The Week Women in Sports Couldn’t Catch a Break: Arch Manning, Sydney Sweeney, and Alexander Zverev

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

Two things remain consistent in the world of soccer: fans still hate refs, and Victoria Beckham still couldn't care less about soccer. We break down why FIFA can’t beat the corrupt allegations in what fans are dubbing “Vargentina”, plus how Posh Spice maintains her beef with soccer.  Also in soccer, Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit are headed to NYC this week to play in the first women's-sporting event ever hosted at Citi Field. New York Giants and Gotham FC co-owners (and sisters), Carolyn Tisch-Blodgett and Emily Tisch-Sussman, join the pod to tell us why Gotham FC’s relocation to NYC will grow women’s sports, the differences working in men vs. women’s sports, and whether Sam Kerr will take the pitch in her first match back in the NWSL. Call us, beep us, if you wanna reach us: (828) 412-4825  Follow Emily Tisch-Sussman: @emtsuss @shepivotsthepodcast Follow Gotham FC: @gothamfc  Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy  Haaland bridal hair inspo: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DapZP6SDQ0y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠ Taylor & Travis dog confirmed: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DavS0TpIG-1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠⁠  The WNBA’s “shoegate”: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/shorts/ooVPcAT0lJs?si=csnpxxZ2b0mqIftc⁠⁠  Plus, Marina Mabrey introduces her “crashout jar”: ⁠⁠https://youtu.be/cflcCtRywn0?si=k-hm3kO7BwFeZwE4&t=55⁠⁠  FINALLY: we’re recording a live episode of Well Played at Fanatics Fest this Friday at 11 AM! Come meet us IRL. Get your tickets to Fanatics Fest in NYC and use WELLPLAYED10 to get 10% off your single or multi-day ticket: ⁠⁠https://www.fanaticsfest.com/tickets⁠⁠. ​​Send Its: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It happened. It finally happened. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wed at Madison Square Garden. As the resident Swiftie of Well Played, Caroline dives into all the details – and shows why her relationship with T&T is a little too parasocial. The World Cup continued in spite of the royal American wedding, with uncs exiting the tournament, Trump phoning a friend, and the USMNT flopping in its round-of-16 performance. Soccer content creator, Lilibeth Rendon, joins the pod to talk about it all.  In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: The deep lore behind Blake Lively’s absence at Taylor Swift’s wedding Who Lilibeth thinks will win the Golden Boot award  How a new woman in Wimbledon whites will take home the championship for the 10th straight season A special edition of Send It, ft. only Erling Haaland content  The Well Played hotline is LIVE! Need to complain about your favorite athlete? Still don’t understand offsides after several attempts at learning? Call us with your rants, questions, and concerns at (828) 412-4825.  Send Its:  Erling Haaland's master class moment of not letting intrusive thoughts win: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DabZIRlNenD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Erling Haaland look-alike contest?: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYhoCZ-T7h5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Erling Haaland tattoo cover up: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dac49AXCRxa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Follow Lilibeth: @lilibethstar Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices