The True Price of Being a Legend

The True Price of Being a Legend

May 14, 2026 · 45 min

About this episode

The episode features a candid discussion on mental health among athletes, highlighting personal struggles and the importance of seeking help.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Abby Wambach, Julie Foudy, and Billie Jean King open up in one of the most vulnerable and honest conversations we’ve ever had on the show. Abby shares the deeply personal story of her journey to sobriety, reflecting on the pressure of elite sports, the identity crisis that followed success, and the moment a DUI arrest changed the course of her life forever. Billie Jean King opens up about her decades-long battle with disordered eating, the emotional toll of hiding her sexuality while building women’s tennis, and why therapy has remained a cornerstone of her life for more than 30 years. The conversation also explores the mental and emotional challenges athletes face behind the scenes, from burnout and anxiety to shame, perfectionism, and learning how to ask for help. Plus, the crew reflects on how stars like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Lauren Betts are helping redefine what strength looks like for the next generation of athletes. This episode is about so much more than sports. It’s about healing, vulnerability, recovery, and the reminder that asking for help is one of the strongest things a person can do. Follow @welcometothepartyshow…

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