Welcome to the Party

The Hardest Part of Parenting No One Talks About

32 min · 19. maj 2026
episode The Hardest Part of Parenting No One Talks About cover

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Motherhood is changing for Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy and this might be one of the most vulnerable conversations they’ve had yet. In this special episode of Welcome to the Party, Abby, Julie, and Billie Jean King reflect on parenting, “mothering” beyond biology, and the emotional reality of raising kids who are learning to leave home. Abby opens up about preparing for empty nesting, why it feels strangely similar to retiring from professional sports, and how therapy is helping her navigate this next chapter. Julie shares the challenges of trusting teenagers to become independent adults, while Billie Jean King reflects on mentoring generations of athletes and why “mothering” can come from anyone. The conversation explores parenting, identity, therapy, trust, stepparenting, chosen family, youth independence, and the emotional transition of watching your children grow up. Plus, the hosts react to powerful clips from BetterHelp’s Motherhood With You series and discuss the balance between helping your kids and learning when to let go. This episode is presented in partnership with BetterHelp and features conversations around mental health, parenting, motherhood, empty nesting, therapy, family dynamics, and personal growth.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Therapy can be life changing, especially when it comes to understanding yourself and how you care for others. Our special episode on motherhood and mental health is brought to you by BetterHelp. If you're interested in therapy, learn more at https://www.betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty [%20%E2%81%A0https://www.betterhelp.com/%E2%81%A0welcometotheparty] Watch the Betterhelp videos on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@BetterHelp/videos] Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode.

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87 episodes

episode Abby & Julie React to USA’s World Cup Win artwork

Abby & Julie React to USA’s World Cup Win

Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy are coming to you straight from the Welcome to the Party x Airbnb World Cup Watch Party, where the vibes were high, the USA chants were loud, and the party people showed up in full force. After watching the U.S. men’s national team grab another huge World Cup win, Abby and Julie break down what this moment means for the team, why the energy around this tournament feels so special, and whether this group can make a deeper run than ever before. Plus, Abby takes us behind the scenes of one of the most iconic goals in U.S. Soccer history: her legendary 2011 World Cup header against Brazil. From the extra-time chaos to the knee-slide blackout to Megan Rapinoe’s very aggressive celebration jump, Abby tells the full story like only she can. It’s World Cup joy, USA belief, Abby chaos, Julie wisdom, and a whole lot of “Why not us?”   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow] Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/welcometothepartyshow/?hl=en] TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@welcometothepartyshow] Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com [https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com]   Keep the Party Going: * Party People, we got MERCH: https://welcometotheparty.voila.store [https://welcometotheparty.voila.store]  Men’s World Cup Schedule: https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums [https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/match-schedule-fixtures-results-teams-stadiums] Abby’s INCREDIBLE Goal vs. Brazil in 2011: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B4q6di-3fg 99er’s on David Letterman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEFtvwHVfQU   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find an Airbnb experience near you at https://www.airbnb.com/experiences [https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes] -Thank you to Apple Card [https://card.apple.com/] -Thank you to Levi's [https://www.levi.com/]

Yesterday36 min
episode Why Messi is Proving the Haters Wrong artwork

Why Messi is Proving the Haters Wrong

Men’s World Cup fever has officially taken over the party. Abby and Julie break down the start of what feels like the biggest Men’s World Cup yet, from the USMNT’s electric opening win and the power of playing on home soil, to Messi making history, Marta still owning the record books, and the global fan chaos that makes this tournament so magical. Plus, they catch up on the latest across women’s sports: Serena and Venus reuniting at Wimbledon, Wimbledon increasing prize money, the WNBA expanding to a 50-game season, the Indiana Fever quieting the drama with wins, the Commissioner’s Cup heating up, USWNT-Brazil fallout, and major PWHL movement with Hilary Knight heading to Detroit. It’s Men’s World Cup obsession, women’s sports headlines, and a reminder that sports might just be the great unifier we need right now.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow] Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/welcometothepartyshow/?hl=en] TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@welcometothepartyshow] Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com [https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com]   Keep the Party Going: * We’ve got Welcome to the Party MERCH!! https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/ [https://welcometotheparty.voila.store/] * The PWHL Award Winners: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/awards [https://www.thepwhl.com/en/awards] * The WNBA Commissioner Cup Standings:https://www.wnba.com/standings/commissioners-cup [https://www.wnba.com/standings/commissioners-cup] * Follow Freddy the German Tourist: https://x.com/FreddyLA7?lang=en [https://x.com/FreddyLA7?lang=en] * The World Cup 15: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZn4EZ9PjdS/ [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZn4EZ9PjdS/] * Follow Cape Verde Goalie: Vozinha:https://www.instagram.com/vozinha1/ [https://www.instagram.com/vozinha1/] * Boston Loves Their Scots: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZl0_zltP_2/ [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZl0_zltP_2/]   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Use code "podcast" to get a year of Shipt for only $49 -Pick up a bottle of all® free clear detergent for your next laundry day -Sign up and get 10% off at http://betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty [http://betterhelp.com/welcometotheparty] -Apple Card is reliable, straightforward, and built to keep up. Apply in the Wallet app on your iPhone today -This Father’s Day, give your dad something meaningful. Go to www.remento.co [https://www.remento.co/] and use code WELCOME to save $20 through Father’s Day

18. juni 20261 h 1 min
episode Charlotte North Opens Up About USA Women's Lacrosse artwork

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Women’s lacrosse is having a major moment, and Charlotte North is one of the biggest reasons why. This week on Welcome to the Party, Abby and Julie sit down with Charlotte North, two-time Tewaaraton Award winner, national champion, Team USA world champion, Boston Guard captain, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and one of the most electric players in the game. Charlotte breaks down why lacrosse is growing faster than ever, what the new Women’s Lacrosse League means for the future of the sport, and why the 2028 Olympics could be a total game-changer for women’s lacrosse. Before Charlotte joins the party, Abby and Julie get into the World Cup fever taking over the country, the emotional power of sports to bring people together, Abby’s new role as unofficial USMNT lucky charm, and a special lacrosse-themed Party Starter covering the Olympics, pro leagues, NCAA dynasties, and the Indigenous history of “the creator’s game.” Plus: two-point goals, stick-drop celebrations, Whitney Houston vocals, and the very important question: when are Abby and Julie playing lacrosse?   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — @welcometothepartyshow Instagram — @welcometothepartyshow TikTok — @welcometothepartyshow Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com [partypeoplequestions@gmail.com] Substack - https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com [https://welcometothepartyshow.substack.com]   Keep the Party Going: Follow Freddy the German World Cup Fan: https://x.com/FreddyLA7/ [https://x.com/FreddyLA7/status/2066668812456313264/photo/1] Follow https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/ [https://www.instagram.com/niniandthebrain/] Women’s Lacrosse League Schedule: https://thewll.com/schedule [https://thewll.com/schedule] Follow Women’s Lacrosse League: https://www.instagram.com/wll [https://www.instagram.com/wll]  Follow Charlotte North: https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/ [https://www.instagram.com/charlottenorth8/]   Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes [https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes] -Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at https://skims.com/ [https://skims.com/]

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episode Jordan Thompson Opens Up About Her Mental Health Journey artwork

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This week, Welcome to the Party goes live from the Girls in Motion “Her Story” event with Athletes Unlimited for a powerful conversation about mental health, leadership, confidence, and the future of women’s sports. Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy sit down with Olympic gold medalist, LOVB MVP, Athletes Unlimited standout, and volleyball superstar Jordan Thompson for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, and why medals, highlight reels, and MVP titles never tell the full story. Jordan opens up about therapy, medication, burnout, taking breaks, finding joy in the game again, and the support system that helped carry her to the Olympic podium. She also shares how she learned to lead with care, build real trust with teammates, and use the mantra “I have greatness inside of me” when her confidence starts to waver. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on what they wish they knew as teenagers, why failure doesn’t define you, and how young athletes can dream bigger than the world has even imagined yet.   Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow] Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/welcometothepartyshow/?hl=en] TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@welcometothepartyshow] Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com   Keep the Party Going: Girls experience their lowest levels of self-confidence by the age of 14. Her Story protects their mental wellness. They’re on a mission to help teens discover what lights them up so they can show up with intention and confidence in every part of life. For more information: https://www.herstorymentorship.org/home [https://www.herstorymentorship.org/home]  Where to watch Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball: https://auprosports.com/volleyball/where-to-watch-united-states/ [https://auprosports.com/volleyball/where-to-watch-united-states/]  Follow Jordan Thompson: https://www.instagram.com/jtomm19/ [https://www.instagram.com/jtomm19/]    Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

11. juni 202651 min
episode The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil artwork

The Brutal Pressure of Playing The 2026 World Cup On Home Soil

World Cup fever is officially here…but so are the complications. This week, Julie Foudy and Abby Wambach dive into the magic, madness, and massive stakes of the World Cup returning to North America. From the U.S. Men’s National Team’s chances on home soil to the sky-high ticket prices, FIFA chaos, fan concerns, and the unifying power of soccer, Abby and Julie break down why this tournament still has the potential to be transformative. Plus, the Party Starter covers Nelly Korda’s historic U.S. Women’s Open comeback, a chaotic French Open, Texas going back-to-back at the Women’s College World Series, Sophia Wilson’s return to the USWNT, and a little golf etiquette mayhem from Abby and Julie’s trip to Ally House. Follow @welcometothepartyshow on: YouTube — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToThePartyShow] Instagram — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/welcometothepartyshow/?hl=en] TikTok — ⁠@welcometothepartyshow⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@welcometothepartyshow] Email — partypeoplequestions@gmail.com Keep the Party Going: Reserve Your Spot at Our FIFA x Airbnb Watch Party - June 19, 2026 in Culver City, CA: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6995610?location=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States¤tTab=experience_tab&federatedSearchId=c744bc22-5a75-4e00-9eec-6e877b0a19f7§ionId=3be13c00-955a-4822-82b9-3075f7d5ef51 [https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/6995610?location=Los%20Angeles%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States¤tTab=experience_tab&federatedSearchId=c744bc22-5a75-4e00-9eec-6e877b0a19f7§ionId=3be13c00-955a-4822-82b9-3075f7d5ef51%20] The Centre for Sport and Human Rights is a human rights organisation for the world of sport. Their mission is to advance a world of sport that fully respects and promotes human rights by generating awareness, building capacity and delivering impact: https://www.sporthumanrights.org/about-us/ [https://www.sporthumanrights.org/about-us/%20] Follow the No Laying Up podcast: https://www.instagram.com/nolayingup/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/nolayingup/?hl=en%20] Follow Tisha Alyn: https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/tishaalyn/?hl=en%20] Athletes Unlimited Softball League kicks off today, schedule of games found here: https://theausl.com/schedule/?season=369 [https://theausl.com/schedule/?season=369%20] Professional Softball League (PSL) launches its inaugural season on Friday, June 12: https://www.instagram.com/professionalsoftballleague/ [https://www.instagram.com/professionalsoftballleague/%20] Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC -Explore the new Peloton Cross Training Tread+ at onepeloton.com https://www.onepeloton.com/ [https://www.onepeloton.com/] -Find a host or co-host at https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes [https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes] -Get a $49 annual membership with promo code podcast at http://www.Shipt.com/offer. [http://www.Shipt.com/offer] Terms apply. -Use code WELCOME at http://www.remento.co [http://www.remento.co] to save $20 through Father’s Day -Goodles are available nationwide at Target and Walmart, plus many other major grocery stores and retailers

9. juni 20261 h 1 min