked for it. And I think one of the best things we can do is normalize those conversations and encourage people we love to take that first step. Don't let stigma stand in the way of support. Start therapy with better help.

[B]

Sign up and get 10% [e-mail] welcome to the party. That's better. Hp.com welcome to the party.

[A]

Abigail with Shipt. You know this. It's never just delivery. It's shopped same day in the same way you would. That's the attention to detail that I love about Shipt. Because when I'm ordering ingredients for a meal I've been looking forward to all day, I don't want someone treating it just like another order. And I love that I can order same day delivery from stores I already shop at, whether it's groceries from Albertsons or something from Target or pet supplies from Petsmart or even last minute craft supplies from Michael's. If the kids have an art project due the next day that they forgot about, which happens a lot at my house. And the communication is great. Like literally just this weekend, for example, it turns out that the store was out of my preferred brand of guac. And so the shopper with Shipt gave me a quick message and guess what? We were able to find a replacement. There's not just one brand of guac, by the way. It couldn't be easier. So get a $49 annual membership with promo code [e-mail] offer. That's S-IPT.com offer. Terms apply. And now to the parties. This part of our party. First up, KK Harvey, Olympic gold medalist, Olympic mvp, the number one overall pick in this year's PWHL draft, headed to the Vancouver Golden Eyes. She was college hockey's player of the year, International Ice Hockey Federations female player of the year and a three time national champion at Wisconsin. And then there's her best friend, Layla Edwards, Olympic gold medalist, world championship mvp, Historymaker is the first black women to win Olympic gold in hockey for Team usa. Three time national champion, also at Wisconsin. She was just drafted to the expansion team San Jose as the overall number four pick. And she's one of the most dynamic young players in the game. And beyond all that, here's what makes this so fun, party people. These two have been best friends since they were 10 and 12 years old. They went to boarding school together. They won three national championships together. As we just said, they were drafted into the PWHL together. They won a damn Olympic gold medal together. They were roommates. They even raced a bunny together. KK Harvey and Layla Edwards, our favorite BFFs. Welcome to the party. You two are the best of friends. You two are the best of friends.

[D]

The best.

[B]

The best of friends have gold medals.

[E]

How do you guys know about the bunny?

[A]

We know all.

[D]

We know too much.

[A]

We know Great.

[D]

We know nothing. I know nothing.

[A]

I'm so pumped you guys are joining us, and I just need to do a wellness check on YouTube because after having lived together for decades and teammates and roommates and best friends, you're on different professional teams. How are you going to be about this?

[E]

Too soon. Too soon.

[D]

Too soon.

[B]

Too soon.

[C]

Yes. It's heartbreaking, honestly.

[E]

I mean, we knew it was coming,

[B]

but it was still like.

[C]

It was like the inevitable we didn't want to face.

[B]

But yeah.

[C]

Yeah, it's here.

[B]

Are you guys still raising the bunny together

[C]

to break the news to you guys? The bunny, it's alive, but he's not with us anymore. He's with a friend, so they, like, adopted him.

[E]

Yeah, he lasted two days with us.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Wait, Leila, did you just say the bunny lasted two days with you?

[E]

Maybe. Maybe three. Maybe three. Oh.

[A]

Why? What happened. What happened with the split up?

[C]

We don't have, like, necessarily the credentials to take care of one. We weren't super prepared and we didn't know what it entailed to take care of a bunny. So the person we g. Did, so it was a better home.

[D]

All right, that's good. You did the right thing then.

[B]

So, Layla, Layla and K.K. layla, first, can you give us a. An understanding? Like, where are you right now in the world?

[E]

Right now? I'm in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, my hometown. And I'm taking this call in a Starbucks because I just got done working out.

[B]

That's incredible. Maybe we'll have Starbucks on as a sponsor. Well done, kk. Where are you at?

[C]

I'm currently at home to Salem, New Hampshire, and I am in my kitchen area taking this call.

[B]

Amazing. When do you guys go back into camp? Like, what. What. What is your net from now until. Are you going to be training with Team USA or you. The next thing that you go into is your PWHL teams.

[E]

We have Camp September 13th with USA. That's in Minnesota. Okay.

[B]

Okay. And then from now until then, are you able to get on the ice? Like, how do you guys train when you're not with your teams?

[E]

Mine's kind of all over the place. It's more like on your own, but I skate with, like, mostly guys, but unfortunately. No, I'm just kidding. No, it's great. It's great. They're great. It's good. It's good pace. But my little brother, half the time is out there, and then I kind of just have my own program that I do at a gym.

[D]

Yeah, what do you do?

[E]

I either lift weights do cardio? A little bit of both. It's. It's a program that my Red Bull trainer, like, personalized for me after I did a bunch of testing and stuff, so.

[A]

Good.

[E]

Yeah. Yeah, it's cool.

[A]

Do hockey players. I mean, I. You need the cardio for sure, but it's so anaerobic. Right, like that, right? Oh, like you. Do you. Do you go run a lot?

[E]

Is that a.

[A]

Is that a thing for hockey players?

[E]

I know some people run. It's not for me and it's not for my knees, so there's plenty of other. Other ways to get some cardio in that is less impactful on the knees, but. I don't know. K.K. how about you?

[C]

Yeah, I'm. I'm back home training. I. I live in New Hampshire. I train out of Mass. And same thing, like, piecing together skates. We do like a girls three on three once a week, which is sweet. With some of the local girls with like Keller, Kayla Barnes, and some of those girls are teammates and then just. Yeah, like skates with different girls and guys. And I work out in a gym called Bando Performance. And Layla's actually coming out in sometime in August. We're gonna train together.

[E]

No official date, but sometime.

[B]

Okay. I have probably the most important question that KK you might ever get in your whole life.

[E]

I feel like I'm.

[B]

No pressure because you're from New Hampshire. Do you know Keda?

[C]

How do you spell that?

[B]

K A, Y, D, A. You don't watch Love island, do you?

[C]

Oh, Kurt, Yes. I don't know her, though. I've heard her name. Okay,

[B]

I'll tell you about it later. Have you ever heard of Love Island? The show, Billy?

[D]

Yes, I have. I've heard of it.

[B]

You gotta watch it. And Kada is from New Hampshire.

[D]

I promise you I'll try. Oh, my God.

[B]

Well, what have you guys been up to since winning a freaking gold medal? Like, what has life been like? What's going on?

[A]

There's been a lot.

[E]

Right. Well, in chronological order.

[B]

Yeah. Tell us.

[E]

Yes, Billy, you.

[D]

We were there. Lana and I were there. We were there watching you. I cannot. Oh, God. I almost had heart attacks all night long. It was fantastic. And the finish, the win. Oh, my God. Overtime. I thought my heart was going to stop.

[C]

It was.

[D]

Anyway, congratulations. Congratulations to both of you. Unbelievable.

[E]

Thank you. That was incredible.

[D]

I just think the women should have as well as. Well, the men get the last. You know, the last of the last at the Winter Olympics when the women played Thursday and the guys played Sunday. Well, I think the girls should be later than. We're up against ice skating. I mean, seriously.

[E]

Yeah, I agree.

[D]

Figure skating. Sorry. So it's like, come on, give our women a chance. Because I think they would have had a. I mean, we had a huge amount of people watching, but I was thinking it could have been double. These guys were so good being there in person.

[A]

Oh.

[D]

Thought I was gonna die. It was great.

[A]

Yeah. Okay. What is that moment like? And then I want you also. Then 30 days later, you win a national title as well. So, like, I wanna. I want all of that. How you do you do the double Olympic gold, Natty, in the span of a month. Really?

[E]

Oh, yeah. Come on.

[A]

That's amazing. What was that like, man?

[E]

It's this. It's so hard to put into words. It's like you achieve your lifelong dream of what you've dreamt since you started playing hockey. You get to do it, like, alongside your best friend and some of your other really good friends. And then you get back and you're doing finals, you're doing essays, blah, blah, blah. And then you win your third national championship. And it's like, I don't think I ever want to lose another game. Yeah, that's how I'm feeling personally. Yes, but how did you feel? K.K.

[C]

yeah, that's a. That's a good way to put it. And I mean, just thinking about that single game, the Olympic game, and how crazy it was. The one Nothing, honestly, when they. Those six went out there and I just had full faith. I knew. I just knew it was going to be a crazy play. Like, I had that perfect place pop through. Hillary, of course, with that sweet tip, and it was just like, picture perfect. And then Meg with the game winner to seal it.

[E]

I don't know.

[C]

Personally. Yes. Personally, I have to pinch myself. I feel like. Did that happen? It's kind of crazy to think about the National Championship game. Yeah, it was special. Again, doing it alongside your best friend. Both the Olympic gold and that game, it was a cherry on top for sure. And like Lila said, don't want to lose another game ever again.

[A]

And doing it alongside your best friend, Layla, who was, like, shattering history. I mean, so many firsts for you. Layla. You made history as the first black woman to play for Team USA Senior National Team. First black woman to score for Team USA at both the World Championships and Olympics. First black woman to win Olympic gold in hockey for Team USA in that moment, is that something you can fully appreciate or has it taken some time? Or have you Even fully appreciated that yet.

[E]

I think it's taken some time and I'm still learning to fully appreciate it, like, as I see the impact it's actually had on people, like, firsthand. It's just so cool. I'm just playing a sports that I love, and other people are being inspired by it, you know, even people outside of hockey, which I think is really cool. So just taking it one day at a time. But I'm definitely, definitely proud to, like, be in this space and be able and have the opportunity to, you know, inspire other people.

[A]

What are you seeing firsthand that you just mentioned?

[E]

Yeah, good question. I mean, people just coming up to me saying, like, I saw you play hockey, or you're the reason. Like, a lot of people have come to me and say, you're the reason I started hockey, or it's like, I started playing because of you, or I didn't think people like that look like me played and then I saw you. So I think it's just been things like that, which is really cool. And even people who don't play hockey, they're like, oh, you've inspired me to do what I love, even if it's in a space where people don't look like me at all. I'm not the majority. I think that's just so cool. And that's my bigger goal. Of course, I want to make an inspiration in hockey and give back because the game has given me so much. But the opportunity to expand it outside of hockey, I think is super cool.

[B]

And you all are in a position right now where I see kind of where Alex Morgan came in when she was young and I was the old player on the team. You're in the position where Alex was when she first started playing, that she found real success on the national team. But the thing that she was going to really help develop wasn't just the national team, it was the professional league. And the fact that you guys are now getting into there's been so much more success because of the national team and what you guys did at the Olympics. And if you keep doing that and keep having the impact that you do for the pwhl, I think it's going to be really, really, really interesting in 15 years how much bigger this freaking thing is going to be that you all will have your hands totally in it. But my. My real question. Did you both graduate from college?

[C]

Barely.

[B]

Barely. Did you actually.

[C]

No, no, no, I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, we did.

[C]

We both did.

[D]

You did graduate. Yes.

[C]

I was joking. I'm just joking. Yeah.

[A]

Wait, that makes sense. That makes 1, 2, 3, 4 of us who have graduated from college.

[D]

Julie, on this screen, leave the kid along.

[E]

Maybe.

[A]

It took Kinger till 82, but Abby is not there yet.

[B]

I ask all the people who just got drafted, did you graduate?

[D]

We got a lot of honorary degrees.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah. Abby's gonna get there, I believe.

[B]

I had priorities. I had different priorities then.

[E]

It's not for everyone.

[D]

These two are going to make a huge difference to the pwhl, but just the future generations. Not only your generation, but you're really playing, quite frankly, for the future generations. And I hope you'll be all right with that. And we want more, and we want more women, more girls of color. So, Layla, you being there makes a big difference, I think. And then I just think it's amazing what's going on at the pro level when we were selling out. You're going to be a huge part of that. You're going to. You're going to be one of the reasons we're selling out, for sure. But it's just amazing what's happening. And I'm so excited. And it was so sweet at the draft when, you know, kk, I think you waited for Layla to come off the stage, because I was on the stage and watching. So it was in Detroit at the Fox Theater. It was packed. The people going crazy with the draft. You know, a lot of people. A lot of people over 200. So 235 people were trying to make it.

[E]

So, yeah, yeah.

[D]

Congratulations. It's hard, but you guys are superstars.

[A]

When you were young, 10 and 12, when you first met, like, and you became BFFs, were you ever like, dear Diary, one day we will win multiple NCAA titles together. We will win the Olympics together, and we're gonna win every MVP title out there. Dear Diary, were you ever like that? Could you have foreseen any of it?

[E]

Honestly, no.

[D]

So you never wrote that down once or thought. Did you ever think about it?

[E]

No, no, no. Honestly, like, I was just hoping to just play it for starters. I was like, oh, I hope I can play with her longer term. Because when we first met, it was like a shorter term team, just a summer weekend. And that was kind of all it was until. And then, I guess, once we grew up, and then I watched her make the U18 team and they won gold, and I was like, oh, I would have loved to have done that with her. So maybe that's like the closest I got to that. And then she made the Olympics in 2022. And I was like, cool. Like, that's awesome. Like, I wish I was there. So I think it was always just about getting there, but it's like, I didn't think we would just do all this winning.

[B]

Did you guys, like, skate on ponds when you were growing up? When you were little, how did you learn how to skate?

[C]

I did a bit, but learning how to skate, it was just going to the rink. My brother would go, and I'm sure it was the same for Layla and class, like, wanting to follow in his footsteps.

[D]

And.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, we. We both figure skated, too, which is pretty cool.

[D]

Did they encourage you to figure skate instead of play ice hockey?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

Play hockey. They did, right?

[E]

Yeah, But I didn't like the outfits. I wish that was a tomboy. I like. I like shorts past my knees and backwards hats, but they had me in, like, glitter tutus and leotards.

[A]

Oh, really?

[B]

We gotta find that.

[A]

That's going up.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Wait, K.K. true or false? You started. I read somewhere that you started seeing skiing. Skiing skating at age 3. And then you told your aunt, like, I'm gonna make the. The Olympic team. True or false?

[C]

Half true. Yes, I did. I think it was at a little. A little bit later, but yes. Like, I did skirt at three. And then a couple years later, once I really fell in love with it, I was like, okay. It was around probably five or six.

[B]

Nice.

[A]

Five or six. Where you knew you were going to become an Olympian.

[C]

I think I just had big dreams, and I was hoping one day I saw. I definitely had seen the Olympics on the tv, and I just really wanted to be there. That was just my dream.

[B]

Okay. Did you two ever talk about this dream of potentially. Because you can't just show up and be like, I'm going to make the National Team great. Like, you actually have to think about. There has to be some forethought because you have to train and you have to put your body through a lot of. A lot of struggle and suffering and all of that. And you're probably playing on a lot of boys teams when you're young and all the things. Did you ever talk to each other about potentially one day playing on the National Team? If so, I would love to know that. If not, when you first realized you were going to make it to the National Team and play in the Olympics, what was that conversation like when you first made the roster?

[E]

Yeah, I actually remember a specific conversation. We were both in the shooting room at the Wisconsin Rink, and we have, like, a Shooting room. And we were just talking and, don't worry, we get our work in. But we were doing a lot more talking that day. And it was just. I remember telling kk, like, she had just recently had a lot of success with the National Team. And I was just like, oh, I just wish I. Or my only goal is to. Weird bites are candles. I just want to be on the National Team's radar. I was like, I just want to catch their eyes. Wanna, blah, blah. I'd love to be on that team. And, like, I will be on the team with you. And. And I was like, hopefully it just skyrockets from there. This was, I think, the summer of 2022.

[D]

Or.

[E]

No, the summer of 2023. Summer 2023. And she was just like, oh, you. Like, you can. You will.

[C]

Yeah, I do recall that conversation. I was special because, I mean, Layla, at the time, like, you didn't. You probably couldn't see it, but I. Like, I knew you had it and you're gonna make it. And I do remember, too, in Lake Placid, obviously, they told us we're gonna relay the information, like, oh, you made the team, which was really special. We got to do that. So I was able to tell Layla, like, she made her first team, but.

[E]

Oh, yeah, Yeah.

[C]

I just. I just remember, like, all the work you had put in, freshman, sophomore, all those years leading up, and it might have been your. I don't know what year it was that you made it, but I don't either. But I know it was 20, 24 was your first, and I don't know, I just knew that was your.

[D]

Like, your.

[C]

Your breaking through, and it was gonna happen. And I was super proud of you. And I obviously couldn't say that ahead of time, but I just knew you were gonna make it.

[E]

Yeah, right? Yeah. It was like. I think during that conversation, it was just the confidence and faith that I saw that KK had in, like, my ability, I could tell is way more than what I had in myself. But I think there was, like, almost a switch in my mentality and confidence, and I was like, okay, I can make this team. I can get on the radar. No, I can make it there and succeed and kind of like that. And I guess I've never really reflected on that till now, so thanks for bringing that up.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Wow.

[B]

This is what team is all about. We use each other for confidence in times when were uncertain. And the fact that, like, you both were there, it's so great for your relationship that you both ended up making it because it could have been really tough if one of you did.

[D]

That's what makes a great team player. A great team player. A great team player really believes in their teammates. Yeah. Like, I believe in you. And that's what KK was really saying to Layla. Like, oh, my God. Or thinking about it. It's amazing because that's so important and helping each other that, you know you can do it. You know, you got it.

[A]

And it's an important reminder for. For younger kids to. To tell teammates how much you believe in them. Right. Like, I think sometimes people definitely hesitate to do that, to be like, no, you got.

[D]

You got it. You can do this.

[E]

Yeah. Go such a long way. And I just. Just remember, like, I could tell she wasn't BSing me either. Like, she really believed it, and I was like, wow. So that was just, like, a switch in my. In my mentality and that. So, yeah. Yeah. I would encourage kids to do the same.

[A]

Beyond your. Your skating games both being amazing, your TikTok game is really something that has impressed me.

[D]

That's been suffering.

[E]

I was waiting for this.

[A]

It's next. Next level. You were waiting for this. Kk, I get the sense that you are the ringleader in all of this tomfoolery. Am I correct in that?

[C]

I think it's 50. 50.

[A]

Like, really? Someday.

[E]

She's being nice. One of us is feeling more.

[C]

No, no. Layla. Layla has some brilliant ideas we bounce off of one another. I think that's what makes it so special and why our videos are so, like. I don't know. We're just very authentic. Like, we just have fun with it.

[A]

Does Layla ever say no to any of the ideas that you give her?

[C]

No, she hasn't yet. I don't think she kind of goes with it.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Hopefully not.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

I think we're both going with the Abby.

[E]

I think.

[A]

I feel like you and I would have.

[B]

And.

[A]

And Kinger would have made a really good TikTok team back in.

[E]

Cat would have. It's not.

[D]

Careful, careful.

[C]

Come on.

[B]

If we had started at.

[D]

We would have been. For sure.

[B]

We would have been better dancers. Our dancing is suffer, suffers. We are not great dancers.

[E]

And so there's no age limit or requirement.

[B]

Well, having said that, my children would disagree.

[A]

I was thinking. Kk, I had an idea that Kinger does not know we're doing this, but she will be game because she always is. Could you create, like, an idea for a TikTok right now on the live podcast that we actually do a fun TikTok together and Mind you, I mean, maybe King or can't stand up because she doesn't have pants on.

[D]

I actually have my pants on today. I can stand up.

[A]

My long pants.

[D]

When I said I didn't have my pants on, I meant my long pants. You know, I'm 82. Give me a break. I'm not going to get up and show my bob like you guys can.

[B]

I think, like.

[C]

Well, me and Layla, I mean, it's pretty easy. We can all stay seated, too. It's just like the scuba, maybe. Do you think that's easy, Layla?

[A]

I know the scuba.

[D]

Oh, my God. This where you.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Kinger's pinching her nose. Like, she's just.

[D]

I don't know what I'm doing. I'm having fun.

[A]

We should do the scuba together. All three.

[D]

Ready?

[A]

One, two, three.

[D]

Do you.

[A]

Do you pinch your nose?

[D]

Yeah. You're pinch it. You're underwater. I pinch it. You pinch it. Aren't you supposed to pinch it? I don't know.

[A]

This is a red card violation in. In soccer. This is now a red card violation for good reasons. Did you know that, you guys?

[E]

I did not.

[A]

In the FIFA World cup, there was a player from Paraguay who covered his mouth, and he got an immediate red card.

[D]

Really?

[B]

Yeah. You're not allowed to cover your mouth because they're trying to prevent any racist comments being said. I like that a player will try to cover up because of the lip reading.

[D]

Okay. We don't want racist remarks, so you need to.

[B]

If you're gonna yell at somebody, you need to just yell at them without covering.

[A]

Okay. Well done. Well done. On the. On the TikTok. I feel like we could make it now. We might have a chance.

[D]

We got our two coaches here, right? We got KK and Layla as our coaches.

[C]

You guys are fast learners. Good job.

[A]

Okay, my last question for you is in your first PW HL game, where you will line up together,

[D]

will.

[A]

Have you ever done that? I mean, outside of practice, of course, when you're doing inner squads. But, like, have you ever lined up against each other like this?

[E]

Not since high school. So, like, when she played for a different team her last year, we only played each other once. Once or twice. And it was just like. Of course we take it serious, but the stakes weren't as high as. So But I do remember they were beating us kind of bad. And we lined up at the draw, and I, like, looked at her and smirked. And then I, like, put my head back down. I put my head back down. Like, if I keep looking at her, I'm gonna laugh and nothing's funny. We're getting our asses kick.

[C]

But then. But then you guys beat us when it mattered. In, like, the final or something. That tournament.

[D]

Yeah, they never forget.

[A]

As you know, One of my favorite parts of traveling for international soccer back in the day, it wasn't so much about the matches. It was about all the different cultures and communities you got to mingle in. It's. It's the conversations you ended up having because of them. FIFA World Cup 2026, which is happening right on our own soil because you're seeing it in real time. Like the experience of cultures colliding in the most beautiful way and coming together, cheering for different teams. You're speaking different languages. They've got all these great dances and chants, completely different backgrounds. And what a beautiful thing this has been, because what you realize is the game gives everyone a common language. Turkey A had just won the. The. All the Turkey fans, Turkish fans were going crazy, which was so fun to see. My kids were just smiling and taking it all in. So it's why I love traveling with Airbnb. You can all be under one roof with space to spend time together, stay connected in these real local neighborhoods where you are hanging out with locals instead of touristy areas, and you experience a destination away that feels connected to the people who actually live there. Airbnb, the world is meant to meet.

[B]

Jules, you can teach skills, right? But you can't teach enthusiasm. So one thing that I've learned from hiring is that, you know, the people who've worked out best for us always came into the interview excited to be there. Because, you know, we love. We love some excitement, right? And it's that spark that means this is going to be a great fit. You got to come with your personality if in order for us to know it's going to be a great fit. So if you're hiring, you want a candidate who's passionate about your role, right? But you can't get that insight from, like, a resume unless you post your job on ZipRecruiter. And now you can try it for free at ZipRecruiter.com Plus, ZipRecruiter has a new feature that shows you the most interested qualified candidates first, so you meet the right people faster. Find candidates who really want your job on ZipRecruiter. Four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Try it for [e-mail] welcome that's ZipRecruiter.com welcome. Meet your match on ZipRecruiter. I accept that I am a supplement person, but until I found Im8, it's kind of really meant an unsustainable amount of pills. Bottles in my medicine cabinet and cluttering up my bathroom. Cluttering. They're just like everywhere. Okay, so half the time I couldn't even remember what half of my supplements were. Then I found im8 because they simplified and rounded up my routine. Im8 was co founded by David Beckham and built by leaning doctors and researchers. Okay, so in a clinical trial, Jules. Conducted by the San Francisco Research Institute, 95% of people who tried it for 12 weeks felt more energy. Go to imatehealth.com wttp right now or click on the link in the description and use code wttp for a free welcome kit. Five free travel sachets plus 10% off your orders. That's code [e-mail] wttp code [e-mail] wttp these statements have not been evaluated by Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All right, so we got some party poppers, which is a game that we're going to play with you, too. So who is it? I'm going to ask a question and you're going to point to who it is. Yourself or the other.

[E]

Oh, okay.

[B]

Makes sense.

[E]

Yes.

[B]

Okay, question number one. Who is more likely to show up late to the team bus? Oh, KK all right, all right.

[A]

She owned it right away.

[E]

Well done.

[A]

Okay, who is more likely to misplace their Olympic gold medal?

[D]

Whoa.

[B]

Both. Kkk. Kk. KK what's wrong with you?

[E]

Yeah. Because you're your world's one.

[C]

Yes.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

There's a story.

[A]

Oh, you misplaced your World's One.

[C]

Yes. It was found, though. It was like, in my backpack. I had packed it for safekeeping because we were having a fun night and I, like, had a whole search party going. It was crazy.

[A]

Well, can you bring one to my house? Because I've misplaced all my medals. That's what that question is for. I'm calling him misplaced and not lost.

[D]

You've misplaced them?

[A]

Yeah. I'm missing all my medals. Who is more likely to get caught laughing during a serious team meeting?

[C]

I feel like both of us.

[D]

Oh, really?

[B]

Okay.

[D]

Duel.

[A]

Okay.

[E]

Yeah.

[B]

Who is more likely to get everyone on the dance floor? Layla. Yeah.

[E]

Kk. KK Gets KK gets us going in the locker room, though.

[A]

Oh, really?

[E]

Yeah.

[C]

You.

[D]

You bring that.

[C]

How would say. Lila?

[A]

Okay.

[C]

She's got good moves like Lila.

[E]

So does kk. Good rhythm.

[C]

No.

[B]

Okay. Who has more superstitions?

[E]

Neither of us. Really?

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

Wow.

[E]

I know. Really sorry to let you guys down.

[B]

That's amazing.

[A]

Wait, neither you. Of. Of you have superstitions? Is that what you said?

[E]

Yeah. Gosh.

[A]

Abby, Abby, listen.

[B]

I know. I know I'm. I know I'm weird, but it works, so.

[A]

A lot of people do.

[E]

I don't think it's weird.

[C]

Yeah. Yeah, it's not weird at all.

[D]

Whatever works, Abby. Whatever works.

[C]

It works.

[A]

That's right. Until it goes to. You know, it takes five days to get through your superstation routine.

[B]

Okay, we have. We have one more. Who is more likely to leave their dishes in the sink?

[E]

I think we're both pretty good at cleaning up after ourselves.

[D]

Good job, teammates.

[A]

So excited for that one.

[D]

That is really good information.

[A]

People who leave their dirty dishes in a sink.

[E]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay.

[E]

We don't do it.

[A]

All right. Last thing we do on the podcast is we do a party pose. Any party pose that you want. On three. One, two, three.

[B]

Thanks, you guys.

[A]

Thanks, you all. So appreciate it.

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

Hey, good luck, you guys. This new season on the ice, off the ice, and in real life.

[C]

Go for it.

[D]

It's great. Thank you for being with us.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Thank you for watching it. Seriously. We're going to be watching.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Thank you guys so much.

[A]

Oh, they were so cute.

[B]

I love them. I want to be friends with them.

[A]

They're the greatest. I know.

[D]

They're awesome. We're lucky to have them.

[A]

King or. You said it when we just stopped down like, you said, they're. They're gonna miss each other. I'm like, I know.

[D]

They are gonna miss.

[A]

I got that sense, too.

[D]

That's hard, but it makes me feel. Our country's in good shape with two people like them. They're really. They're fantastic human beings. You can tell.

[A]

I know. The youth always do give me hope and inspiration.

[D]

Yeah, me too.

[A]

Okay, okay, okay, party people. We just wanted to remind you all that we got merch, so we got our. Oh, I don't have my. Who's. I was like, oh, we got oosa hats. No, I've got my Billie Jean King hat on.

[D]

Oh, my God.

[A]

We don't have our hats on. Hold on, hold on. Hold that thought.

[D]

Get your proper hat.

[A]

Hold that thought. Pop that hat on.

[D]

Oh, I like that one. Oh, my God. Are you Gonna give me one of these, I hope.

[B]

Yeah, we've got some for you.

[A]

I know we just got them and we got them in la, so.

[D]

I know, but I gotta get it organized.

[A]

We've got that, we've got usa, USA hats.

[D]

Oh, I love it.

[B]

Yeah. All month, all month long.

[E]

The.

[B]

The part of the proceeds are gonna go to the Easter Seals and if you just go to the welcome to the Party Voila store, we'll. We'll include it in the show notes if you don't want to remember that. So don't stress.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

Easter Seals is, is an amazing non profit that our friend Amy Liss works at and benefits also.

[B]

Can I just say one thing, Julie?

[A]

Yeah, Billy.

[B]

The sweatshirts are the softest and I am a person that like, texture matters and softness matters. To me, this sweatshirt is the best sweatshirt I have ever put on my body. So really. And I. It is so freaking soft. I. I'm like praying that it goes through the wash and it stays. It sounds soft, right? And they promised us, Julie, that, that they do. And so I'm just saying very, very, very good material. Very good sweatshirt.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Hoodies.

[A]

Agreed. So Show Notes has the link. Kinger, you're amazing for joining us, but for party people, don't forget to subscribe to welcome to the party YouTube channel. Click that little bell icon so you can get updates when EPIS live.

[B]

Yep. And if you take one minute, we could appreciate the fact that you would rate. Leave a comment and subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcast Spotify, wherever you get your podcast. And be sure to follow us on Instagram or YouTube or wherever you get your socials at welcome to the Party show where Julie, Billy and I will bring the party straight to your feed. You can also email us at party people questions gmail.com and don't forget party people, we have this exciting news that we have a sub stack. So come and join us on Substack at Welcome to the party show.substack.com it's free. Shout out to Kate Diaz for theme music. Pause in for USA USA. USA. 12323. 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. Initial Digital 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 Tick Tock. Thanks for listening.