“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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Timmy and Kylie Take Indian Wells, Tennis Scores a Mat Leave Win, and the Lip Readers Take On LeBron
Last week Blake and Caroline wondered which sports league would take the lead on supporting players’ families, and the Women’s Tennis Association said “allow me.” The WTA clinched a historic win for its players who are now eligible for 12-months of maternity leave, grants for fertility treatment, and more. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Yay or nay: the PDA between Kylie and Timothée Chalamet Why LeBron gave lip readers everywhere something to chew on after scolding Stephen A. Smith The one caveat behind a massive donation to all competing US Olympic athletes Why recent NFL trades could lead to uniting Ciara and Norman + justice for gingers Josh Allen’s new salary breakdown to the seconds (try not to cry) Our Send Its of the week including Bill Belichick’s youthful rebrand, the highdiver who’s celebrating – not shaming – her cellulite, and Grandma Kitty, Steph Curry’s no. 1 fan Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Harry Runs in Style(s), Serena Splurges (on a WNBA Team), and LeBron Calls Out the Haters Ft. Lexie Brown
Commentators nationwide took a hard look in the mirror when LeBron called out the “weird energy” in sports media, where coverage of NBA players is nothing but negative. Seattle Storm player Lexie Brown joins us in the studio to chat about how that negativity led her to delete her Twitter, how she trained her brain to always see the positive, and why she finally took her own mental health seriously, thanks in part to a partnership with Love, Your Mind. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why one NFL team’s treatment of families was deemed “almost disrespectful” Whether Travis will keep giving Swifties a reason to pay attention to the NFL Who Simone Biles gave a heartwarming shout out to Our top Send Its of the week, including Coco Gauff and Timothée Chalamet matching at the Oscars, Serena trading tennis for basketball, and Paul George’s retirement from podcasting Follow Lexie: @lexiebrown Lexie’s podcast: Full Circle Love, Your Mind resources: loveyourmindtoday.org Love, Your Mind IG: @love_yourmind Blake’s IG: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s IG: @cghendy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Bieber Hits the Ice, Yankees Let Their Hair Down, and the Terrifying Trend Facing Women Athletes
It’s 2025, so why do we have to tell people to stop stalking women in sports? On the heels of tennis player Emma Raducanu and track star Gabby Thomas sharing their stalking stories, Blake and Caroline discuss why women athletes are at higher risk for harassment, the role social media plays, and how leagues can do better to protect them. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Blake and Caroline’s strong feelings about the Yankees’ controversial beard-ban Who Napheesa Collier gave half of her Unrivaled 1v1 prize money to Whether JJ Watt will come out of retirement for…an English goalkeeper? A preview of the NFL’s sorority rush week, AKA: the Combine Justin Bieber getting feisty on the ice in a celeb hockey game Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: NBA All Star Agony, 4 Nations Face Off (and Fist Fight), and UCONN Snaps a Streak
The NBA hoped to get fans to care about the All Star Game this year and…it seriously backfired. After only 42 minutes of game time during the 3-hour broadcast, fans were left scratching their heads at the new format, the constant stoppages, and Kevin Hart’s (bad) jokes. Blake and Caroline look to the NHL’s 4 Nations for inspiration on how the ballers can make next year better. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why the NBA revamped the All-Star game format, and why fans still hated it Wemby and Chris Paul exploiting a loophole in the skills challenge How the list of the top-100 highest paid athletes in 2024 includes zero women Women’s college hoops heating up with No. 7 UCONN’s win over No. 4 USC Our top “Send Its” of the week including Saquon pulling a ball boy into the Eagles parade, Lebron ditching the All Star game to work out with his daughter, and the three-peat winner of the dunk contest Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Eagles Fly, Kendrick Flares, and the Football Fellas Do Fashion
While the actual Super Bowl game might’ve been boring, Blake and Caroline found plenty to talk about: like Jalen Hurts winning the MVP, Travis Kelce’s post-game walk of shame, and whether or not the Eagles are poised to become a dynasty. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why this was a Super Bowl for haters of all kinds Decoding Kendrick’s halftime performance How many times Taylor Swift was shown during the game (hint: not a lot) The women who won the Super Bowl, including the first Black woman coach and Jalen Hurts’ management team Our top Send Its for the week, including Bradley Cooper’s side hustle, Nike’s first commercial in almost 30 years, and a rapid fire round of fashion police Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Luka’s a Laker, Iowa Honors Caitlin, and our Super Bowl Bingo Card ft. Lily Shimbashi of Sportsish
It’s Super Bowl week, but the drama in the sports world never stops. Luka Doncic got caught up in what many experts are dubbing the “worst trade in NBA history” while A’ja Wilson and Bam Adebayo hard launched their relationship at the South Carolina alumna’s jersey retirement. After covering big headlines of the week, Caroline and Blake share Super Bowl rituals plus what they’ve got their eye on as the big game approaches. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Why Mavericks’ fans haven’t slept since Luka Doncic’s trade to the Lakers Caitlin Clark (potentially) having the fastest jersey retirement since leaving Iowa Why Blake and Caroline are butting heads when it comes to Super Bowl watch habits WTF prop bets actually are and which ones you should care about Lily’s reactions to what’s on our Super Bowl bingo cards, including how often Taylor Swift will appear on the broadcast and who Kendrick Lamar is bringing out during his halftime show Lily’s Instagram: @sportsish Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Bye Bye Bills, Tom Brady’s Eggplant Envy, and WNBA Blockbuster Trade
It’s official - the Chiefs and Eagles are Super Bowl-bound. Caroline and Blake break down the controversial fourth-down review that may have cost the Bills an AFC Championship, plus other takeaways from this past weekend’s games. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs potentially reaching a new milestone Tom Brady’s on-air confession about Nick Foles, aka Big D*ck Nick An American triumph at the Aussie Open Naomi Girma’s historic transfer to Chelsea FC Empire State Building, Caroline’s certified op The Knicks’ new sideline sweetie, Timothée Chalamet Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Taylor and Caitlin Take KC, SportsTok Returns, and The “Hot Jock” of the NFL Postseason
While many NFL fans were swapping conspiracy theories about refs helping the Chiefs get a win, Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark cozied up in their private skybox. Don’t worry, Taylor didn’t give anything for TikTok lip-readers to call her on as she whispered secrets to her new bestie. Blake and Caroline discuss what she might’ve been saying in the weekend's most widely memed moment. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Ryan Reynolds invested in another football club while battling a $400 million lawsuit from Justin Baldoni Coco Gauff’s RIP message to TikTok, plus the role the app has played in elevating athletes in pop culture Caroline casts the four remaining playoff teams as the hot jock, boy-next-door, bully, and shy girl Brittany Mahomes bounced back to the sidelines after giving birth just days before Saquon Barkley is having a moment and Alex Cooper was there Our favorite Send Its of the week including Ilona Maher’s broken nose, Josh Allen’s Golden Retriever Energy on full display, and the Lions dirty dancing in the end zone Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: NFL Fashion (Taylor’s Version), Eagles Book Club, and the Commanders’ Doink of Destiny
Travis Kelce might’ve spilled the beans on when Swifties can expect “Reputation: Taylor’s Version” during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Plus, if you ever wanted to rep your favorite NFL team à la Taylor Swift, now’s your chance thanks to the launch of “Off Season” by Kristin Juszcyzk. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: How the Cardinals pulled through for the Rams in the wake of the California wildfires Baby Names: Mahomes and Kelces edition What we know about the man charged with stalking Caitlin Clark in Indianapolis Wii Sports meets the Australian Open, while Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula dedicate their wins to LA firefighters What Caroline and Blake think Eagles’ wide receiver AJ Brown should’ve been reading instead of “Inner Excellence” The Commanders are heading to the playoffs for the first time in how long? Caroline’s vibe check on Deion Sanders as a potential Cowboys coaching hire and Mike Vrabel taking over with the Pats Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Zendaya Picks a Challenger, Love Island: NFL Edition, and Football Playoffs Preview
The NFL regular season has come to close, which means the real games are about to begin: it’s head coach recoupling season. Caroline and guest co-host Claudia Rupcich tackle all the head coaching vacancies, Love Island-style. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Super Bowl predictions and the best round-one playoff matchups Why Jimmy Butler and Tyreek Hill are both trying to get out of Miami What’s going on with the Fox Sports sexual misconduct lawsuit Caitlin Clark knows why NBA ratings are down Simone Biles receiving another well-deserved award College Football Playoff predictions before the much-anticipated semifinals Our top Send It moments of the week, including Zendaya’s major red carpet reveal (looks like Tashi’s taken), the Golden Globes x NFL crossover moment, and a High School Musical celebration on the gridiron Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy Claudia’s Instagram: @claudiarupcich theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Force of Habit: Tools and Tricks for Hacking Goal Setting
If you've ever tried to build or break a habit, you know how challenging it can be. For this special episode created in partnership with Noom, we tapped Dr. Leah Katz — a clinical psychologist and author who specializes in self-compassion and goal-setting — to break down the science behind habits and recommend some tips we can all use. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Joe Burrow’s Girlfriend Emergency, Bella Hadid the Horse Girl, and the Heisman Hate Parade
Joe Burrow is the latest high-profile NFL player whose home was burglarized this season. But what should’ve been a good old fashioned burglary exploded when the internet found out that Olivia Ponton made a 911 call reporting the incident, not to be confused with Olivia Holzmacher, his college sweetheart. Caroline and Blake wonder whether JB and OG Olivia split up (his pre-season bleach job is damning evidence) and dive into a Reddit conspiracy theory about Ponton’s potential motives. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Who’s salty over Caitlin Clark winning TIME’s “Athlete of the Year” Why the Heisman winner’s fiancée hijacked the headlines surrounding the award ceremony Bella Hadid winning the “Rookie of the Year” title in horsing around The diva player among the 49ers, why Josh Allen’s bound to be MVP, and Patrick Mahomes playing hairdresser for his wife The top athletes and moments winning “The Wellies” in our inaugural end-of-year awards segment Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Timothée Chalamet’s True Calling, OnlyFans Field Flashing, and the Caitlin Clark Price Tag
Pink puffers? In. Pencil stache? Out. This past weekend, Timothée Chalamet sported both as he won over skeptics with his impressive College GameDay calls. Caroline was colored impressed, and Blake lost her Timmy-ick which has been brewing since “Little Women” tanked his stock. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: Caroline explaining the new College Football Playoff format to Blake like she’s five The jaw-dropping price tag on the WNBA’s most anticipated season-opening game Comparing Juan Soto’s record signing with the Mets to the salaries of LeBron, Tom Brady, and the entire WNBA Whether the Chiefs can continue squeezing out Ws or if they’re wearing down What one Giants player allegedly did to distract the Saints (shoutout OnlyFans) Bill Belichick’s ploy to make the NFL jealous, and whether TB thinks it’ll work Our favorite Send It moments of the week, including yet another dance from the celly king, the Grinch dancing with Lions’ cheerleaders, and Boise State taking trolling to a whole new atmosphere thanks to Google Earth Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Josh Allen’s Famous Fiancé, The Boys Are Brawling, and is T-Swift IRL Hermione?
Rivalry week in college football resulted in more than a few squabbles, and now the fun police are telling us to plant our school flag somewhere else. Caroline shares her thoughts on the weekend’s biggest brawl between Ohio State and Michigan, her alma mater. You can probably guess which side Hendy is taking. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: The wild comment Josh Allen’s ex made over his engagement to Hailee Steinfeld (and how she tried to take it back) Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence, and a lesson on how not to apologize after you hurt someone Debates on whether Travis Kelce stole Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s mojo, and if Taylor Swift is secretly casting spells to help the Chiefs win every close game A lesson in poor clock management ft. the Chicago Bears, with a side of head-coach-firing Our favorite Send Its of the week, including the ASU coach who gave his staffers bonuses out of his own pocket, the mullet-like quality behind Donna Kelce’s pants, and the Team USA lacrosse player who’s part…shark? PS: Leave us a review on your preferred podcast app. We’d love to know what you think of the show. Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Well Played: Kendrick & Weezy’s Halftime Tea, Embiid’s Snitch Hunt, and Talking (NFL) Turkey with Mina Kimes
There’s a snitchuation in the Sixers’ locker room. In an emergency meeting after losing to Miami, Joel Embiid caught the Heat from his teammates. All was fine until the locker room chat leaked to ESPN. Now, Embiid is on a snitch hunt in a case similar to the Snooki and J-Woww letter from Jersey Shore. Blake and Caroline also dive deep into the one person the Internet thinks it might be. In this episode of Well Played, we’ll also cover: NFL teams and players as Thanksgiving dishes, in a segment we’re calling “It’s Giving” Placing bets on whether Jerry Jones will put the damn curtains up at this Thursday’s Cowboys’ game Why Kendrick Lamar called out Lil Wayne on his new album (yes, it has to do with sports) The Giants getting roasted by their own players, why everyone loves Saquon Barkley right now, and Baker Mayfield slaying from multiple angles with NFL Analyst, Mina Kimes Send Its for this week, including how Jason Kelce’s daughters reacting to their new baby sibling, a 46-mile Chappell Roan running path in San Francisco, and Simone Biles’s husband hitting her signature move after a fumble Mina’s Instagram: @minakimes Mina’s Show: The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny (her dog) Blake’s Instagram: @blaaakkkke Caroline’s Instagram: @cghendy theSkimm’s Instagram: @theskimm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices