Well Played - podcast cover

Well Played

theSkimmwww.theskimm.com
A sports podcast that does what theSkimm does best: provide championship takes and breakdowns of the biggest stories you care about most. Finally, there’s a show dedicated to treating sports like the bingeable reality TV they actually are.
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Episodes

The Bruins Back Brianna Chickenfry, The Pope Saves the Saints, and the Taylor Swift Effect with Nora Princiotti

This week, we let the liquor talk. Caroline flexes her pop culture knowledge by breaking down why Brianna Chickenfry got the support of Boston Bruins players after her highly publicized split from country star Zach Bryan. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: How divine intervention played into the Saints snapping their losing streak The beef between NBA stars Jaylen Brown and Giannis Antetokoumpo The Mike Tyson and Jake Paul fight and why Blake and Caroline will not be tuning in liv...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 1 min

Boys Beefing: Kelce Spikes a Cell, Drake Disses DeRozan and Rodgers Goes Goop

This episode features a major theme: men behaving badly. Between the election, time change, and Halloweekend, players, fans, and coaches all found a way to make headlines this week. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Blake and Caroline’s marathon cheering recap Why Joel Embiid got physical with journalist Marcus Hayes in the 76ers locker room A shocking viewership stat about the World Series and NCAA women’s basketball NFL plays of the week including Garrett Wilson’s one-handed TD...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 8 min

Shaq’s Uncomfy Comments, D-Wade’s Unfortunate Statue, and the NFL’s Uncrustable Craze

Shaquille O’Neal’s appearance on Angel Reese’s podcast, “Unapologetically Angel”, served as a reminder for everyone but especially men: never comment on women’s bodies, period. Blake and Caroline share their thoughts on his uncomfy comments. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Hendy’s Halloween plans (working) and Blake’s latest visit to the University of Michigan Why people are losing their sh*t over the Dwayne Wade statue, and why Blake believes it serves as a lesson in confidenc...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 2 min

Liberty Critics Cry Foul, Bronny’s Debutante Ball, and Mahomes Loves His Dad Bod

Blake and Caroline react to the New York Liberty’s insane OT win over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Finals. Meanwhile, the NBA season kicks off today and the people can’t help but wonder: will Lebron and Bronny Jr. take the court together in their first regular season game? In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: WTF the “Sports Equinox” is and when it’s happening The theatrical albeit botched fake injury of one Alabama Crimson Tide player The problematic response from Myles Garrett a...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 1 min

The Sabrina Carpenter Curse, Davante Adams Jets Off to NYC, and Rating TD Celebrations with Megan Gailey

The Cowboys had their most devastating loss yet after Sabrina Carpenter wore a Cowboys sweatshirt. It deepened rumors that Sabrina cast a hex on several sports teams after donning their merch, leading Blake and Caroline to question: is Sabrina a teenage witch? In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The WAGs who made our favorite touchdown celebration of the week Why Donte DiVicenzo and Rick Brunson were beefing on the court after the Knicks and T-wolves pre-season game The woman who j...

Oct 15, 202454 min

Lebron and Bronny Make History, the Chiefs WAGs Take Bravo, and NFL Audibles with Annie Agar

It finally happened. In a preseason game over the weekend, Lebron James and his son Bronny Jr. made NBA history as the first father-son duo to play in a game together. TBD on how the regular season actually rolls out. For this week’s Tuesday Morning Quarterback, Caroline and Blake invite TikToker and podcast host Annie Agar to chat about the breaking news out of the Jets, major diva wide receivers, and speculation about several failing QBs. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Travi...

Oct 08, 202458 min

Tom Brady’s Baker Beef, Washington’s Rookie Sensation, and WNBA Playoffs with Erin Foley

In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Baker Mayfield calling out Tom Brady for girl bossing too close to the sun Why UNLV star quarterback Matt Sluka is sitting out the season in the name of securing the bag How Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is changing the game for women athletes Guest Erin Foley’s takes on the stats we’re thinking about in Week 4 of the NFL: Patrick Mahomes’ 12-0 record, Jayden Daniels’ 82.1% completion rate, and more Why some WNBA players are calling o...

Oct 01, 202455 min

NFL Week 3 Upsets, Caitlin’s Record Rookie Card, and White Sox Historic Woes

Favorite after favorite fumbled the bag in week 3 of the NFL season, leaving sports journalists wondering: is this the year of the upsets? NFL insider Caroline Hendershot joins Amanda and Blake to give her POV and to share a special announcement you won’t want to miss. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why true crime fans everywhere are rejoicing in the to get Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal back The 120th L the White Sox took this week and how their social media team is responding D...

Sep 24, 202448 min

Tackled: Tua’s Tapped Out, Caitlin’s Controversial Click, and Winning Your Fantasy League with Matthew Berry

Apparently if you say “injuries” three times in the mirror, Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season will appear. Amanda and Blake tackle the injury stories squashing the hopes and dreams of fantasy football leaguers everywhere. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe’s response to when an “intimate moment” was captured on his Instagram Live WNBA player Caitlin Clark’s explanation as to why she liked Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris Tom Brady’s victory ...

Sep 17, 20241 hr 9 min

Tuesday Morning QBs: Rodgers Stumbles, Brady Fumbles, and Kendrick Humbles

Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books, and Amanda is joined by special guest-host Claudia Rupcich of theSkimm to break it all down. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll cover: Tom Brady’s awkward debut as the highest paid commentator in sports A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo (seemingly) having their relationship spoiled by the mayor Steph Curry and Klay Thompson’s viral WNBA moment The controversial arrest of Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill prior to Sunday’s game Aaron Rodgers’ disappointing MNF p...

Sep 10, 202445 min

The NFL Returns: Tom Brady’s Vlogger Era and Who’s Serving (Looks) at the US Open

Football is back, and so are Amanda and Blake (fresh off their post-Olympics mini vacation). They’re ready to bring you weekly episodes about the sports stories dominating your feeds. Between major sporting events like the US Open and the kickoff of the NFL season, there’s a lot to get to this week. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll cover: Whether Tom Brady’s Youtube career sparks joy or gives us the ick (spoiler: kinda both?) The power of AI in sports via Yahoo Fantasy Football’s unsolicite...

Sep 03, 202454 min

Well Played: Trailer

Are you ready for a podcast in a league of its own? theSkimm presents Well Played, a podcast dedicated to treating the sports world like the bingeable reality TV it actually is. Well Played is available now, with new episodes starting Tuesday, September 3rd, just in time for the 2024 NFL season. Be sure to subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you’re listening. Game on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 28, 202448 sec

We Are the Champions: Jordan Chiles Summons an Army, Raygun’s Breaking Conspiracies, and Sha’Carri’s Bombastic Side Eye

We’re pouring one out for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the last episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. From the most heartwarming moments to the most memeable ones, Amanda and Blake settle the score on the most iconic outcomes of the Games, plus what’s to come in the Los Angeles Games in 2028 (yes, we’re already talking about them). In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: An update on USA Gymnastics’ appeal against the CAS stripping Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal The moment Tom Cru...

Aug 13, 202443 min

Breaking Free: Skinner Sends an “SOS”, Olympic Bromances, and the Skateboarder Who Gives a Duck

Sunday marks the end of the Olympics, and the vibes are big time sad. The US still has time to clinch more medals with team sports and track wrapping up this weekend, and the debut of the sport we’ve all been waiting for: breaking. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: If Simone Biles is responsible for taming the internet bullies coming for McKayla Skinner Why India’s woman wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified and how much agency athletes have over their well-being This week’s ...

Aug 08, 202440 min

Crazy in Lob: Farewell to Women’s Gymnastics, Exes Competing Together, and Team USA Track & Field Wins

We’re over halfway through the Paris Olympics and back with our fourth episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. After learning about the pair of Czech exes that slayed the tennis doubles competition, listeners learn that Amanda has a Hallmark rom-com in the works about the famed Olympic couple. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The bulge that prevented a French pole vaulter from winning (yes, that bulge) More poo problems in the Seine and its effects on athletes Why, in her expe...

Aug 06, 202438 min

Golden Girls at the Olympics: Biles Throws Shade, Memeification of the Games, and Paris Has a Shallow Pool Problem

We are seven days into the 2024 Paris Olympics and back for another episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. Amanda and Blake chat about the MyKayla who decided to go after the US women’s gymnastics team. Rest assured, McKayla Maroney had nothing to do with it. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The *chefs kiss* TikToks Suni Lee and Simone Biles executed after winning the team all-around gold medal, plus how protecting their physical and mental health paid off for the gymnasts so...

Aug 01, 202438 min

Olympics Opening Weekend: Last Supper Slip Up, Canada Caught Cheating, and Gymnastics Takes the Floor (Routine) Ft. Molly Carlson

We’re back with our second episode of Well Played: Olympics Edition. Amanda and Blake dive into their thoughts on the opening ceremony. As it turns out, they worried too much about unsightly denim outfits and not enough about the potential for inclement weather that fell upon athletes stuck on boats. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The cheating scandal shaking up the Canadian women’s soccer team The iconic viral swimmer who took over our feeds this weekend (no, not Katie Ledeck...

Jul 30, 202452 min

Olympics Preview: Swimming the Seine, Biles Bounces Back, and Opening Ceremony Ft. Allyson Felix & Sam Mewis

In the first ever episode of Well Played, presented by theSkimm, hosts Amanda Duberman and Blake Lew-Merwin preview the biggest Olympic stories dominating your feeds ahead of the opening ceremony kicking off the games tomorrow. In this episode of Well Played, we cover: Swimming in the river Seine: yay or nay? Team USA denim outfits, and the singular reason Amanda is all about them How the opening ceremony looks different this year (spoiler alert: it’s floating) What to expect from the US women’s...

Jul 25, 202452 min

A Last Love Letter to Pop Culture

Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Pop Cultured. In the last year, we’ve done some memorable pop culture deep dives (think: Queen Bey’s “Renaissance” and the history of house music) and broken down some of the biggest stories in the news (like: the Oscar’s slap and Serena retiring as the GOAT). We’ve also had some amazing conversations along the way. So, it’s only right that we end the show the way it began: talking about why these stories matter. TV, movies, fashion, sports, and just about everythi...

Sep 27, 202242 min

Lizzo Calls Out the Haters and Hollywood's Love Affair with Space

Don’t know about you, but we’re still processing everything that went down at the VMAs — from that totally weird Johnny Depp appearance (can we call it that?) to Lizzo responding to haters. Again. We’re also going to break down the Olivia Wilde–Shia LaBeouf beef, the Euphoria season three drama, and the latest thing to fall out of Chris Rock's mouth. And finally, with all eyes on NASA this week, we’re going back to one of our favorite episodes of this show, where we dug into our pop culture obse...

Aug 30, 202243 min

Indian Matchmaking and the Rebirth of the Music Video

We’re kicking it off this week with a rundown of a big win for HBO Max (House of the Dragon, we’re looking at you) and a whole lot of cringe. A plantation wedding, Bennifer? Really? Then, it’s a conversation with The Juggernaut’s Ishani Nath about Indian Matchmaking, and why she says the Netflix show about arranged marriages is still a hate watch. We get into what the series gets right, what it’s still getting wrong in season two, and why Sima from Mumbai fires up so many feelings. And finally, ...

Aug 24, 202231 min

Jennette McCurdy Speaks, Serena Retires As the GOAT

First, it’s the Pop Five: Megan Thee Stallion’s new album “Traumazine” is just what the hot girls need as we transition into fall. Rihanna’s boo A$AP Rocky might be in big trouble, and Real Housewife Kathy Hilton is facing backlash from Lizzo fans. And we’re getting nostalgic over Brandy’s “Cinderella” turning 25. Next, Jennette McCurdy’s new memoir is making us rethink some of our childhood faves. We Skimm (in under four minutes) what we’re learning about the era at Nickelodeon that brought us ...

Aug 16, 202233 min

Tired of Swiping? You May Have Dating App Fatigue

First up, say goodbye to #Kete, folks. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson called it quits after just nine months of dating. Get the rundown on the biggest breakup of the summer and Kanye’s reaction. Plus, find out why Megan Thee Stallion’s boo Pardi seems a little upset with The Rock? And did a couple really find love in the Popeye’s parking lot? We quickly break it all down in this week’s Pop Five stories. Then, we Skimm (in under four minutes) what the heck is going on with the Warner Bros. Disc...

Aug 09, 202235 min

Why Are We So Obsessed with Astrology?

All hail Queen Bey! The “Renaissance” is here, and the house listening party started last weekend along with the drama. But this act one wasn’t the only thing dominating pop culture news. Did you hear that Taylor Swift’s is also topping the charts? But this time it isn’t for music. It’s for her terrible private jet CO2 emissions. And after eight weeks of not being able to turn away from Love Island UK, we finally have this seasons’ winners. What else is on our radar? Check out this week’s Pop Fi...

Aug 02, 202237 min

TV, Fashion, and 2000s Trends with Our Fave Celebs

From Kid Cudi walking off the stage at Rolling Loud to a weepy Bennifer in Paris, a lot has been going on in pop culture news. So we’re starting off by breaking down our Pop Five — the top five moments we can’t stop talking about. And after, we have convos with Angelica Ross, Tan France, and Christina Milian. So find out the reason Desus and Mero are calling it quits and why Sesame Place is being called out for racial discrimination. Then, San Diego ComicCon gave “Black Panther” fans what they’v...

Jul 26, 202226 min

BBLs Are Dangerous. Why Are They So Popular?

Having a big butt hasn’t always been popular. But now, it seems like everyone wants to be a member of the big booty club. Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and even Madonna have all been suspected of having work done to make their backsides bigger. But it isn’t just famous people who are bending over backwards to get the derrière they desire. Regular women are also looking for ways to plump up their bottoms. While some are opting for butt implants or injections, many are turning to another surgical p...

Jul 19, 202233 min

Our Ultimate Summer 2022 TV and Movie Guide

We’ve finally settled into the summer season — meaning warmer days, more three-day weekends, and sneaking in some beach time before Labor Day. But if you’re trying to stay cool inside or you have some time to kill (thanks, flight delays), you’re going to need something to watch. And we’ve got you covered. Today, we called up some of our favorite media critics and a bunch of our savvy fellow Skimm’rs for their must-see recommendations. Whether you need weekend binges, movies worth seeing in theat...

Jul 12, 202224 min

Why is Brittney Griner Still in Russia?

Last week, the trial for WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner began in Russia. Griner was taken into custody on drug charges back in February, and her detention has been extended four times. Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix Mercury star. The trial resumes July 7 and could take several months. She could also face up to 10 years in prison if convicted. While so many questions remain about Griner’s future and release, there’s one that keeps popping up: what she was doing over ther...

Jul 05, 202230 min

Beyoncé, Drake, and the Evolution of House Music

From the trailer for “Hocus Pocus 2” giving us major nostalgia to the backlash surrounding the chart topping “Elvis” biopic, there’s a lot going on in pop culture this week. So we’re breaking down the top five moments we can’t stop talking about — and revisiting a few others. Find out the latest in the Brittney Griner case and what happened at the BET Awards without Lil Nas X. Then, last week’s Verzuz between Omarion and Mario brought up old drama with the “Post to Be” singer and his former B2K ...

Jun 28, 202234 min

‘Fire Island’ and a New Era of Queer Representation

Do you remember when the only queer characters on TV seemed to be sassy, gay best friends? Queer representation in pop culture is changing. With shows and movies like “The Bold Type,” Tom Swift,” “P-Valley,” and “Fire Island,” we’re seeing more depth and range when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. We’re also seeing more queer representation in other mediums like books, cartoons, anime, and manga. This Pride Month, we’ve been talking about the importance of telling diverse queer stor...

Jun 21, 202234 min
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