Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy

Two-time World Cup champion Alyssa Naeher joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she became a goalkeeper, how her background as a point guard in basketball helps her in goal and where her steadiness at the position comes from. Alyssa shares how she was told several times in her career that she didn't have the "personality" to be the starting goalkeeper for the USWNT and how she stayed true to herself despite naysayers. Alyssa also discusses last summer's World Cup and how she is able to find peace within herself during the pressure of penalty kicks. In Most Pressing Questions, find out Alyssa's morning routine and whether she can hit a "logo 3." In Questions Permitted, Julie makes a revelation that blows Lynn's mind. If you have a question or comment for Julie and Lynn, they'd love to hear it! Email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com

ESPN broadcasters Andraya Carter and Elle Duncan join Laughter Permitted to talk about the ratings history made at the Final Four and why this year's tournament was such a success. Andraya and Elle also share behind-the-scenes stories of Caitlin Clark and discuss Dawn Staley's greatness. In the close of the episode, Julie and Lynn give ideas of how everyone can continue to support women's sports. Get on the train, party people! If you have a question for Julie and Lynn, email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Sailing sensation Cole Brauer joins Laughter Permitted to talk about becoming the first American woman to race solo, nonstop and unassisted around the world, why she took on the challenge and how Instagram allowed her to bring people along on the journey. Cole also shares what it's like being a woman in the sailing world and why she intentionally practiced self-care while sailing by herself for 130 days. In the Lynn Game, Cole showcases her grit, and in Most Pressing Questions, she explains why the interior of her boat was filled with handwritten messages. During Takeaways, Julie and Lynn talk about "cheddar cheese" moments. Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com!

World Cup champion Sam Mewis joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her recent retirement from soccer, the biggest lesson she learned while dealing with her knee injury and how she misses the camaraderie of the U.S. women's national team. Sam also learns about the art of "plorking" (she's already great at it) and discusses her new role as Editor in Chief of the Women's Game for the Men in Blazers Media Network. Sam and Julie give their input on the current USWNT. Plus, find out Sam's thoughts on returning shopping carts at the grocery store. Stay tuned as Julie and Lynn talk about having the courage to raise your hand. If you have a question or good joke for Julie and Lynn, hit them up at laughterpermitted@gmail.com

Hockey legends Kendall Coyne Schofield and Hilary Knight join Laughter Permitted to talk about the journey to form the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Kendall and Hilary share why they wanted to start a pro hockey league, how a phone call to Billie Jean King changed everything and what it’s been like seeing packed arenas in the PWHL’s first season. Both Kendall and Hilary credit Julie and The 99ers with inspiring them to dream big, and Julie expresses what it’s been like to watch the PWHL take shape.  Have a question for Julie and Lynn? Email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Five-time Paralympian and 3-time Paralympic gold medalist Alana Nichols joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how a snowboarding accident as a teenager led to her being paralyzed from the waist down, the serendipitous moment in college she discovered wheelchair basketball and how adaptive sports gave her a renewed sense purpose. Alana shares her approach to taking on challenges and why she's willing to set ridiculously big dreams. Plus, Julie totally geeks out over Alana getting barreled while wave skiing. Have a question for Julie and Lynn? Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

It's "Story Time with Tara!" Legendary Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer joins Laughter Permitted to tell stories from her 45-year coaching career. Tara shares how she was once a mascot, what she said to her team after becoming the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, what it was like coaching the 1996 gold medal-winning Olympic team and how she's drawn inspiration from her players. Plus, three former Stanford stars join the fun and ask Tara for behind-the-scenes stories. Be prepared to never look at "one second" the same again. If you have a question for Questions Permitted, send Julie and Lynn an email at laughterpermittted@gmail.com.

In the Season 11 premiere, two-time World Cup champion and NWSL champion Ali Krieger joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her life in the early days of retirement from professional soccer, the incredible ride Gotham FC took to win last year's NWSL title and how her teammates rallied around her in spectacular fashion the day news broke of her divorce. Ali shares how she's approaching retirement by trying new ventures, including broadcasting, and she and Julie discuss the future of the USWNT. Plus, Ali explains why she's open about her personal journey of healing. And don't miss Ali shouting out her youth soccer team the Sparklers by singing the team's cheer. Do you have a question for Julie and Lynn? They'd love to hear from you! Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 10 and hand out some Dopie Awards. Do you have a question for Julie and Lynn? Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Class with Flash is in session! Mental skills expert Dr. Colleen "Flash" Hacker returns to Laughter Permitted to talk about the importance of wins in life. Dr. Hacker shares how celebrating wins impacts the neuroplasticity of our brains, washes our brains in neurochemicals and creates a habit loop. Dr. Hacker, Julie and Lynn then celebrate wins of their own from 2023, and Dr. Hacker gives tips on how to do this in your life, particularly if you're reticent to do so. Stay tuned for Julie's response to the whole experience. Share your wins from 2023 with Julie and Lynn by emailing them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Field hockey superstar Erin Matson joins Laughter Permitted to talk about what it was like winning a national championship in her first year as head coach at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, and how she had the confidence to pursue the job directly out of college. At 23 years old, Erin became the youngest Division 1 head coach to ever win a national championship, and she shares how she approached coaching players she called teammates the previous season. Find out how Erin went about applying for the head coaching job and what she said in her first team meeting. Plus, learn about Erin's sideline style and why she rocked socks with the number "23" on them. In Questions Permitted, Lynn reads a listener email that gives a definitive answer to the highly debated question: Does a straw have one hole or two? What are your takeaways from Season 10? Send Julie and Lynn an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Paralympic track and field star Scout Bassett joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her journey from a government-run orphanage in Nanjng, China to representing the United States in the Paralympics. Scout shares what it was like being adopted and moving to the United States as a child, why she was initially hesitant to wear a prosthetic leg that would allow her to compete in track and field and how sports ultimately transformed her life. Plus, learn the meaning behind the title of Scout's book "Lucky Girl" and what her hopes are as the next president of the Women’s Sports Foundation. In Questions Permitted, Julie offers her thoughts on Emma Hayes being named the next head coach of the U.S. women's national team, and Julie and Lynn talk about mental health during the winter and holiday seasons. Hey, Dope Village. Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Two-time WNBA MVP and two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart returns to Laughter Permitted and begins the episode by telling one of the best stories in the history of the podcast about the birth of her second child. (It's up there with the Mia Hamm Split Pants Story.) Stewie goes on to share what her first season with the New York Liberty was like, how she continues to evolve her game and what she wants to see for the future of women's sports. Plus, find out Stewie's thoughts on trash talking, and in Questions Permitted, Julie and Lynn share ideas on how each of us can help women's sports grow. If you have a question or deep burning thought, send Julie and Lynn an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. Producer's note: Please excuse horrendous singing off the top of the episode. We seem to be getting worse as the seasons go by...

Three-time Olympic gold medalist bobsledder Kaillie Humphries joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she got into the sport of bobsleigh and the experience of leaving her home country of Canada to compete for the United States at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Kaillie also candidly shares the challenges she's faced with endometriosis and fertility. In Most Pressing Questions, learn about Kaillie's tattoos and the love she has for her dog. Questions Permitted features emails from listeners offering their personal experiences regarding height and Julie and Lynn answer an interesting "Would you rather" prompt. Do you have a question for Julie and Lynn? Relate to something from the podcast? Know any good jokes? Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her stellar first season with the Indiana Fever, how she carved out a path of her own at the University of South Carolina and the intention behind her hair. Aliyah also shares why she's so comfortable being herself and Aliyah and Lynn bond over being tall. In Questions Permitted, Julie delves deep into whether fake plants in the house are a “no no.” Have a comment or question for Julie and Lynn? Email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Ultramarathon trailblazer Courtney Dauwalter joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she got into running ultras, what went into winning three 100-mile races in the span of 10 weeks and how she reframed the "pain cave" in her mind. Courtney also shares how her training schedule is completely dependent on what her body and brain are telling her. Plus, we learn what it actually feels like crossing the finish line of a 100-mile race, and perhaps most importantly, what Courtney's donut of choice is. Email Julie and Lynn a question and/or your favorite joke at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

In a live recording of Laughter Permitted in New York City, tennis legend and equal rights icon Billie Jean King returns to the podcast to talk about her life, how she's been fighting for equal pay since the early 1970s and what her hopes are for the future of women's sports. Julie and Billie Jean share the story of how they met and how BJK helped Julie and the USWNT in their equitable support battle with U.S. Soccer. Plus, Billie Jean gives a call to action to women everywhere and implores them not to settle for the crumbs. In the close of the show, find out the crucial role Julie plays at Angel City FC home games. Do you have a question or comment for Julie and Lynn? Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Two-time NCAA women’s cross country coach of the year Laurie Henes joins Laughter Permitted to share how fun and joy are key elements to the success of her NC State cross country and track & field programs. Laurie talks about how she encourages a team atmosphere in the individual sport of running, how she helps her runners find a way to succeed without spending too much time in the "pain cave" and how she creates an environment where her athletes feel empowered. In the close of the episode, Lynn shares how advice from Laurie in this episode helped her get over a mental hurdle when it comes to running.

In the Season 10 premiere, Olympic bronze medalist and U.S. women’s national team player Lynn Williams joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her experience at the 2023 World Cup, what she hopes for the USWNT going into the Olympics and what qualities she’d like in a new head coach. Plus, Lynn discusses the resiliency she has had throughout her career and how setbacks and injuries have helped shape her perspective on the role soccer plays in her life. Other topics discussed include: Lynn's crocheting, the joys of podcasting and how Julie is searching for her lost journal. In the close of the episode, Julie gives the high/low/cheer of her career. Do you have a question for Julie and Lynn? Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 9 and hand out some Dopie Awards. Have an idea for a guest for Season 10 or a question to ask Julie and Lynn? Send them an email at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.