Well Played

Latest Episodes:

Taylor’s Wedding Weekend, Channing’s Haaland Cosplay, and the WNBA Enters the Villa with Mia Hamm Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

It’s happening…Taylor and Travis’ Madison Square Garden wedding is here. Despite Blake and Caroline being major skeptics, they spend the episode pretending all tabloid wedding rumors are true, plus they make predictions about the affair. Meanwhile, Love Island has entered the (WNBA) chat, on-and-off the court.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

Justin Bieber taking center stage at the NHL draft – plus, the first-pick’s nod to his Indigenous heritage
The backstory behind Dutch striker Cody Gakpo’s emotional goal
Why the “Love Island” girls are giving Megan thee Stallion hope post-Klay Thompson breakup
The lore behind Naomi Osaka’s Wimbledon whites from day 1
Sophie Cunningham’s point seen around the world
Mia Hamm’s reflections on her time with the USWNT — and who she has her eye on leading up to the Women’s World Cup

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.

Follow Mia Hamm: @miahamm

Follow Well Played on IG: @wellplayedbytheskimm

Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke

Follow Caroline: @cghendy

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Messi Makes History, A’ja’s Pride Cake, and Haaland’s Half-Bun ft. Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

To continue the World Cup this week, Blake and Caroline bring in some pros. Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley, former NWSL players, World Cup competitors, and hosts of “Time Wasting," join Well Played to discuss the convos that matter most this week — like the history-making all-American women officiants, why Jérémy Doku will be a better athlete after leaving the World Cup to be present for his son’s birth, and how Haaland’s half-bun is the secret to his scoring. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: - How Marta was the original inspiration for Haaland’s half-bun - The Scottish fans — the Tartan army — drinking Boston dry - Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld revealing their baby girl’s name - How Messi made history in his recent match against Austria - Why Trinity Rodman and Ciara’s crossover is confusing us with Ciara Miller and Trinity from “Love Island” Follow Kelley: @kelleyohara Follow Ali: @rileythree Follow and subscribe to Time Wasting: @timewastingpod Thank you to our sponsor, Ally Bank. To learn more, visit ally.com.

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Serena & Venus at Wimbledon, Jalen Brunson’s Pay Cut, and FIFA Favorites from Week 1 with Ashtyn Butuso Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Nature is healing. And by nature, we mean New York. The Knicks secured their first NBA championship in more than half a century, marking the city's fourth major sports title since 2023. Offball writer and Flagrant Magazine co-founder, Ashtyn Butuso, joins Blake to chat about witnessing the magic firsthand in Manhattan. Plus, some of our favorite post-game content from players.

In this episode, we also cover:

The Carolina Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup over the Vegas Golden Knights
The great Nike vs. Adidas debate – and which team we’re on
When we can expect Serena and Venus Williams to make their doubles return
How Vozinha, a 40-year-old goalie, and Pico Lopes smashed on defense in Cabo Verde’s match against Spain
Why everyone’s obsessed with Japanese fans at the World Cup

Send Its + bonus links:

Nike football ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyZ1WIua_1s
Adidas commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJJY53qhJe0
Toy Story challenge: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZf5mYRTS0a/
Brooklyn Beckham gets in on the joke: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZnNFoEuZzw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Taylor feeds Travis, airplane style: https://youtube.com/shorts/j6ZJv-avKk4?si=3B1VS_zdo6oPJBMc

Follow Ashtyn: @ashtynbutuso

Follow/subscribe to Offball: @offball, @offballfc, @celebrityrow

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A Very Sportsish Well Played: Jordyn Woods’ Lucky Purse, Taylor Swift’s Stadium Wedding, and Prom in the NIL Era with Lily Shimbashi Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

While Caroline is honeymooning in the Dolomites, Lily Shimbashi, founder of Sportsish, joins us to break down the most important news in sports and pop culture. Madison Square Garden is on our minds this week – and it’s not just because the Knicks lost at home. Rumor has it that Taylor Swift’s wedding will take place at the iconic New York City arena on July 3. Are we buying it? No. What’s are people *actually* buying when it comes to the pop star? The literal chair she sat on during the Cav’s Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. We hate it here too.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

Serena Williams’ return to the grass – and why “mom brain” got the best of her
Breaking down the World Cup stages, and which teams to watch
Kim Kardashian re-entering the WAG world, thanks to Lewis Hamilton
The Hockey Canada 5, and why Lily thinks it’s been a hard Stanley Cup for female fans

Send Its:

Serena v. mom brain: ⁠https://www.reddit.com/r/tennis/comments/1u05nx8/serena_forgetting_where_she_has_to_serve_and_it/?solution=6fade7a9855ac5106fade7a9855ac510&js_challenge=1&token=7afd7253fec22262ff1c52b1703fe9ecba37f2c27935c160fc00b397029b5e0f&jsc_orig_r=⁠
Does Trey Jemison know he’s getting married?: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DNEl36Nukmi/?img_index=1⁠
Kim K re-enters her WAGdom: ⁠https://people.com/kim-kardashian-wears-low-back-dress-lewis-hamilton-f1-monaco-11993179⁠

Plus: check out The Athletic's FIFA World Cup group stage breakdown: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/interactive/world-cup-2026-group-stage-draw-live/

Follow Sportsish on Instagram: @sportsish

Subscribe to Sportsish on Substack: ⁠https://sportsish.substack.com/⁠

Follow Well Played on Instagram: @wellplayedbytheskimm

Follow Blake on Instagram: @blaakkkke

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Sexism at the French Open, Serena’s So Back, and Sports Have Entered the Villa // an Athlete Goes to “Love Island” Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

The French Open is no stranger to accusations of sexism (see: rare night sessions for women). But Adolfo Daniel Vallejo decided to make it his legacy when he blamed a female umpire for his loss at Roland Garros. Luckily, the tournament organizers hit him where it hurts – his wallet. Elsewhere in the tennis world, Serena Williams will make her return to pro-tennis next week, and Caroline shares why she saw this coming.

PS: We’d love to hear from you. DM us with any sports questions, comments, or concerns on Instagram @blaakkkke, @cghendy, or @wellplayedbytheskimm. We read each and every one and it means a lot to us. Also, tell us how you really feel by rating and reviewing the show.

Send Its:

Victoires sing Celine Dion’s It’s All Coming Back to Me Now by Celine Dion
And the PWHLPA releases every player’s salary
Josh Allen crashes kid’s recess
Josh Allen’s one word on what surprised him about Hailee Steinfeld becoming a mom
Texas softball player has perhaps the strangest pre-game superstition
Hudson Williams acknowledges his “little bottom eyes” in Canadian Awards speech

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The Knicks Party Like its 1999, Timothee Chalamet’s WAG Era, and a Late NASCAR Driver’s IVF Impact May 27, 2026

Show notes

The last time the Knicks made the NBA finals, Britney Spears dropped the generation-defining Baby One More Time, Napster gave us permission to illegally download music, and T9 word just became a thing. Fast forward to this past Monday when the Knicks swept their series against the Cavaliers – and all of New York is ready to party like it's 1999.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Travis Kelce, and Taylor Swift walk into a bar…we mean the Cavs courtside
Why OG Anunoby and Martha Stewart are on their way to a Skechers collab
How the Salesian sisters gained their basketball wings at the Spurs game
Why Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner, and Aryna Sabalenka only gave 15 minutes of press time at Roland Garros

PS: We really, really want to hear from you. Like really bad. Please DM us with any sports questions, comments, or concerns on Instagram @blaakkkke, @cghendy, or @wellplayedbytheskimm. We read each and every one and it means a lot to us.

Send Its:

Kathy Hilton just gave us a new theme song: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reels/DYk5taIxZCk/⁠
Do Azzi and Paige share a wardrobe?: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DYnXD47ATQi/⁠
Sue Bird refuses to be bad: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/p/DYpd3PVFd89/⁠
Bryce Harper’s problematic toothpaste application: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYzo8SjDVul/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==⁠

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A Scoop on Taylor & Trav’s Brooklyn Night Out, Shakira’s World Cup, and Dave Portnoy Defends Caitlin Clark May 20, 2026

Show notes

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift not only made an appearance in Bushwick, Brooklyn – because apparently that’s where A-list weddings are now. Even wilder: the event took place at Blake’s former workplace. She shares the inside scoop on their attendance, while Caroline shares everything we know about the Royal American wedding. Meanwhile, Shakira’s back in her World Cup era after being acquitted for tax fraud. As for Gerard Piqué, her soccer star ex-husband? Shakira’s hips may not lie, but this man does – and we explain why.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

How tall Wemby’s Wemby would have to be (shout out @nbaresdev)
Dak Prescott getting spotted with his ex-fiancées bridesmaid at a pro-bull rider event
Tom Brady coming for Gisele Bundchen’s job on the Gucci runway
Why Dave Portnoy thinks the WNBA hates Caitlin Clark
Who are the Salesian sisters – and why are they so invested in the Spurs winning it all?

Thanks to our presenting sponsor Ally Bank! Visit Ally.com to learn more.

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Carlos Alcaraz's Tennis Tush, SI Swimsuit Covers Lack Body Diversity, and Celebrating Athlete Moms May 13, 2026

Show notes

The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hits newsstands on Thursday. This year’s cover stars departed from what we’re used to seeing from on the cover of the swimsuit issue in recent years – diverse ages, races, and especially body sizes. With conversations around GLP-1s, the death of body positivity in our culture, and the general shrinking of high profile women that’s hard to ignore, Blake and Caroline wonder: why the sudden shift?

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

Whether Justin Herbert will be the next victim of the “music video curse”
Olivia Culpo’s controversial baby announcement ft. a donut cake and a used pregnancy test
The WNBA’s 30th season kickoff – and whether we’re in a post-Caitlin Clark era
Why Caroline wouldn’t call her ex, even if it guaranteed a Jets Super Bowl win
Carlos Alcaraz showing off his tush – we mean talents, in his Vanity Fair cover story

Send Its:

The 17-month-old baby ball knower https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYGE6nBADWI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Pope Leo is all in on Nike: https://www.gq.com/story/pope-leo-xiv-wore-nikes
Bennett Scheffler attends PGA Championship in full PJs: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYM9v2lREw8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Vanity Fair Carlos Alcaraz edition: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/carlos-alcaraz-cover-story

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Ed Sheeran’s IRL A-Team, “Heated Rivalry” Hits Women’s Soccer, “Devil Wears Prada 2” Sporty Spottings May 07, 2026

Show notes

The “Devil Wears Prada 2” movie features two athlete cameos – one is a player from Anne Hathaway’s favorite basketball team and the other is a golfer who we wouldn’t blink twice at. Blake spotted both of them during the film, proving that Well Played works, y’all. In other sporty news, we learned nepo babies – or should we say horsies? – exist everywhere, and Ed Sheeran’s football club is the new A-Team.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

Tom Holland’s “Bero Padel Classic” ft. a Zendaya wardrobe malfunction
Why Ashton Kutcher walked so Anthony Davis could run
Serena Williams’ heartfelt post from the Miami Grand Prix about her longtime F1 friend
Our favorite athlete looks from the Met Gala

Send Its:

Tom Holland helps Zendaya: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXwsrHIOzeA/
Lola Tung and Kelley O’Hara team up for a sapphic soccer movie: https://www.them.us/story/lola-tung-ripe-kelley-ohara-casting
Ed Sheeran celebrates with Ipswich town: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DX2cgpCBO34/
Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis prank A’ja Wilson: https://youtu.be/r4E-oW3iCi8?si=Ki_D1wnpPsEiTxnm

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Vrabel & Russini’s Romance Rumors, Megan’s Hot Girl Summer 2.0, and Chloe Kim’s Princess Treatment Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

The takeaway from this week’s sports and pop culture news is that love isn’t real. From the romance rumors between Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini to Megan thee Stallion breaking up with Klay Thompson over cheating allegations, we’ve lost all faith in men…except Myles Garrett. He can stay.

In this episode of Well Played, we also cover:

A breakdown of all of the photos and rumors surrounding Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini
Our favorite picks from the 2026 NFL draft (based on vibes only)
Why Myles Garrett picked up Chloe Kim on the Time 100 Gala red carpet
Trinity Rodman’s moisturizer of choice, plus her inspo for her first goal of the season celly
Caroline shows off her broadcaster voice growth, eight years later

Send Its:

Myles Garrett gives Chloe Kim princess treatment: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXhXzDijqQb/
Cynthia Erivo defies gravity – and notches a personal best: https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/cynthia-erivo-london-marathon-wicked-defying-gravity-1236232574/
Trinity Rodman’s 100th appearance + goal celly: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/matchweek-3-wrapped-angel-city-s-record-stays-perfect-denver-smashes-attendance-record-and-milestone-moments
She also uses this for moisturizer: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXnpJW8jJjC/
Caroline’s first on-air appearance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtRkZ5bethI

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome and catch-up
01:29 - The Vrabel & Russini Rumors
14:09 - NFL Insiders vs. Reporters
21:28 - Gender Dynamics in Sports Media
25:20 - Klay Thompson & Megan Thee Stallion Breakup
32:45 - Tennis News: Morgan Riddle & Taylor Fritz
33:46 - Stomach Bug at the Madrid Open
34:43 - NFL Draft Highlights & Emotions
44:04 - Chloe Kim & Myles Garrett at Time 100
45:55 - Trinity Rodman: Beef Tallow & Milestones
47:34 - Cynthia Erivo Defies Gravity at the London Marathon
49:16 - Breaking the 2-Hour Marathon Record
51:00 - Broadcast Voices & Instructor Persona
56:10 - Wrap Up and Personal Updates

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