Welcome to the Party

Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Reinventing Herself

1 h 24 min · 12. maj 2026
episode Megan Rapinoe Opens Up About Reinventing Herself cover

Description

This week, Megan Rapinoe joins the party and this might be one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Pinoe opens up about the emotional reality of retirement, losing the structure and identity that came with elite competition, and what happens when one of the most recognizable athletes in the world suddenly has to figure out who she is outside of the game. She talks candidly about the grief of leaving soccer behind, navigating public life and parasocial relationships, struggling to find purpose in year two of retirement, and learning how to separate “Megan Rapinoe the person” from “Megan Rapinoe the icon.” She also shares what’s exciting her now: photography, storytelling, investing in women’s sports, creative freedom, and building the future of the game through media and culture. Plus, Abby and Julie reflect on their own retirements, the pressure of elite sports, and why life after competition can be so much harder than anyone prepares you for. Before the interview, the crew dives into WNBA opening weekend, Allyson Felix’s possible comeback, Rachel Entrekin making ultramarathon history, Abby receiving her fourth honorary degree at Duke, and more women’s sports headlines from around the party.   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: Follow Ultramarathoner Rachel Entrekin [https://www.instagram.com/rachel__entrekin/%E2%81%A0] Check Out the UCLA teammates Reunited in the WNBA [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYGeDmvNLoo/%E2%81%A0] Learn More About Allyson Felix’s Fight For Mothers: Allyson Felix Took On Corporate Sports—and Won | Welcome To The Party [https://youtu.be/EeRaR_AxmOs?si=o1YLBWOkwrdlC2gT] and https://www.olympics.com/en/news/advocacy-allyson-felix-fight-for-maternal-rights-sports [https://www.olympics.com/en/news/advocacy-allyson-felix-fight-for-maternal-rights-sports] NCAA Women’s Softball Tournament Schedule [https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field%E2%81%A0] Follow the UCLA’s Women’s Beach Volleyball Team [https://www.instagram.com/uclabeachvb/%E2%81%A0] Dallas Pulse split Major League Volleyball’s 1 Million dollar prize [https://provolleyball.com/news/2026/05/dallas-pulse-take-home-mlv-match-for-a-million-title%E2%81%A0] A Touch More Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-touch-more-with-sue-bird-megan-rapinoe/id1510142364%E2%81%A0] - starting June 11th, Megan Rapinoe will be telling the story of the 2026 World Cup Thank you to our sponsors: -Ally’s got you covered. Ally Bank, Member FDIC

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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

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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