Just Women's Soccer

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times for the USWNT against Zambia to open up Olympic play in Nice, France. The U.S. dominated the first half -- getting the vibes back -- but left a lot to be desired with a lackluster second-half performance. Which version will we see against Germany in their second match? Hosts Jordan Angeli, Duda Pavao and Jess McDonald break it all down and preview the heavyweight clash against Germany. Plus...we debate crepes vs french toast and prove a full update on all the action from the rest of the tournament.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

We're back! Hosts Jordan Angeli, Duda Pavao and former USWNT Forward Jess McDonald deliver a full preview of this year's Paris Olympic soccer tournament. Watch for full analysis of Emma Hayes' coaching style, the identity of this iteration of the USWNT and a projected starting XI for the team's opener against Zambia. We're also breaking down all three groups -- including top players and teams to track throughout -- and predictions for the medal rounds and individual awards.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

Midge Purce and Katie Nolan are back for one final look back at the 2023 Women's World Cup. They begin by looking back at how this World Cup had everything: a new winner, shocking exits, and a Swedish goalkeeper playing out of her mind. Then, they revisit the World Cup Final and Spain's 1-0 victory. Afterwards, they speak on the Spanish F.A. and the shocking post-game actions from their president. Later, Sam Mewis joins the show to talk about her favorite moments from the tournament, what to look forward to in the Olympics, and whether her sister, Kristie Mewis, has the best World Cup record of all time. Finally, Midge and Katie give out their own tournament best ofs, including the coveted award for "Most Swag."

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2023

Midge and Katie have a ton to cover, starting with the breaking news that Vlatko Andonovski has resigned as USWNT head coach. Then, they talk through both semifinals, Australia's heartbreak and Sweden S(pain). After that, they look ahead to the World Cup Final, Spain vs. England, and make predictions as to who will play, who will sit, and who will win. Later on, they're joined by Ali Riley to talk about how players can make meaningful change and she shares a never-before-heard World Cup story that will definitely bring you to tears. Lastly, Alyssa Thompson stops by to talk about her favorite moments of the tournament and what comes next for her, and the USWNT.

Transcribed - Published: 17 August 2023

Midge and Katie dive straight into the drama that Lineth Beerensteyn got herself into when she smack talked the USWNT. They follow that up with a recap of Netherlands - Spain, then they discuss the two yellow card rule and how it is *ahem* bad. Then, they talk about Japan's unexpected exit and the Swedish side that just keeps winning. Later, they're joined by USA legend Brandi Chastain to talk about her feelings on the USWNT's tournament and who she thinks should be the next head coach - and the answer will definitely surprise you. They finish up by laughing at how no one will hug the Spanish coach and Midge sings a surprising, yet perfect, song about Barbie.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2023

Midge and Katie have all the feels as they dissect the US' early World Cup exit. They start with an in-depth look at the penalty kicks that decided it all - who shot when, some highlights like Andi, Kristie, and Alyssa Naeher (?!) scoring bangers, and the eventual loss by a millimeter. Then, they look back at the full USA vs. Sweden match and how tactically the USA was finally getting there. After that, they're joined by Becky Sauerbrunn to discuss the legacy this team leaves behind as well as the new beginnings that are to come in future World Cups and in next year's Olympics. Finally, Midge and Katie look at England vs. Nigeria and pour one out for Ify, then pick who, if anyone, they're taking to win the quarterfinals, and eventually, the tournament.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2023

Midge and Katie are back as they get together to discuss the end of the group stage, with Portugal in the rear view. First, they react to the 0-0 draw, finally seeing Lynn Williams, and a very soft yellow that could mean everything. Then, they look into recent comments about the team and the negative turn that has occurred in fandom and the media, and discuss how the US team is absolutely in it to win it. Later, they're joined by USWNT goalkeeper A.D. Franch who gives her take on the US in the knockouts and what it might take to beat Sweden. Finally, Katie and Midge look at some of the other knockout matches and speculate who might go all the way.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2023

Midge and Katie prep you for USA vs. Netherlands, the second group stage match, and the one that will likely decide the fates of both squads. First, they look back at the history of the rivalry, including deciding what Megan Rapinoe's PK celebration was called, the not-very-fun Olympics, and what Netherlands did vs. Portugal this World Cup. Later, they're joined by Allie Long to discuss her prep for the Netherlands in 2019 as well as who, if anyone, has seen Barbie on the current squad. Lastly, Katie and Midge take a look at some of the other huge scorelines, discuss what exactly is wrong with Norway, and decide which upcoming matches to watch with one big twist.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2023

The 91st returns and Midge and Katie are back to break down all of the moments from USA vs. Vietnam and the 3-0 victory that left everyone having an ok time. First, they talk through the drama and big moments, a stretcher, VAR, Sophia's nutmeg proficiency, the return of Rose, and what and who exactly is a "Cruyff?" Later, USWNT World Cup champion Abby Dahlkemper joins the show to discuss her first impressions of the '23 team and to help Katie and Midge give nicknames to the new look defense. Later, Midge and Katie talk through some of the other big news, like the Fantastic Ferns, Australia's Sam Kerr loss, and all of the penalty saves. Finally, Katie reveals who exactly is on her USWNT jersey - and trust us, you will never guess who.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2023

The 2023 Women's World Cup is here, and with it, the debut episode of the 91st with Midge Purce and Katie Nolan. Midge and Katie break it all down so you're ready for the first matches: they discuss the USWNT roster and its notable absences, thoughts on veterans vs. fresh faces, and who they most want to see on the pitch. Then, they look at each of the three upcoming US group stage matches. Later, USWNT hero Becky Sauerbrunn joins the show and shares her opinions on the new look squad as well as her toxic trait. Lastly, Katie and Midge play a game of "Fun Facts" with tournament facts you do not want to sleep on.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2023

Midge Purce and Katie Nolan welcome you to the 91st, presented by Adobe, a Women's World Cup show that will follow along with all of the intrigue, drama, and fun of the 2023 tournament. In the trailer, Katie and Midge give you a sense of what to expect when you subscribe - you won't want to miss it.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023

USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis sits down with Kelley O’Hara to discuss how she’s preparing for her first World Cup at the age of 32. After previously saying on an episode of Snacks that making this roster would change how she thinks about her career, Kristie shares with Kelley how her mindset has shifted to focus on the next task at hand: helping the USWNT win their third consecutive World Cup. Kristie and Kelley discuss who would win in a penalty shoot out: Kristie or her partner, Australia’s Sam Kerr. Kristie reflects on the last time the USWNT played Australia and what might happen if they collide this tournament.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023

OL Reign and the USWNT’s do-it-all star Emily Sonnett joins Kelley O’Hara to discuss what it’s like to bridge the gap between the USWNT’s older veterans and the rising Gen Z core. Sonnett discusses the different roles she plays for club and country and how her mentality has changed since her first World Cup. She also explains why she wants to play Australia in Australia and reveals which teammates she relies on the most when she’s on the field.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2023

USWNT defender Alana Cook joins Kelley O’Hara to discuss the upcoming World Cup and how she’s preparing to step into a critical role as a center back for the USWNT. Alana discusses what it’s like to have played with Naomi Girma in college and now for the national team. She and Kelley also discuss the legacy of the USWNT, why Cook chose to play for the USWNT vs England, her game day routine, Cook’s ideal center back partner, and why she goes into every game knowing the USWNT can win.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2023

Lindsey Horan joins Kelley O’Hara to talk about how she’s getting ready for her second World Cup. With co-captain Becky Sauerbrunn sidelined for the tournament, Lindsey says knows she has to step up as a leader for the USWNT. Her and Kelley O’Hara talk about how she’s learning to develop her voice in a team full of outspoken leaders, how her prep for this World Cup is different than in 2019, which teams she thinks will be the hardest to beat, how she’s getting ready for the USWNT’s group stage, and what it means to embrace the pressure.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2023

USWNT star Lynn Williams sits down with Kelley O’Hara to discuss what it means to make her first World Cup roster. Lynn and Kelley talk about getting the call that they’d made the team, how Lynn bounced back from not making the 2019 roster, what she learned from her Olympic experience in 2021, whether or not Lynn feels like a leader, and so much more. They also settle once and for all: Who’s the pilot, who’s the flight attendant, and who’s the passenger between Lynn Williams, Kelley O’Hara, and Kristie Mewis.

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2023

**This episode originally premiered in April on the Snacks podcast feed** Alex Morgan joins Snacks to discuss growing up on the USWNT, why the next two months are unlike any other in her history as a player, her favorite Taylor Swift songs, what a day in the life looks like, and so much more. Plus: Lynn and Sam break down Week 3 in the NWSL, including a strange no-goal, Portland’s new uniforms, and the revamped $1 million dollar Challenge Cup.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2023

**This episode originally premiered in April on the Snacks podcast feed.** Lynn is back from USWNT camp, and she and Sam break down all the biggest stories. They discuss Mallory Swanson’s heartbreaking injury, Becky Sauerbrunn’s 200th cap (and almost goal), and how two defenders scored against Ireland. Then, Megan Rapinoe joins the show to share major life lessons, from how to take a penalty kick on the world’s biggest stage to what Sue Bird has taught her about retiring gracefully.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2023

Jennie Finch joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss her iconic softball career, from winning the Women’s College World Series at Arizona to pitching in the Olympics with Team USA. Jennie reflects on her lasting influence, creating the first fast-pitch softball equipment, and the future of her sport.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2022

Bianca Belair joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss her journey from track All-American to WWE Superstar. From a life-changing DM to headlining WrestleMania, Bianca’s story is as dramatic as it is inspiring. She talks with Kelley about her meteoric rise, her current championship reign, and what it means to have an impact in and out of the ring.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2022

USWNT legend Brandi Chastain joins Kelley O’Hara to discuss her rise to fame, the legacy of the '99ers, what the future holds for the NWSL, and whatever happened to the world’s most famous sports bra.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2022

Sue Bird joins The Players’ Pod to talk all things WNBA: where the league should expand, how players are handling Brittney Griner’s detainment, whether this is actually Bird’s last season, how the league has changed and how it needs to evolve, and what it takes to win a Championship in three different decades. To learn more & get involved in the campaign to bring Brittney Griner home, visit WeAreBG.org

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2022

Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson East joins Kelley O'Hara for a behind-the-scenes look at her iconic career. Shawn discusses her life since the Beijing Olympics, including winning Dancing With the Stars, starting a family, and building a world-famous media brand.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2022

Kelley O’Hara sits down with her Washington Spirit and USWNT teammates Trinity Rodman, Emily Sonnett and Andi Sullivan to discuss last year’s roller coaster season, winning the NWSL Championship, their budding on-field rivalries, what they’ve learned in their careers, and what’s coming next in 2022.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2022

Snacks is back! Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams are NWSL champions, USWNT teammates, Olympic medalists, and former roommates. Through candid (and often humorous) conversations with their teammates and friends, Snacks with Lynn and Sam gives listeners unprecedented insight into two of soccer’s biggest stars as they navigate life, sports and everything in between.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2022

Surfing icon Caroline Marks joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss her journey from the beaches of Florida to becoming the youngest woman to ever qualify for the WSL’s Championship Tour. Just 20 years old, Caroline is already considered the future of her sport after representing the US in Tokyo last summer. She talks to Kelley about her first love of horseback riding, her experience as an Olympian, and the keys to finding success at such an early age.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2022

17-time Paralympic medalist Oksana Masters joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss her incredible journey from a Ukrainian orphanage to dominating the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2022

Arike Ogunbowale joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss her journey from Notre Dame to chasing WNBA greatness, playing overseas, and what's next for her basketball career.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2022

Jill Ellis, the former USWNT head coach and current president of San Diego Wave FC, joins Kelley O’Hara for the first episode of The Players’ Pod. The two World Cup champions reflect on their time together with the national team before discussing why Ellis stepped down from her role as head coach and how she eventually ended up in San Diego.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2022

Just Women's Sports CEO and founder Haley Rosen joins Kelley O'Hara to catch up on her NWSL championship win, life, and announcing the rebrand of the Just Women's Sports Podcast into the Players' Pod.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2022

Jamie Chadwick is one of the fastest drivers in the world. She was the youngest driver and first female to win a British GT Championship, and she went on to become the first female winner of a BRDC British Formula 3 race and the MR Challenge Championship. Two race victories and three other podium finishes saw Jamie crowned the inaugural W Series champion in 2019. She defended her title in 2021, winning the W Series again after the tour skipped over 2020.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2021

Stefanie Dolson is riding high after having one of the most incredible years of her career. The two-time NCAA Champion added some new hardware this year as a 2021 WNBA Champion with the Chicago Sky, and to top it all off, she became an Olympic gold medalist with Team USA’s 3-on-3 squad.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2021

Ashleigh Johnson is being heralded as one of the best water polo players in the world. She has a total of 14 gold medals, spanning across the Olympics, World Cup, Pan American, World Championships. Not only is she one of the most decorated gold medal athletes you’ll ever hear from, she is also a four-time Swimming World Female of the Year award winner.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2021

Swimmer Erica Sullivan made a splash with an epic performance in the pool at the Tokyo Olympics where she won the silver medal in the 1500-meter freestyle during its first year featured for women’s swimming. Now, the University of Texas freshman joins the Pod to talk about her love of long-distance swimming, mental health, and her future in film.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2021

One of the top ranked golfers in the world and Olympic Gold Medalist, Nelly Korda, joins Kelley to break down just how the 23-year-old has made it to the top of her game. They discuss what it was like to qualify for the U.S. Open at just 14 years old, completing the “Family Slam” by winning the Australian Open, and the importance of staying healthy during golf’s season.

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2021

Kelley sits down with three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and the WNBA’s leading scorer, Tina Charles. They break down dynasties, from back-to-back undefeated college seasons at UConn to the legacy of the US Women’s Basketball Team, as well as the importance of giving back through Tina’s Hopey’s Foundation or her films. How do you continue to level up both on and off the court? Tina Charles gives us the keys.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2021

USWNT forward Lynn Williams joins Kelley to talk about how she went from being an underdog to becoming an Olympian. Lynn talks about growing up on a pecan farm, shares the story of how she got to Pepperdine, and how she went from being roster alternate to being an Olympic hero.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2021

Olympic gold medalist Alix Klineman joins Kelley to talk about her journey from indoor volleyball star to beach volleyball champion. An athlete since childhood, Klineman was an All-American indoor player at Stanford and a member of Team USA before she decided to make the life-changing switch to beach. Klineman discusses the freedom that came with failing while transitioning sports and the importance of taking care of your body even when you’re young. She then takes Kelley behind the scenes of her and April Ross’ gold medal run at the Tokyo Olympics, where Klineman confirms that yes, she was nervous.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2021

Team USA volleyball legend and Olympic triple medalist Jordan Larson joins Kelley to talk about the Tokyo Olympics and winning her first Gold. Jordan discusses the importance of being coachable and how that’s helped her win at every level of competition, from college to the national team to playing abroad. Kelley even finds out how Jordan’s nickname "the governor" really came to be…

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2021

The woman who *truly* saved the day in the USWNT’s 2019 World Cup run. World Cup Champion Alyssa Naeher joins Kelley O’Hara to deep dive about her journey from USWNT sub to superstar keeper. From scoring her first pair of goalie gloves, to dealing with pressure from the media, to all of the false starts and heartbreaks she experienced while waiting for her first national team game. Now having reached the top, Kelley and Alyssa discuss the keeper’s secret to making big-time penalty saves before reflecting on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and where the USWNT goes from here.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2021

Kelley O’Hara jumps into the guest seat as ESPN’s Katie Nolan stops by to talk all things Olympics. Kelley unpacks the USWNT’s surprising 2016 defeat in Rio, which fueled the team’s run through the 2019 World Cup, while also discussing unusual Olympics prep (thermometer pills, anyone?), what makes the Olympics harder to win than a World Cup, and how the team is feeling heading into Tokyo. Her and Katie then discuss what it would mean for the USWNT to become the first team to ever win the World Cup and Olympics back-to-back.

Transcribed - Published: 7 July 2021

World champion mountain bike racer Kate Courtney joins Kelley O’Hara to discuss her incredible run to the top of her sport. Growing up at the base of Mount Tam, the birthplace of modern mountain biking, Kate almost seemed destined to become a world-class racer, but numerous obstacles were thrown in her way. Kate talks to Kelley about competing against Europes’ best racers, what she learned from not making the 2016 Olympic team, how she’s preparing to chase gold in Tokyo, and the moment she decided to go "win the ham."

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2021

Two-time World Surf League Champion Tyler Wright joins Kelley O’Hara to discuss her unbelievable journey from surf prodigy to champion to bedridden superstar. After becoming the youngest surfer in history to win a Championship Tour event at age 14, Wright almost walked away from her sport before becoming a back-to-back world champion. Then, a post-viral illness knocked her out of competition for a year and a half. She talks with Kelley about the pressure of being a prodigy, overcoming both illness and family emergencies, and what it means for her to be back on the tour today.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2021

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, 2015 World Cup Champion, and the all-time leading goalscorer in US Soccer History, Abby Wambach sits down with Kelley O’Hara to reflect on her incredible journey on and off the pitch. The USWNT legend discusses the championships and setbacks that defined her career, as well as her transition to retirement, and how she’s still working to push her sport forward as an NWSL owner.

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2021

Sasha Banks joins Kelley O'Hara to discuss how she went from WWE superfan to the first woman to ever headline a WWE pay-per-view event. From begging wrestling schools to let her join at age 13 to becoming one of the first African-American women to headline WrestleMania, Sasha Banks has broken barriers during every step of her journey. She talks with Kelley about what it took to succeed in and change a male-dominated sport, life on the road as a professional wrestler, and what she still hopes to achieve in and outside the ring.

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2021

As the 25th season of the WNBA gets underway, 2020 MVP A'ja Wilson and 2019 Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier are back for Tea with A and Phee. The All-Star pair are spilling the tea with the biggest names in basketball and pop culture, discussing hoops, current events, and their lives as professional athletes. Subscribe today! First episode drops Thursday, June 10th.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2021

Two-time WNBA MVP and 2019 Champion Elena Delle Donne joins Kelley to discuss her one-of-a-kind path to basketball stardom. From fleeing UConn in the middle of the night to battling Lyme disease and a series of career-threatening injuries, Elena’s path to the top of the WNBA has never been easy. She discusses the unbreakable bond with her sister that has shaped her career, what it was like to walk out of the spotlight, and the work ethic that helped her become the only WNBA player in the 50-40-90 club.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2021

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Maggie Steffens sits down with Kelley O’Hara to discuss life atop the water polo world. Maggie brings us on her journey from being a little sister tagging along at the pool to competing alongside her heroes at the London Olympics. As Maggie trains and remains hopeful for the Tokyo Olympics, she lets us in on the family motto that motivates her, the moment her father predicted her Olympic success, her historic scoring spree at the 2012 games, and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2021

USWNT midfielder Sam Mewis joins Kelley to discuss how she went from playing backyard soccer to being named the No. 1 women’s player in the world. Sam discusses her decision to leave the east coast for UCLA, her parallel track with sister and teammate Kristie Mewis, what she learned from being an alternate at the 2016 Olympics, her NWSL titles with the North Carolina Courage, and how she’s preparing for the Tokyo Olympics. *This conversation took place shortly before Sam announced she was returning to the North Carolina Courage from Manchester City. Presented by Heineken

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2021

Kelley O’Hara sits down with JWS Founder & CEO Haley Rosen to discuss the state of women’s sports after an eventful 2020. Then, special guests Hilary Knight, Maggie Steffens and Sam Mewis jump on to discuss their 2020s and what they’re looking forward to in the new year. Go deeper. Presented by Heineken.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2021