Stafford’s Swift Appearance, Kate Upton’s MLB Lore, and Jalen Brunson’s SNL Debut

Jalen Brunson ditched his typical stoic self for his SNL debut last weekend for a few characters: a high school musical-esque basketballer, a rapper, and a member of a polycule. Seeing OG Anunoby act was the cherry on top. Matt Stafford also took the big screen in Taylor Swift’s music video for “Patient Zero,” which debuted at this year’s VMAs. Turns out having Swiftie daughters can pay dividends for your career. In this episode, we also cover: The latest in the WNBA playoffs, plus honoring Olivia Miles and Nneka Ogwumike’s league accomplishments Whether JJ McCarthy will replace fellow young Giants QB, Jaxson Dart, for the long run Two activities that aren’t activities but should be: beer wenching & girl gripping Where things stand in the MLB post-season    PS: Sound off on the sports stories keeping you up at night. Call Well Played at (828) 412-4825 to leave your questions, rants, or rule checks. You could end up on next week's show — and we'd love to hear from you. Send Its: Justin Verlander’s emotional send-off, featuring his daughter and wife, Kate Upton: https://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/article/justin-verlanders-daughter-gave-him-an-emotional-hug-on-the-mound-after-his-final-mlb-pitch-what-a-moment-191250826.html Bonus: the commercial Verlander and Upton met on: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgQ4QwyZem8  The beer baddie who carried 14 beers: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdwMEwaMEwq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Plus, the Toronto Tempo and Coors Light for making a drink we need: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdrZlRllnfa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Introducing Atlanta City FC: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-team-17-atlanta-city-fc-unveils-club-name-logo-and-colors Plus: Ashley Sanchez ties Temwa Chawinga’s record: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/sanchez-becomes-second-to-score-20-goals-fishlock-breaks-rapinoe-s-reign-scoring-record  Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake on Instagram: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline on Instagram: @cghendy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NFL week 2 gave us injuries, moments from our favorite WAGs, and confirmation that it’s too soon to judge a team by its quarterback. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart all had to tap out of their games, while Taylor Swift and Simone Biles showed us two very different game day routines.    In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Whether joining the “Traitors” is a good or bad sign for one’s career  The functional custom Nike outfit Keely Hodgkinson wore during her 800m sprint at Athlos Channing Tatum’s burner account allegations – and if we’ll see the account in the DWTS comments section Caroline’s unfiltered thoughts on the show “Crew Girl”, plus Blake’s NFL team reveal  Send Its: Jalen Brunson’s daughter walks the runway: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdbEJXxjFIH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  And Jose Alvarado’s daughters want a baby brother named OG Anunoby: https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1wmim1a/jose_alvarados_daughters_beg_to_name_their/  Flau’jae on disrespecting the GOAT: https://www.instagram.com/p/DdjnyADAtGV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Caitlin Clark rapping on the jumbotron, while the Fever is down 20: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdhtZp4NxB7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Creed Humphrey’s fiancées Chiefs game bachelorette party: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdkEDHmSFZJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  WNBA playoff guide: https://courses.theskimm.com/pages/theskimm-wnba-playoffs-guide?utm_source=calendar&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=skimm%20courses Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake on Instagram: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline on Instagram: @cghendy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, women in sports couldn’t catch a break. From Novig’s controversial “Just Sports” ad featuring Sydney Sweeney to Arch Manning laughing at an A.I. video depicting violence against Holly Rowe – there is a lot to call out. Blake and Caroline break down these stories, plus the NFL’s return.  In this episode, we also cover:  Taylor Swift’s Emmys cameo – plus Caroline’s new name for Travis Kelce  Team USA’s first FIBA World Cup win under Sue Bird’s leadership The sticker price on Malik Nabers’ game-day hair Why so many US Open fans were disappointed with Zverev’s win  Hyrox’s latest response to pooma-gate  Thanks to our presenting sponsor Visa. Visit⁠ https://bayfc.com/community/visa/⁠ to learn more. Send Its: The Savannah Bananas should’ve recruited Troy Bolton: ⁠https://www.threads.com/@blaaakkkke/post/DdOrqHmIJvz⁠  Hyrox competitor: ⁠https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/15/hyrox-changes-rules-apology-australian-woman-joanna-wietrzyk-soils-herself-mid-race-beijing⁠  Jalen Brunson goes incognito at Harry Styles concert: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdO347msrIa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠ Stefon Diggs making terrible impressions on his new team: ⁠https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49935938/commanders-back-stefon-diggs-costly-unsportsmanlike-flag⁠  Simone Biles and Jonathan Owens pre-game handshake: ⁠https://people.com/simone-biles-finds-husband-jonathan-owens-for-pregame-kiss-first-game-with-colts-12120480⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blake and Caroline are back from summer vacation, ready to catch you up on all things sports. From Alix Earle dishing on Tom Brady and Braxton Berrios in her new Netflix show, to LSU having a full on Billy Madison moment — the August summer slump we normally expect never happened. Plus, Spain's latest benefit for its national team shows us that supporting women athletes in their family planning journey is not only possible – it’s the future.  The latest Dancing with the Stars cast – and Caroline’s hot take on the former pro dancer on the roster Listener voicemails pitching Blake on their favorite NFL team  All things US Open, including Coco Gauff’s Cheesecake Factory order, the Battle of the Billionaires, and our thoughts on influencers at sporting events  Caitlin Clark hiding her toes in the FIBA locker room – and why Caroline can relate Travis and Taylor’s dog making her acting debut  Send Its: Caitlin Clark hiding her toes: https://www.reddit.com/r/wnba/comments/1w9bj91/caitlin_had_the_team_laughing_for_covering_her/ Frat boys do a wellness dage / darty: https://www.instagram.com/reels/Dc65ymgp4BC/  The 25th anniversary of the Spongebob Bubble Bowl: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9iYm9PEAHg Travis Kelce and Wendy for Tommy Hilfiger: https://youtu.be/N8y9I5_FD5k?si=xnDMzd7IlcKADLIW&t=21  In this episode, we also cover:  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

\Hilary Duff is making the rounds like LeBron James, bouncing from Florida to L.A. to Philly during her Lucky Me tour. Who’s gonna tell her she needs to make a pilgrimage to Cleveland? Meanwhile, Caroline recaps the snooze fest that was the Hall of Fame game, an unhinged speech by one of its inductees, and why the Hall of Fame voting committee should consider Tom Brady’s nose-pinching-when-swimming for his future candidacy.  In this episode, we also cover:  Cooper Kupp’s surprise invite to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding Why Dijonai Carrington and Sophie Cunningham are in the WNBA spotlight yet again  The first two-time winner of the Tour de France Femmes, and why it took so long to get a women’s race in the first place The 97-year-old woman who broke her own Guinness record Listener messages, including a shout out for a listener who produces Hard Knocks, how to make supporting a team your entire personality, and why the Liberty waived Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Well Played is going on summer break. We’ll return the first week of the NFL season. Make sure you’re subscribed to our feed so you don’t miss our first episode back. Also: keep calling and pitching Blake on why she should follow your favorite NFL team. Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825  Send Its: Hilary Duff acknowledges LeBron James, plus an archival photo of them from 2004: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25470070-hilary-duff-makes-lebron-james-comparison-philadelphia-concert-video-after-stars-76ers-contract  Baseball broadcasters ask the age old question (for men): can you use shampoo as body wash? https://www.instagram.com/p/DbqoWVXlmNM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Mrs. Met makes herstory as first female mascot in the Mascot Hall of Fame: https://mascothalloffame.com/mascots/mrs-met/  Was Babe Ruth actually real?: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mad-dog-russo-rips-pete-143925361.html  Betty Bromage breaks her own record for oldest female wind walker at 97-years-old: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dbp_qK6sERV/  Super dad runs a 4:17 mile pushing a stroller: https://www.instagram.com/guardianmile/  Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy  Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clean energy powers 1.4 million American jobs, and most women who'd be great at them have no idea the door's open. In this special podcast episode, presented together with American Clean Power, theSkimm sits down with clean energy leaders (Kelly Veney Darnell, Melissa Peterson, and Amanda Koonjbeharry) to unpack the industry's opportunities and meet the women in charge. Are you eyeing a career pivot? Already working in clean energy? Or navigating another male-dominated field? This conversation is for you. You'll hear how these women established themselves as leaders, how to build credibility and influence at every career stage, and what's next for one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. Consider this your power move. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bradley Cooper is playing the long game with Gigi Hadid as far as getting her and the younger generations on the Eagles bandwagon. Plus, a caller gets a vibe check on Ted Lasso’s returns as the head coach of the Lady Greyhounds. Will season four live up to the hype? In this episode, we also cover: Martha Stewart doing Jalen Brunson dirty in a recent birthday video Questioning why MLB managers wear player uniforms Baker Mayfield wins MVP of Caroline’s heart, thanks to the latest Netflix season of Quarterback The recent conversations in the WNBA around trans women in sports – and what it reveals to us about women sports leagues  Why 99-year-old Maybelle Blair threw the ceremonial pitch at the first Women’s Professional Baseball League game  Send Its: MLB manager and umpire fight, stop during God Bless America, then resume: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sSLLOrQ8DkQ  Elaine dance competition at the Brooklyn Cyclones’ Seinfeld night: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbhOOCCttrh/  And the original Elaine dance for those who’ve never seen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsl3IBAsEH4  Molly Carlson proving she’s a bad ass yet again, ft. Shark Week: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbeSNQMShtc/  Jalen Brunson opens up Martha Stewart’s birthday video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DblkjMtxDJv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825  Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy  Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WNBA All Star weekend was a movie. Blake would love to report on it, but the weekend got her sick. We replace our B with another B, BJ Beckwith, former host of Just Women’s Sports podcast Sports Are Fun!. They get into the cheating rumors between WNBA exes NaLyssa Smith and Dijonnai Carrington, how LeBron will make up for loss of income post-76ers trade, and a new segment called “Men on Wheels”, all about men in F1 and the Tour de France. Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825  Follow BJ Beckwith: @bj.beckwith Follow Caroline: @cghendy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're breaking down the biggest sports and pop culture moments you need to know. From our behind-the-scenes recap at Fanatics Fest NYC to Justin Bieber's surprise appearance, Aaron Rodgers' emotional family update, and the latest Taylor Fritz–Olivia Jade dating rumors, we're covering everything everyone's talking about. We also recap Spain's dramatic FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina, unpack the controversial halftime show, relive the post-match brawl, and share our thoughts on what the tournament means for the future of international soccer. Plus, we're previewing the WNBA All-Star Game and answering some of your favorite hotline questions from the weekend. In this episode: -Fanatics Fest NYC recap -Justin Bieber's surprise appearance -Aaron Rodgers family drama explained -Paige Lorenze & Tommy Paul wedding highlights -Taylor Fritz and Olivia Jade dating rumors -Lewis Hamilton, Kendall Jenner & celebrity dating updates -Spain vs. Argentina FIFA World Cup Final recap -World Cup halftime show reactions -WNBA All-Star Game preview -Hotline Q&A If you love sports, pop culture, celebrity news, tennis, soccer, and unfiltered reactions, be sure to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Well Played crew hit the stage live at Fanatics Fest with special guest Rachel DeMita for a can't-miss conversation covering the biggest stories in sports right now. From breaking down the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain—including Lionel Messi vs. Lamine Yamal, bold championship predictions, and the viral "passing of the torch" photo—to debating Caitlin Clark's All-Star voting controversy and previewing WNBA All-Star Weekend, this episode has it all. Plus, Rachel shares what it's been like covering the World Cup on the ground, the wild halftime show lineup, and the one soccer rule she'd change. 🎙️ New episodes of Well Played drop every week. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more sports, pop culture, and everything in between. Thanks to our friends at DICK'S Sporting Goods for hosting us on your stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices