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Marathoner Emma Bates went viral after sharing that her sponsor, UCan, dropped her once they learned she was pregnant. While UCan denied the allegation, it still reminded us of an unfortunate reality for women athletes – that the “pregnancy penalty” still exists. We break down what the penalty is, why some women athletes view pregnancy as a “death sentence” to their career, and how athletes like Allyson Felix have fought to stop it. In this episode, we also cover: Naomi Osaka retirement rumors swirling after her comments around motherhood and her tennis career Shaq addressing the AI-generated texts between him and Sabrina Carpenter NWSL smashing record attendance (again) – and the Denver Summit player who proved representation does matter Which teams made it to the Final Four, and how Blake and Caroline’s brackets are doing Send Its: Carson Pickett’s heartwarming moment with young fan: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWcSRqXEjN_/ Shaq’s AI-generated texts: https://youtu.be

It finally happened – the WNBA voted to ratify its new collective bargaining agreement, months after the deadline passed. It’s a major win for professional women’s basketball players and the league, which will offer what it calls “the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women's professional sports history.” With just weeks until the season starts, the off-season – and free agency chaos – begins.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The internet was all in on Timothée Chalamet’s Oscars run last year for “Marty Supreme” (guilty as charged). The Academy? Not so much. The ping-pong flick struck out, Chalamet walked back his ballet take, and he left empty-handed. Meanwhile, ballerina Misty Copeland had a front-row seat, performing onstage during Sinners’ “I Lied to You.” She joins us on Well Played to talk about getting the call from Ryan Coogler, what society gets wrong about women’s strength, and her journey back after hip replacement surgery. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Chloe Kim and Myles Garett’s unlikely matchmaker  Boston Legacy’s record-breaking home opener – and why the record won’t last long Misty Copeland on how she gained a newfound strength post-retirement How Oksana Masters went from orphan in Ukraine to most decorated Paralympian Where to find our March Madness brackets Send Its:  Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, and Jannik Sinner give us a lesson in body languag

Mercury is in retrograde which can only mean one thing — breakups. From Dak Prescott and Sarah Jane Ramos calling off their wedding to Luka Dončić’s fiancée deleting all of her photos with the star hooper, this week gave us nothing but drama in the love department. Plus, Caroline recaps this week’s free agency frenzy and CBS’ betting analyst, Mackenzie Brooks, gives practical advice on how to actually win your March Madness pool. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Who promptly shut down the Joe Burrow and Jessica Alba dating rumors Why some are mad after Sydney Leroux’s annual International Women’s Day post How Tobin Heath’s jersey retirement came full circle, ft. Brandi Chastain Why no one — not even elite athletes like Aryna Sabalenka — is safe from their moms comments on their appearance Send Its: Italians at the World Baseball Classic: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVmhwuWDezX/?hl=en Sydney Leroux’s iconic International Women’s Day post: https://www.instagram.co

Harry Styles ran two marathons and all he got was peeing advice that we may or may not adopt. Heavy on the “may not”. Trinity Rodman and Cameron Brink reminded us that Gen Z almost always finds love using the internet, and made us yearn for the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. days of romance (are you team red roses or white orchids?). And in actual sports news, Caroline tells us who to look out for post-NFL Combine. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Charles LeClerc’s first wedding – implying there is a second How Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong led UCONN women’s basketball to dominance this season Comparing the NBA and WNBA’s salary caps ahead of the women’s CBA deadline on March 10  Dawn Staley’s advice for Bam Adebayo when it comes to A’ja Wilson  A four-for-one Alysa Liu Send It, from her trip to “Watch What Happens Live” to meeting Daniel Radcliffe Send Its: Soccer player gives seagull CPR: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DVXHV-vkxgj/  UCONN vs. UM

Women won big time at the Winter Olympics, taking home more than half of Team USA’s gold medals. But a story involving President Trump and the US men’s hockey team has clouded the moment, raising questions about support for the women. After the team declined a White House visit, Flavor Flav offered to host them instead. Yes, really. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion linked up with Laila Edwards, and figure skater Amber Glenn pushed for more conversation about competing on your period. Send Its: Irvine PD curling PSA: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU_3DPSElHu/  Bratz Doll x Alysa Liu: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVFCiaFEp-x/?img_index=1  Myles Garrett’s poetry: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oJqb-h06gG0  Lindsay Vonn’s almost-amputation: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVGlrZuDYhq/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(Almost) the entire pod is about the Olympics this week. Sorry, not sorry. Caroline and Blake beg the question: why are winter Olympic athletes so much more unhinged than the summer ones? From a Norwegian biathlete’s very public cheating confession to a gold medalist’s credit card fraud conviction, we dive deep into the most wild stories from the week. In this episode, we also cover: Why the NFLPA can no longer publish its report cards publicly – and why that’s a loss for the league What Joe Judge gets wrong about fatherhood in Trinidad Chambliss’ eligibility testimony What Breanna Stewart’s off-season move to play in Turkey could mean for the WNBA season A Canadian curling scandal ft. the Swedish…surveillance state?  Going for the Golds:  Milan-Cortina c*ndoms restocked at the village: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/17/winter-olympics-condom-supply-shortage/88715151007/ Taylor Swift presents…the “Blade Angels”: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DU1a

After spending eight straight days together, Blake and Caroline are back in NYC with another episode of “Well Played.” We recap our Super Bowl experience with some exclusive intel on the Cardi B and Stefon Diggs break up, say goodnight to the NFL season, and send it to the Winter Olympics which is our collective fixation.  In this episode, we also cover: A special giveaway for one new follower of @wellplayedbytheskimm on IG How Lindsay Vonn shut down armchair experts around her recent leg fracture Who Surya Bonaly is, and why she’s getting her flowers in the wake of Ilia Malinin’s backflip The extremely practical backstory of Bad Bunny’s bush people  The Dyson Air Wrap’s missed opportunity at the Winter Olympics Going for the Golds:  Maddie Schiza’s professor is the MVP: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PhOOl7PCvw⁠  The Winn Brothers winning our hearts: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUeuk7cjPth/⁠  The unsung hero of the ski jump: ⁠https://www.insta

Tom Brady showed us just how much of a teen girl at heart he is with a recent series of Instagram stories. Did Gisele have anything to do with it? Caroline has thoughts. We also answer listener questions around the Super Bowl, like what “game odds” even mean and a vibe-check of the Seahawks and Patriots O & D-lines.  In this episode, we also cover: What our Bravo taglines would be as podcasters  Carlos Alcaraz proving “if he wanted to, he would” after his Australian Open win  A convo with Nordic combined skier, Annika Malacinski, on why her brother can compete at the Olympics but she can’t  Whether Lewis Hamilton is next on the “Kardashian kurse” list  How to tune into the Winter Olympics opening ceremony this Friday  Fun Stuff that aren’t Send Its:  Bravo taglines: https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/team-usa-athletes-real-housewives-taglines-2026-winter-olympics-video  Sam Darnold’s bird-app: https://www.tiktok.com/@vikingzfanpage/video/7463889814689975582 

Sorry boys, but Kendall Jenner’s getting the last laugh around the “Kardashian Kurse". Well, at least she did in her Super Bowl ad with Fanatics Sportsbook. WNBA star Cameron Brink joins Well Played to talk about why she wants Alex Consani on her pod, the most “big brother” thing about Steph Curry, and the biggest difference in her routine since her ACL injury. Finally — we have big news surrounding Well Played and Super Bowl LX. If you see us in the Bay, say hey. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Donna Kelce and Andrea Swift’s girls trip to the…Sundance Film Festival? How Travis Kelce’s supporting a women’s ice hockey player’s historic journey to the Olympics Send Its of the week, including how Shaun White is handling his separation from Nina Dobrev, a Redbull athlete to watch at the Olympics, Derrick Rose’s positive masculinity, and Kendall Jenner addressing the “Kardashian Kurse” Cameron Brink: @cameronbrink22 Blake on IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline on IG: @cghendy theSkimm

The NFL postseason is in full chaos mode, and this week Blake and Caroline are breaking down the Chicago Bears game that put fans through an emotional roller coaster. From pivotal play calls to high-pressure moments, they dig into what went wrong, what worked, and what Caleb Williams’ performance reveals about the road ahead. Plus, Caroline is making sure we all know who to root for in the NFL playoffs based on the characters in “Heated Rivalry.” In this episode of “Well Played”, we also cover: -Why the Beckham beef is back in the spotlight -Which WNBA star is joining “Hunting Wives” -Why Chloe Kim is spending so much time in the pedicure chair -The reason Fernando Mendoza’s story has us in our feels -What it was like for former Laker’s owner Jeannie Buss as a woman in a male-domited industry (hint: not easy) Plus Caroline and Blake conduct a sniff test with Literie’s new 2026 FIFA World Cup collection candles. Use code SKIMM10 for 10% off your order at https://literiecandle.com. Editor's note: In th

The “Heated Rivalry” craze that started in 2025 spilled into the new year, with everyone (us) foaming at the mouth over the Heated Rivalry boys. Hollanov/ HudCon/our boyfriends dominated the Golden Globes, where Julia Roberts revealed her football fandom, Hailee Steinfeld debuted her bump on the red carpet, and Timothée Chalamet took home the gold statue for Best Actor for playing the insufferable lead in “Marty Supreme”. Plus, Caroline breaks down everything you need to know about last weekend’s wild card round – and what’s to come in the no-man’s-land of the NFL post-season. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  Ali Truwit’s journey from losing her foot in a shark attack to medaling at the Paris Paralympics The unprecedented matchup between Indiana-Miami in the college football finals – and how much it’ll cost to watch the game IRL  George Kittle’s relatable request post-Achilles tear  How Alysa Liu made the Olympic figure skating squad, despite retiring at 16 Our tak

For many of us, following our passions doesn’t always pay the bills. But sometimes, the right idea (and a little grit) can change that. In this special episode created in partnership with Capital One Venture X Business Card, we sat down with Kristen Dermer, a CEO who took her childhood passion for skateboarding and turned it into a career. Kirsten, the co-founder of Spohn Ranch, told us all about how she built her award-winning skatepark design-build business from the ground up. Click play, lean back, and prepare to get inspired.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld are expecting their first child together. Hailee shared the news in her “Beau Society” newsletter. But Josh Allen kinda gave it away with his empathic morning sickness on the sidelines. We wrap the last episode of the year with our annual Wellies, including categories like “Most Exhausted PR Team” and “Diva of the Year.” Disagree with the nominees? Sound off in the comments. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:  An update on the Sherrone Moore case out of the University of Michigan  Why motherhood made Olivia Culpo mourn who she was before having her baby How Ann Michael Maye’s “Bakemas” killed Drake Maye’s win Why we’re not surprised A’ja Wilson is a co-chair for the Met Gala’s host committee  Introducing the greenest flag in college football, Fernando Mendoza Thanks to our presenting sponsor Capital One Venture X Business Card! Visit ⁠https://skimmth.is/48YzMGy⁠ to learn more. Well Played will be on winter break for the next few

The hottest show in sports right now has nothing to do with quarterbacks or point guards, but it has everything to do with gay guys who play pro-hockey – and we’re into it. Blake recaps the hockey smut show, Heated Rivalry, while Caroline breaks down the Notre Dame college football playoff drama, à la Regina George and the Plastics. Plus, the WTA’s no. 4 tennis player, Amanda Anisimova, drops by the studio to chat about going pro at 15, what happened when she prioritized her mental health, and more.  In this episode, we also cover: The Chiefs sh*tting the bed in front of the girl gang, aka: Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, and Lena Dunham Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios calling it quits  The effectiveness of the positive vibes bunny in the Eagles locker room  Which game NFL fans dubbed “Pookie Bowl”  SEND ITS:  Tampa Bay Bucs support women in sports: https://www.instagram.com/p/DR-BirwDvCT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  The auntie who loved up on AJ Brown:

Caroline breaks down the soap opera drama of Lane Kiffin’s recent divorce from Ole Miss for the younger, hotter LSU. Who knew a middle-aged white guy would occupy so much of our brain space? It’s also high-season for celeb-watch on the NBA sidelines, from Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez cuddling up to Conrad and Steven giving us an alternate ending for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on the kiss cam. In this episode, we also cover:  The NWSL’s Sydney Leroux reveals how her silent health struggle is more prevalent in women’s sports than we believe Recapping DWTS season 13, plus Alix Earle shutting down rumors about her boyfriend, Braxton Berrios Why Ben Johnson went shirtless for the city of Chicago  How Post Malone’s Cowboys fandom goes beyond hometown loyalty  Petty Boys of the NFL week 13 edition, ft. Aaron Rodgers, Shelby Harris, and Cam Heyward SEND IT:  “The Summer I Turned Pretty” alternate ending at the Knicks game: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRp7Uq8

Well Played headed to the West Coast for a LIVE podcast recording at the NWSL Championship weekend. Joined by special guests Sarah Spain, we recapped the NWSL awards, handed out a few of our own (hi, Midge Purce), and set the scene for the title match, including alll the drama the led to the big game. Plus, we mentioned our favorite storylines from a season that proved — yet again — that women’s soccer is operating on another level. theSkimm’s IG: @theskimm Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Sarah's IG: spain2323 Want more sports? Sign up for theSkimm’s sports newsletter at theskimm.com/sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since at least late 2024, Russell Wilson has left thirsty comments on his wife Ciara’s Instagram posts asking for baby number five – aka, “Cinco.” Blake and Caroline join Ciara in her public plea to give her uterus a break. In other ick-worthy news, Sky Sports addressed the patronizing launch of their women-centric sports TikTok account, “Halo”. Matcha lattes and hot girl walks not included – thank God. In this episode, we also cover:  How LeBron and Bronny body swapped, “Freaky Friday” style The case for why Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green needs therapy  NFL week 12 highlights, including the Bills bouncing back, the return of spitgate, and the Chiefs dynasty…ending? The Knicks ultra fan who used his visit to the Vatican to give Pope Leo a custom jersey  Jordyn Woods’s heartfelt gift for Karl Anthony Towns’ 30th birthday  Why Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet were at a high school gym together SEND IT:  Jordyn Woods x KAT’s 30th birthday: https://w

Bengals fans, rejoice. The streets are saying Joe Burrow will return by Thanksgiving after healing his turf toe. Shocked he’s already making a comeback? Us too. Blake and Caroline suspect it’s all thanks to an Etsy witch – with a side of Joe’s crystal collection. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa spends a sporty day off.  In this episode, we also cover: Why Prince Harry issued an apology to Canadians post-World Series  Dak Prescott’s heartfelt speech surrounding the death of Cowboys defensive end, Marshawn Kneeland Which swatch of red lipstick Daniel Jones wore during the Colts game  Why Jaedyn Shaw shut down the “underdog” comments surrounding Gotham FC  Serena Williams and Ciara break it down – and which one of them couldn’t get back up SEND IT: Klay Thompson is the greenest flag: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQw_i1qEsvK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Jonas Brothers + Jason Kelce – aka girl dads – unite: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ4N2THCvud/?igsh=MT

David and Victoria Beckham graduated from “Mr. and Mrs.” to “Sir and Lady” after the soccer legend was knighted for his service in sport and charity. It was a decade-long process – and apparently included some expletive-filled emails when he got passed over years ago. The family gathered to celebrate, but we couldn’t help but notice one noticeably absent Beckham. Meanwhile, Simone Biles shared a “get unready with me” TikTok we didn’t know we needed full of cultural confessions. Simone, if you’re reading this: it would be our honor to show you how to use a dishwasher.  In this week’s episode, we also discuss:  Caroline’s crash out over the Jets trade of Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams Hellen Obiri breaking the NYC Marathon course record – and her parents adorable reaction Clayton Kershaw’s dad bod on full display, plus whether Shohei Ohtani is secretly fluent in English  What we want out of the next Cardi B and Robert Kraft sighting Joe Burrow’s Halloween costume t