“Skimm This” is a weekly news program that breaks down important stories from the past week and adds context and clarity to answer the questions on your mind. Every Thursday evening.
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Messi Makes History, A’ja’s Pride Cake, and Haaland’s Half-Bun ft. Kelley O’Hara and Ali Riley
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Serena & Venus at Wimbledon, Jalen Brunson’s Pay Cut, and FIFA Favorites from Week 1 with Ashtyn Butuso
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Very Sportsish Well Played: Jordyn Woods’ Lucky Purse, Taylor Swift’s Stadium Wedding, and Prom in the NIL Era with Lily Shimbashi
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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sexism at the French Open, the Spurs and Knicks to Know, Chloe Kim is Officially a WAG
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Knicks Party Like its 1999, Timothee Chalamet’s WAG Era, and a Late NASCAR Driver’s IVF Impact
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== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A Scoop on Taylor & Trav’s Brooklyn Night Out, Shakira’s World Cup, and Dave Portnoy Defends Caitlin Clark
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Carlos Alcaraz's Tennis Tush, SI Swimsuit Covers Lack Body Diversity, and Celebrating Athlete Moms
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ed Sheeran’s IRL A-Team, “Heated Rivalry” Hits Women’s Soccer, “Devil Wears Prada 2” Sporty Spottings
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Vrabel & Russini’s Romance Rumors, Megan’s Hot Girl Summer 2.0, and Chloe Kim’s Princess Treatment
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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Megan & Sue Call It Quits, West Takes Amanda to the Ball Game, and Noah Lyles’ First Look Flop
Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird announced that after a decade together, they’re separating. Excuse us while we fly our flags at half staff. On the opposite end of the love spectrum, Olympic track and field athlete Noah Lyles got married – and probably fired his videographer after sharing the absolute flop of a first look at his bride. Let’s just hope his wife’s love language isn’t “words of affirmation.” In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: The controversial question a reported asked Azzi Fudd in her first Dallas Wings press conference Which Olympian-producing women’s sport Quinnipiac University downgraded from D1 to club level The WNBA’s Natasha Cloud is teamless – and why the new CBA could have something to do with it Whether Dexter “Sexy Dexy” Lawrence could help Joe Burrow finally get a ring The iconic story behind the Boston Marathon’s first woman runner – and how she’s honoring herself 60 years later Send Its: Noah Lyles first look flop: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHhjx5jez_/ Bobbi Gibb statue: https://www.instagram.com/p/DXU3OgxE9Kg/ Erin Andrews does IVF at 47: https://youtu.be/zZga9XWSyZU?si=VQJvJjh_UTOYIea9&t=1923 Victoria Beckham goes Gap: https://www.gapinc.com/en-gb/articles/2026/04/gap-and-victoria-beckham-announce-multi-season-col Topics 02:07 - Amanda Batula & West Wilson at the Yankees Game 05:44 - Megan Rapinoe & Sue Bird Breakup 08:11 - Azzi Fudd’s Awkward Press Conference 17:29 - "Sexy Dexy" to the Bengals 24:55 - Noah Lyles’ Wedding "First Look" Fail 28:46 - The Iconic Boston Marathon Sculpture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Hudson Williams’ Peloton Play, Coco’s Critics Get Shut Down, and WNBA Draft Orange Carpet Recap
Coco Gauff sported her natural hair in a recent ad for Miu Miu and the internet showed us why we can’t have nice things. The no. 3 ranked tennis player shut down criticism about her appearance and more importantly, to encourage young Black girls to embrace their natural hair. Meanwhile, the WNBA rolled out its orange carpet for the 2026 draft, and this year’s draftees showed up and showed out on one of the biggest nights of their lives. In this episode, we also cover: Propaganda we’re falling for, AKA Hudson Williams’ Peloton ad Well Played friends of the pod who showed up to Coachella The Australian runner who beat Usain Bolt’s 20-year record in the 200m sprint The shocking pay difference between the 2025 and 2026 WNBA draft class, thanks to the league’s new CBA A self-indulgent recap of the Alix Earle and Alex Cooper beef Send It: Meet Gout Gout: https://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/article/australian-sprinter-gout-gout-breaks-under-20-record-with-blazing-200m-time-surpassing-legendary-olympian-usain-bolt-184411317.html Pope Leo balls out with Harlem Globetrotters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IYKsgfO0HQ Laufey, Hudson Williams, and the Council of Wasia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNa8jP4zoJo&list=RDyNa8jP4zoJo&start_radio=1 This couple at the Pacers game is all of us: https://www.threads.com/@thedankbrew/post/DW__SuSEZJE?xmt=AQF0MSzRnAYJn5UQchQP8TGsWhUf5ilzN3tp0mLpbd49Ot5K5HfogDuEUdsLI0GQi_giHrRo&slof=1 Plus, when Shaq offered to buy their engagement ring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVxAaY4ZBss Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Angel Reese Dreams, Khloe and Lamar Tell All, and the Royal Baby of Buffalo Arrives
This March Madness, the category was “upset.” At least on the women’s side. South Carolina upset UCONN — the overwhelming favorite on the women’s side – which failed on its mission to win the natty two years in a row. Then, UCONN coach Geno Auriemma literally upset South Carolina coach Dawn Staley in a post-game screaming match. We dive into his allegations, his half-assed apology, and why we’re tired of seeing women have to take the higher road. In this episode of Well Played, we also cover: Angel Reese kicks off WNBA free agency trade, going from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom share the reality behind Odom’s addiction in a new episode of “Untold” Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld’s first public engagement after having their baby girl Rapper J. Cole’s new sporty side quest that literally no one asked for Madison Keys recaps the Amanda Batula and West Wilson drama Send It: Royal Baby of Buffalo enters the chat: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWpTKnYkk9G/ Rory McIlroy’s Masters Menu: https://www.masters.com/en_US/news/articles/2026-03-18/for_mcilroy_a_masterful_menu_with_a_touch_of_home.html J. Cole off to China: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48374160/rapper-j-cole-signs-chinese-league-nanjing-monkey-kings Madison Keys on the Summer House drama for The Tennis Channel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DWsJINjDngv/ Other links: Lauren Betts’ The Player’s Tribune essay “I Want to Be Here’: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/lauren-betts-ncaa-basketball-ucla Kyle Cook’s messy rant: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jIQsRMg6V8s Geno Auriemma, updated apology post recording: https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/geno-auriemma-sparks-backlash-incomplete-193229146.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The “Pregnancy Penalty”, Martha Stewart vs. Jalen Brunson, Gold Medal ASMR with Laila Edwards
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/rOxlgU75f7w?si=D7XQPSA24hqA5wqz&t=18 The Stewart-Brunson fracture: https://people.com/martha-stewart-said-nba-player-broke-her-toe-courtside-11871039 Miss Thailand contestant breaks it down: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWeaQ_PDRRM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chappell Roan Upsets Soccer Star, the WNBA’s Protection for Pregnant Players, and the Fernando Mendoza of Basketball
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
Sinners’ Stars Go Sport Mode, Chloe Kim’s Meet Cute, and Misty Copeland on Her Oscar’s Appearance
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 language: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV4oi-7D4DV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Indian Wells’ Whitney Houston challenge: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV1Xi3GigJ7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Learn about Chandler Bing: https://vucommodores.com/roster/chandler-bing/ Christian McCaffrey goes to (fashion) jail: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DV0Apt5jR1j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Bonus: Oksana Masters article from “The Player’s Tribune” https://projects.theplayerstribune.com/oksana-masters-the-hard-part-out-loud/p/1 Follow Misty Copeland: @mistyonpointe Learn about Aveeno x Togethxr's "The Strength Issue": @aveeno @Togethxr Follow Well Played: @wellplayedbytheskimm Follow Blake: @blaaakkkke Follow Caroline: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices