Best The Sparkle With Naomi Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
'Seizing the moment': Commissioner Jessica Berman on the NWSL's Olympic momentum 29:46

1h ago29:46

29:46

From a café in Paris, Meg Linehan sat down with NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman for a special one-on-one interview episode. The conversation focused on how the league is strategizing to maximize the impact of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Can the NWSL build on the success of the gold medal-winning U.S. women's national team, as well as dozens of high-p…

1
Olympic Gold for the USWNT: Emma Hayes triumphant in first tournament after Alyssa Naeher heroics in final 1:04:31

3d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

Your 2024 Paris Olympic champions are the U.S. women's national team. On the final Olympic reaction podcast, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang dissect how Emma Hayes' players ground out a nervy and choppy 1-0 win in the final over Brazil. Was this USA team redeeming the 2023 World Cup failure or is that an unfair lens to view the triumph through? Just…

1
USWNT advances to Olympic final after Naomi Girma masterclass shuts out Germany 57:15

6d ago57:15

57:15

The U.S. women's national team's 2024 Paris Olympics adventure is not over. After a 1-0 extra-time win over Germany in Tuesday's semifinal, Emma Hayes' team will take on Brazil for a gold medal this weekend. On this special match-reaction Full Time podcast, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang break down how the USA stayed cool to survive and advance in …

1
Last-min Trin: Rodman's goal sees USWNT advance, more Olympic Quarterfinal madness 1:03:32

9d ago1:03:32

1:03:32

What a day. With three of the four 2024 Paris Olympic quarterfinals going to extra time, (and two of those games going to a penalty shootout), it's about time the Full Time podcast did the same! That's right, it's a bumper edition of the Full Time podcast, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang react to the U.S. women's national team's 1-0 overtime win ove…

1
Waltzing past Matildas: Fatigued USWNT beats Australia 2-1, and previewing the Olympic soccer Quarterfinals 54:10

13d ago54:10

54:10

And breathe. The USWNT finished the group stage with a perfect three wins from three at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At the end of the day's soccer action, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang react to the Americans' 2-1 over Australia and then they are joined by Meg Linehan to give the inside scoop from the Stade Velodrome, in Marseille, on how the players …

1
The USWNT swaggers past Germany 4-1 and into Olympic quarterfinals 54:59

18d ago54:59

54:59

Moments after the USA's confident 4-1 win over Germany at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang jump on the Full Time podcast to break down all the action. Why does the Americans' front three look so cohesive right now? Is there anyone that Naomi Girma can't cover? Why did Emma Hayes opt for an unchanged team? Midway through the p…

1
Swanson sparkles, Trin spins: USWNT opens Olympics with 3-0 win over Zambia 49:15

19d ago49:15

49:15

Immediately after the USA's 3-0 win over Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang sit down to react to all the action. How did Emma Hayes appear in her first major tournament game? Did the USA's attack do enough against 10 players? What can we infer from the lineup choices and substitutions? Later on in the show, Meg Lineha…

1
Olympic soccer preview: Who stands between the USWNT and a gold medal? 49:10

23d ago49:10

49:10

Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang host a special episode of the Full Time podcast that previews the entire 2024 Paris Olympics soccer tournament. With the help of three additional experts, from The Athletic's soccer desk, the crew breaks down everything you need to know about Groups A, B, and C. From who the standout players might be, to the expected …

1
USWNT Olympic send-off review & mailbag 55:50

27d ago55:50

55:50

This week, Meg and Tamerra analyze how the U.S. women's national performed in their final two dress rehearsals, against Mexico and Costa Rica, ahead of the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics. There may just be a growing concern that the USA's midfield is, in fact, not midfielding. In what ways can Emma Hayes attempt to fix it? And, how did the hot we…

1
Celebrating 25 years of the 99ers with Julie Foudy and Briana Scurry 46:06

1M ago46:06

46:06

This week is the 25th anniversary of the U.S. women's national team winning the 1999 World Cup, so what better way to celebrate than by bringing two legendary players from that team onto the podcast? Hall of Famers Julie Foudy and Briana Scurry joined Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan to reflect on what made the 1999 team special, share stories of th…

1
The 2024 NWSL midseason roundtable 57:28

1M ago57:28

57:28

With just over half the season played - and the month-long Olympic break on the horizon - it is the perfect time to zoom out and have a healthy debate on the state of the 2024 NWSL season. Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are joined by former player and current broadcast analyst Jill Loyden to reflect on the league at its midway point while al…

1
Emma Hayes leaves behind Alex Morgan: 2024 USWNT Olympic roster breakdown 55:19

2M ago55:19

55:19

The USA's 2024 Paris Olympics roster is finally here. So, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take a deep dive into the major takeaways, leading with head coach Emma Hayes' big decision to leave behind veteran forward and co-captain Alex Morgan. Was it the right call to drop Morgan, and how was the move factored into the roster construction on and off …

1
Juneteenth: Celebrating the culture with Croix Bethune 45:25

2M ago45:25

45:25

To celebrate Juneteenth, Tamerra Griffin hosts a special episode of the podcast to explore the holiday and Blackness in the NWSL. Alongside Tamerra's musings on the history of Juneteenth, commitment to liberation, and the importance of telling Black stories in soccer, she is joined by two special guests from the Washington Spirit. First, rookie sen…

1
Catching up with Tobin Heath, and exploring expansion with Bay FC and the Utah Royals 58:00

2M ago58:00

58:00

Ahead of the two 2024 expansion teams' first-ever meeting in the NWSL, Tamerra and Meg take a closer look at Bay FC and the Utah Royals. As we approach midseason, in their inaugural years, what are the two clubs doing similarly, and how are their approaches unique? To help get these answers, Kiki Pickett, the unsung midfield hero for the Northern C…

1
A dream USWNT debut for 16-year-old Lily Yohannes & more from Minnesota 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

In the immediate aftermath of the USWNT's victories over South Korea, Meg Linehan and fellow Athletic writer Steph Yang joined podcast host Tamerra Griffin live from Allianz Field, in St. Paul, MN, for a roundtable discussion of the biggest moments and lessons learned from the first two matches of the Emma Hayes era. The trio unpack what it was lik…

1
Emma Hayes touches down, is U.S. soccer ready? 52:05

3M ago52:05

52:05

At long last, Emma Hayes is in the United States to officially begin her tenure as the head coach of the U.S. women's national team. And, there is a lot to talk about. Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan debate whether there has ever been an incoming coach with this much hype in the team's history. Is American soccer ready for a coach with this much pe…

1
A new era, a new USWNT roster, and Brazil 2027 53:41

3M ago53:41

53:41

It's a new era for the U.S. women's national team, and it's also a new era for Full Time with Meg Linehan. On the first episode back, new podcast co-host Tamerra Griffin and Meg analyzed the names that made the cut, and some notable absentees, from Emma Hayes' first-ever USA national team roster. To unpack the news that Brazil will be hosting the 2…

1
Full Time with Meg Linehan is back! 3:06

3M ago3:06

3:06

We're so excited to announce that Meg and the show are back and bigger than ever on May 23. Here's a little trailer explaining what to expect from the show and why we're so excited to return. Thanks for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Athletic

1
Megan Rapinoe's career and legacy 19:44

9M ago19:44

19:44

Meg joins Sophie Penney to talk about Megan Rapinoe's final professional game and the legacy she leaves behind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Athletic

1
Can Emma Hayes fix the U.S. Women's National Team? 34:38

9M ago34:38

34:38

Adam Crafton, Meg Linehan and Charlotte Harpur are with Sophie Penney to digest the big news that Emma Hayes is leaving Chelsea, likely for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). After 11 years at Chelsea, winning 13 major trophies, Hayes is primed to manage the four-time World Champions and four-time Olympic gold medallists. She replaces Vlatko A…

1
Back in Boston 52:11

11M ago52:11

52:11

Meg and Steph are in Cincinnati for USWNT vs. South Africa. They react to the news of the NWSL coming to Boston! How big is it for the city and what's next? Boston’s NWSL ownership made ‘full sprint’ for its bid: An investor explains how it came together: https://theathletic.com/4882270/2023/09/20/boston-nwsl-2026/ Learn more about your ad choices.…

1
Abundance, Not Fear 47:28

12M ago47:28

47:28

Meg is joined by Angel City FC co-founder Kara Nortman to talk about her recent column on Yahoo Sports, "With the Women’s World Cup now over, here are 5 big soccer predictions". Takeaways from the World Cup, the future of the NWSL, and the current situation with the Spanish Football Federation. With the Women’s World Cup now over, here are 5 big so…

1
USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski resigns 35:38

12M ago35:38

35:38

Meg Linehan and Jeff Reuter react to the resignation of USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski. What went wrong for Andonovski during his tenure? What is the future of Kate Markgraf? Plus, who are some candidates to be the next USWNT head coach? USWNT’s Vlatko Andonovski resigns, assistant Twila Kilgore named interim head coach: https://theathletic.com…

1
Where does the USWNT go from here? 49:31

1y ago49:31

49:31

Meg Linehan and Kim McCauley discuss where the USWNT goes from here. What is the future of Vlatko Andonovski? Where do the issues in the program stem from? Plus, a recap of Spain's thrilling extra time win over the Netherlands, and Sweden's 2-1 win over Japan to book a place in the semifinal. You can follow all our 2023 World Cup coverage here: htt…

1
USWNT crash out of the World Cup 40:16

1y ago40:16

40:16

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang react to the USWNT's stunning loss to Sweden in the Round of 16 in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Naomi Girma was the shining light for the US, but what were the biggest issues for the Americans? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Athletic

1
USWNT prepares for Sweden, Round of 16 | 2023 Women's World Cup 40:29

1y ago40:29

40:29

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang get you ready for the USWNT's Round of 16 matchup against Sweden. What has changed with the US? Can they bounce back from an unimpressive group stage? Plus, an overview of the tournament — Is this the best Women's World Cup ever?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
USWNT narrowly advances to the Round of 16 | 2023 Women's World Cup reaction 35:45

1y ago35:45

35:45

Meg Linehan and Emily Olsen react to the USWNT's 0-0 draw against Portugal to advance to the Round of 16. The US narrowly escapes crashing out of the tournament — How do the Americans bounce back? Can they fix the issues? Is the disconnect between NWSL and National Team holding back progress? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc…

1
Nike's on-the-ground Women's World Cup commitments | VP of Global Women's Sports Marketing 29:55

1y ago29:55

29:55

Tanya Hvizdak, Vice President of Global Women's Sports Marketing at Nike, joins Meg Linehan on Full Time to dive into all of Nike's on-the-ground commitments at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Learn about Nike's base camps: How Nike is helping with athlete's recovery, entertainment and experience. You can follow all our 2023 Wor…

1
USWNT opens up World Cup with 3-0 win over Vietnam 46:20

1y ago46:20

46:20

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang bring you Full Time's reaction to the USWNT's 3-0 win against Vietnam in their opening match of the 2023 Women's World Cup. First up, a deep-dive into the US performance: -Sophia Smith's memorable World Cup debut -Rose Lavelle gets 30 minutes -Were US fans expecting a larger scoreline? Plus, a tournament overview: -New Ze…

1
Journey to the Cup: On the ground in Australia and New Zealand 48:50

1y ago48:50

48:50

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg Linehan and Steph Yang are on the ground in Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. They bring you first impressions of the host countries, matches they are excited to see, and emotions on Megan Rapinoe's last World Cup. You can follow all our…

1
Journey to the Cup: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Preview 42:31

1y ago42:31

42:31

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Michelle Owen is joined by Charlotte Harpur, Meg Linehan and Michael Cox to give you the perfect preview guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. We run through every single group to give you all you need to know going into the tournament: -Will the USA retain their cr…

1
NWSL to the Bay: Alan Waxman on Bay FC’s journey to 2024 43:41

1y ago43:41

43:41

Alan Waxman, co-chair of Bay FC and co-founder and CEO of Sixth Street, joins Full Time to discuss the ongoing NWSL expansion efforts in the Bay Area, following the new team’s branding reveal and CEO/general manager hires. From the team’s approach to player experience to the community reception they’ve seen so far, there’s plenty happening in the B…

1
Journey to the Cup: Sam Mewis on Player Power and the 2023 World Cup 36:29

1y ago36:29

36:29

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Sam Mewis joins Full Time to discuss her recent trip to Amsterdam for a conference with global player union FIFPro, how the USWNT players association tries to share their expertise, and wins in increased prize money for players at the 2023 World Cup. Plus, thoughts on t…

1
Journey to the Cup: Can the USWNT three-peat? 1:15:44

1y ago1:15:44

1:15:44

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Steph Yang and Jeff Rueter to discuss the final USWNT roster for the 2023 World Cup, player by player and position by position. From the team’s depth, to major injuries and absences, to the players who also had legit shouts at making the 23 — it’s a com…

1
Journey to the Cup: How will Canada fare in the “Group of Death”? 31:50

1y ago31:50

31:50

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Canadian and Portland Thorns forward Janine Beckie — currently rehabbing her ACL injury — to preview Canada’s World Cup — including their journey through the best and most interesting group, alongside hosts Australia, plus the Republic of Ireland and Ni…

1
"Angel City" director Arlene Nelson 29:32

1y ago29:32

29:32

Steph Yang talks with "Angel City" director Arlene Nelson about how she spent 1+ year filming the team, the ways she wanted to bring viewers into the experience, and a possible season 2. Watch interview: https://youtu.be/e5ET1sX1x60 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Athletic

1
Angel City FC co-founder & president Julie Uhrman 21:53

1y ago21:53

21:53

Steph Yang talks with Julie Uhrman, Angel City co-founder and president, about wanting people to see the difficulties of creating an expansion club, and her thoughts on the future direction of the NWSL. Watch interview: https://youtu.be/Hq1Ou9cVCEk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Natalie Portman, Angel City co-founder & owner 27:10

1+ y ago27:10

27:10

Steph Yang talks with Angel City FC co-founder and owner Natalie Portman about why she wanted to make the HBO documentary, "Angel City", the importance of story-telling, and being the "cool sports friend" now. Watch interview: https://youtu.be/I49gSTNHLds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Angel City FC's Jasmyne Spencer 19:18

1+ y ago19:18

19:18

Steph Yang talks with Angel City FC forward Jasmyne Spencer about what it was like filming HBO's docuseries "Angel City", and the stories that she hopes continue to be told in women's soccer. Watch interview: https://youtu.be/38LaUNg3jhg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy The Athletic

1
Journey to the Cup: Is time running out for France? 57:22

1+ y ago57:22

57:22

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Charlotte Harpur and Steph Yang to discuss everything happening with the French women’s national team — from multiple players stepping away from the team over their concerns, including the team’s captain Wendie Renard, to the exit of head coach Corinne …

1
Smile Mediation 9:16

1+ y ago9:16

9:16

This is called the smile meditation. This is a great way to start the day and to set up your day with happiness. This is especially great if you don’t have a lot of time to meditate. Using your inner smile is a simple yet powerful relaxation technique. A genuine smile transmits loving energy that has the power to integrate and heal yourself and oth…

1
Checking in from Wellington 43:03

1+ y ago43:03

43:03

Meg checks in from New Zealand where she's on USWNT duty, and has audio from the post-game press conferences from the first match of the World Cup year for both the U.S. and the New Zealand Football Ferns. Vlatko Andonovski and Mal Swanson offer their thoughts on the match, followed by Ferns head coach Jitka Klimkova and Olivia Chance. Learn more a…

1
Just Another Manic Monday in the NWSL 47:32

1+ y ago47:32

47:32

Meg and Steph are back for 2023, with so much happening on the first real Monday of the year that we needed an emergency pod. First up, new Portland Thorns FC head coach Mike Norris, then a discussion of the corrective actions and sanctions announced by the NWSL on Monday following the joint investigation, and finally, the major free agency news of…

1
NWSL/NWSLPA Joint Investigation Report Reaction 55:26

1+ y ago55:26

55:26

Following the release of the NWSL/NWSL PA joint investigation report that found “widespread misconduct” across the league, Meg and Steph discuss their reactions to the report, the timing of its release, and the major findings and how they’ll impact the league moving forward. Also: a few words in memory of our friend, Grant Wahl. Meg’s breakdown of …

1
Happy Holiday 1:02:11

1+ y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

It’s time to catch up with Steph Yang! First, we discuss the new partnership between The Athletic and Google and reflect on what it means about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Then, tons of topics from the NWSL championship, NWSL fines, the USWNT’s readiness ahead of a World Cup year, Rose Lavelle’s big karaoke moment, and Lauren Holiday he…

1
Leveling The Playing Field 1:03:45

1+ y ago1:03:45

1:03:45

Let’s talk about some numbers! National Research Group’s Jay Kaufman (Executive Vice President and Head of Sports) and Mary Moczula (Global Marketing and Communications Director) join Full Time to discuss NRG’s recent study on women’s sports titled Leveling the Playing Field. The study sets out to answer a few major questions: what the increased at…

1
CBA SZN: The USWNT Edition 43:03

2y ago43:03

43:03

Becca Roux, executive director of the USWNT Players Association, joins Full Time to discuss the collective bargaining agreement between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer, now available for everyone to read. From equal pay and equal prize money to safe working conditions and other important things to know from the document, Becca is here to provide the brea…

1
NWSL Champ Janine Beckie is Ready to Rep Portlanada 58:00

2y ago58:00

58:00

We survived the NWSL Championship, and we’ve got one of the Championship winners on this week’s show! Janine Beckie is here to discuss the big game, the vibe in DC, the celebrations and what’s coming up in the off-season for her (spoiler: naps). Plus… we had to do it, we detoured into plenty fo Grey’s Anatomy talk (with Janine making sure we were m…

1
It's Time To Party In The District 43:32

2y ago43:32

43:32

Meg’s on the move in DC this week ahead of the NWSL Championship. This week, players from the Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current, live from media day, answer questions about this weekend’s final. Follow our NWSL coverage at The Athletic: https://theathletic.com/football/nwsl/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Past, Present and Future of the Chicago Red Stars 51:03

2y ago51:03

51:03

Claire Watkins is back on Full Time to discuss the Chicago Red Stars, following the release of her exhaustive investigative report on the team this week. We discuss her new full time role at Just Women’s Sports, her reporting, and what comes next for the Red Stars — plus, a quick celebration of the new 2023 World Cup mascot. Follow Claire on Twitte…

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