287. Naomi Girma on Confidence, Mental Health & the USWNT

What does it take to raise a World Cup footballer while cementing your own legendary soccer legacy? In this episode, we sit down with former New Zealand Football Fern, two-time World Cup player, and two-time Olympian- Jenny Bindon! Jenny shares her incredible journey as she and her son, Tyler, became the first mother-son duo to ever appear in a World Cup. From making history on the pitch to the beautiful reality of building a massive community support system, this episode dives deep into why it’s always about building the person, not just the football player. Head to Nuuly.com and use code FOOTBALLCO to get $28 off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What truly separates a good player from a great player? This week, we are sitting down with Olympic Bronze Medalist and soccer analyst Kaylyn Kyle for an incredibly raw, honest conversation about the realities of elite sports, mental shifts, and life after the pitch. Kaylyn opens up about the exact moment she realized her relationship with the game was changing- admitting, "I started dreading training," and sharing how she navigated the difficult transition from passion to pressure. From the unmatched power of work ethic and putting the team before yourself, to finding joy in the chaos and remembering that "life is too short not to have a good time doing it," Kaylyn drops major gems on motivation, resilience, and identity. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, a sports fan, or just trying to navigate your own career transitions, Kaylyn’s grit and perspective will leave you incredibly inspired. Head to Nuuly.com and use code FOOTBALLCO to get $28 off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USWNT legend Crystal Dunn joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk about her incredible career, the pressure of constantly changing positions, and finally finding peace with her soccer journey. Crystal opens up about playing everywhere from outside back to attacking roles, the mental challenges of adapting year after year, and why she’s proud to have built a career unlike anyone else’s. Plus, we get into locker room cellys, soccer mom snacks, life beyond the game, and plenty of laughs along the way. This is Crystal Dunn like you’ve never heard her before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former pro footballer turned content creator Samantha Miller joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to share her journey from playing for West Ham and Tottenham to becoming one of the most recognizable voices covering soccer online. Sam opens up about life after professional football, building a career in content creation, her World Cup predictions, and what she hopes to see for the future of the women’s game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mandy Freeman joins the Soccer Girl Podcast to talk all things Gotham FC, life in the NWSL, and the journey that brought her to one of the league’s biggest clubs. From her early soccer days to becoming a key piece of Gotham’s success, Mandy shares stories from her career, what it’s really like inside a professional locker room, the growth of women’s soccer, and how she balances life on and off the field. We also dive into fashion, confidence, team culture, and some fun behind-the-scenes moments that fans don’t usually get to hear. If you’re a Gotham FC fan, NWSL fan, or just love hearing from the personalities shaping the women’s game, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re joined by Naomi Girma for a thoughtful conversation about the realities of life on and off the field. Naomi opens up about the USWNT, playing under Emma Hayes, confidence, journaling, mental health, and the mindset that’s helped her become one of the best defenders in the world. We also talk about the importance of giving back through the game and highlight World Football Giving Day on May 26. Whether it’s supporting a local club, nonprofit, or organization that means something to you, every contribution makes a difference. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow along for more conversations with the biggest names in women’s soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week USWNT legend and World Cup champion Becky Sauerbrunn joins us! Becky talks leadership, motherhood, team culture, life after soccer, and the lessons she learned throughout her incredible career with the USWNT and NWSL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mak joins the pod to talk about her journey, mindset, and what it really means to carve your own path in the game. From the growing conversation around going pro at a young age to tuning out outside noise, Mak shares how she’s stayed focused on her goals and trusted her process. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about confidence, timing, and doing what’s right for you , not everyone else. Get your pair of the new IDA Helia Club Turfs at idasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on SoccerGirl, we sit down with David Murray, soccer dad and author, for an honest, insightful conversation about the youth soccer journey from the sidelines. From the pressures parents feel to “get it right,” to the reality that mistakes are part of the process, David shares a perspective every soccer parent (and player) needs to hear. We talk about how to support young athletes without losing sight of the bigger picture, why communication between parents matters more than we think, and what it really means to raise strong, confident players beyond just wins and losses. If you’re navigating the world of youth sports, this episode is a must-listen. Get your copy of David's book, Soccer Dad here! Get your pair of the new IDA Helia Club Turfs at ⁠idasports.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the pod, we’re joined by U.S. Women’s National Team and Seattle Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey  Claudia is one of the top young American keepers in the game right now, and we had such a fun, honest conversation with her about life in goal and everything that comes with it. From handling pressure in big moments to competing against your own friends, she gives a real look into the mindset of a goalkeeper at the highest level. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to be a top keeper or just want to hang with one of the most fun personalities in the game this one’s for you. This episode is brought to you by IDA Sports👟 If you’ve played soccer, you know the struggle of wearing cleats that weren’t actually designed for women’s feet. That’s exactly why IDA exists. They make soccer boots specifically built for female athletes, focusing on fit, comfort, and performance. Get yours today at www.idasports.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices