Laughter Permitted With Julie Foudy

Two-time Olympic gold medalist and water polo superstar Ashleigh Johnson joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she was introduced to the sport of water polo, how she remains the only Black woman to compete for the U.S. in water polo at the Olympic level and how she hopes to be an example of what’s possible in the sport and beyond. She also shares her perspective of the U.S. women’s water polo team finishing fourth at the 2024 Paris Games and how she’s embracing saying, “Yes,” to new opportunities post-Olympics (which includes Fashion Week in New York City, hanging with Taylor Swift at the VMAs and more!). Plus, Ashleigh, who is considered the best goalkeeper in the world, dives into how her main goal is to simply “get the ball,” which propels her to limits even she can’t imagine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Olympic gold medalist and Portland Thorns star Sam Coffey joins Laughter Permitted to talk about the experience of winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, what it was like being led by USWNT head coach Emma Hayes and how the joy was real during her Olympic journey. Plus, Sam shares how she dealt with the disappointment of not making the World Cup roster in 2023 and what it was like when, a year later, she found out she’d made the Olympic team. Sam also delves into how she is intentional about living in the present moment and why she plays with her jersey tucked in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Olympic beach volleyball pair Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss join Laughter Permitted to talk about what it was like competing at the 2024 Paris Games (from a rain-soaked Opening Ceremonies to playing in front of LeBron James), how they joined forces at LSU and the unique way they solidified their playing partnership through creating a brand and business called “TKN.” Hear the story of how Julie was in the stands during an epic match that Taryn and Kristen played in a lightning storm under the Eiffel Tower (LeBron has a role in the saga). Plus, find out how Taryn and Kristen continue to work on their communication, and learn which one of them is more likely to make a complete stop at a stop sign. In Questions Permitted, Julie offers a listener advice on the college recruiting process.  Have a question for comment for Julie and Lynn? Email them at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paralympic silver medalist Sarah Adam joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her experience of competing in wheelchair rugby at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, what it was like being the first woman on the U.S. wheelchair rugby team and how the sport came into her life. Sarah also shares how her identity as an athlete helped her cope with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis at the age of 25, how she embraced adaptive sports and how she views her role as a professor of occupational therapy. Plus, the Lynn Game has a unique tiebreak, and Sarah tells the hilarious story of her close call with smack talking. In the close, a listener suggests Julie try a new flavor of ice cream. Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. They welcome questions, deep thoughts and jokes. Producer’s Note: The Lynn Game is now three questions. The stakes have been raised! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Laughter Permitted is back! Julie and Lynn share highlights of Season 11 and hand out some Dopie Awards. Do you have question you'd like to get answered during Questions Permitted or a general comment to share with the hosts? Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. They also take jokes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final installment of the Laughter Permitted Olympics series, Julie blasts a Zoom link on the 99ers text thread after the U.S. wins gold at the Paris Games and Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly, Cindy Parlow Cone, Brandi Chastain, Michelle Akers, Joy Fawcett, Sara Whalen Hess, Saskia Weber, Shannon MacMillan and Tish Venturni Hoch join the podcast to celebrate the victory together. Mia shares what it was like being at the game, Cindy calls in from a bus headed to the team’s party and Akers wants to suit up for Emma Hayes. Plus, Brandi joins the Zoom party a little late and then Julie's off to the postgame party to meet up with Mia and Cindy and hopefully karaoke.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Brandi Chastain and Julie dive into breaking down the USWNT’s 1-0 win over Germany, preview the gold medal game against Brazil and give their predictions for the final. Plus, Brandi has a nickname idea for the U.S.’s front three and Lynn gives her hot takes. Questions Permitted and Olympics Buzz are all about the fun, including ping pong, trampoline, Brandi's backyard Olympics, chocolate muffins in the Olympic Village and how Brandi and Julie once fought crime together.

After the USWNT's hard-fought 1-0 win over Japan, two-time Olympic gold medalist Briana Scurry and Julie talk about how a tough game is part of the process in a tournament like the Olympics, how winning has a way of making everyone forget about the difficult moments and Bri shares what she would say to the USWNT before its upcoming semifinal game. In Olympics Buzz, Julie tells the story of how she made it to Eiffel Tower Stadium to cheer on the U.S. beach volleyball team of Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth, and Lynn has stats on how the U.S. women are dominating at the Paris Games. Do you have an Olympics questions? Email it to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist Shannon Boxx and Julie discuss what they like about the USWNT's start at the Olympics and give a full breakdown of the quarterfinals. As debate wages over a nickname for the frontline of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, Lynn weighs in with what she considers to be the answer. Plus, the Canadian spying scandal continues to unfold. In Olympics Buzz, talk turns to the U.S. rugby team winning bronze, U.S. gymnastics taking gold and how U.S. basketball looks strong. Have an Olympics questions? Send it to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com

In a Dope Village/ Pod Squad crossover episode, two-time Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach and The Soccer expert Glennon Doyle join Laughter Permitted to discuss what they're loving about the USWNT's 4-1 win over Germany in the Olympics. Abby and Julie like the tactics and tenacity while Glennon praises the steadiness of new head coach Emma Hayes, who she'd follow out of a burning building. In Olympics Buzz, talk turns to Celine Dion, the U.S. beach volleyball team of Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth and how Simone Biles is everything.

With the Paris Games officially underway, three-time Olympic gold medalist Heather O'Reilly - a.k.a. HAO! - joins Laughter Permitted to talk all things Olympics, including winning gold with Julie at the 2004 Athens Games. Heather and Julie have a lively discussion about Team Canada's use of a drone to spy on opponents - yikes! - and then they dive into analysis of the USWNT's 3-0 win over Zambia. Plus, find out what Heather is manifesting these Olympics. Producer's Note: This episode was recorded before news broke of Canada women's national soccer team head coach Bev Priestman being removed from the Canadian Olympic team.

With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics about to get underway, Julie - live from France! - and Lynn talk about the storylines of the Games, including Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, U.S. women’s basketball and U.S. women's soccer. Plus, they share the game plan for their Laughter Permitted "Olympics-style" episodes. Have an Olympics-themed question? Email Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1999! It’s officially 25 years since the U.S. women’s national team won the 1999 World Cup in front of a sold-out Rose Bowl and TV audience of 40 million people. That team, affectionately known as The 99ers, has a legacy that’s endured and two of its stars, Kristine Lilly and Tisha Venturini, join Laughter Permitted to talk all about how the team balanced competitiveness with having fun. Kristine, Tisha and Julie share stories of intense practices (and how teammates still hung out afterwards), how laughing became a way to alleviate the pressure of the World Cup (insert Julie here) and how the bench (led by Tisha) was key in creating team chemistry. Listen in to learn even more about the secret sauce of The 99ers. Check out: Episode 100: The 99ers Episode 132: Brandi Chastain and Tiffany Sahaydak

Celebrate good times, come on! To honor the 25th anniversary of the U.S. women’s national team's 1999 World Cup win, legends Brandi Chastain and Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak join Laughter Permitted to talk about what makes up a 99er, the keys to why the 1999 team was so successful and how the legacy of The 99ers continues today. Brandi, TIffany and Julie share how humility started at the top, teammates were embraced for being themselves and that competitiveness and fun went together. Get ready for laughs, thoughtfulness - a quick bathroom break - and insights into the team that changed the landscape of sports forever.  P.S. - There’s a prank, too. Check out: Episode 100: The 99ers

In a live recording of Laughter Permitted at the espnW Summit NYC, college basketball players Azzi Fudd of UConn, Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame and Tessa Johnson of South Carolina join the podcast to talk about their hoops careers, who inspires them as players and what they've learned from their respective coaches. Be sure to stay tuned to the close of the episode for a special announcement about Laughter Permitted celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 99ers! Email your "cheese or ice cream" thoughts to Juile and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

Two-time WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Jewell Loyd joins Laughter Permitted to talk about how she has stepped out of her comfort zone to share her voice, lessons she learned playing with former teammates Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart and how pickleball has become a big part of her life. Jewell and Julie bond over their experiences of being humbled by grandmas on the pickleball court and Lynn offers a deep thought about the sport. Plus, Jewell shares what it's like being part of the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team and carrying on its legacy of winning. In the close of the show, Julie recalls a recent stress dream involving past and present USWNT players and both Julie and Lynn give book recommendations. Send an email to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com. They'd love to hear from you!

Notre Dame women's basketball head coach Niele Ivey joins Laughter Permitted to talk about her daily meditation practice, what it's like coaching in the era of NIL and the transfer portal and how she is building her program based on the principles of "love, serve and mentor." Niele also talks about the pride she has watching her son, Jaden, play in the NBA and the perspective she has having been an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies. In the Lynn Game, Niele and Julie duke it out over who knows Tamika Catchings better (hazard alert: someone gets smoked) and find out in Most Pressing Questions why Niele dresses for success on the sidelines. Producer's Note: Go Irish! Be sure to send a comment, question or deep thought to Julie and Lynn at laughterpermitted@gmail.com.

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!