This week's episode of NPR's Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me features the iconic sports power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, discussing their new podcast A Touch More, their competitive nature, and their substantial collection of accolades. Here’s a concise summary of key topics and insights from the episode.
Who Are Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe?
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are not just dominant figures in basketball and soccer, respectively, but also decorated Olympians, having won numerous medals and championships along with individual honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Their relationship is celebrated not just for its athletic achievements, but also for their advocacy in women's sports.
Key Insights:
- Power Couple Dynamics: Sue and Megan reflect on their unique position as a couple who understand the pressures of elite sports.
- Shared Interests: They discuss their mutual interests, including the excitement of starting a podcast that revolves around women's sports.
Competitive Spirit
The conversation explores the competitive nature of both Sue and Megan, asking who is more competitive between them.
Competitive Highlights:
- Family Game Nights: They joke about whether they compete in friendly games at home. Megan is less inclined to play games, indicating her need for a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Medals Storage Anecdote: They humorously reveal that, despite their extensive collection of awards, they keep them all stored safely away.
- Desire to remain low-key and avoid being too ostentatious about their successes.
Podcast Evolution
A significant portion of the discussion is about their podcast, A Touch More.
Podcast Development:
- From Social Media to Podcast: Initially just lively Instagram Live sessions, their podcast evolved with structured content where they share insights into women's sports.
- Guest Aspirations: They mention potential high-profile guests like Kamala Harris and Beyoncé, indicating their desire to connect with influential figures in the industry.
Light-Hearted Moments
The episode doesn't shy away from humor. A fun segment involves a quiz comparing their legendary status to that of infamous historical figures like Bonnie and Clyde.
Notable Fun Facts:
- They playfully discuss where they keep their awards, likening their home situation to an episode of storage wars.
- Their competitive spirit comes into play as they share laughs over who might win in a duel of wits during the quiz segment.
Conclusion
Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe’s appearance on Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me showcases not only their impressive athletic skills but also their down-to-earth personalities. They offer a fun yet insightful look into the complexities of being a high-profile couple in sports, their commitment to women's athletics, and their new podcast endeavors.
Takeaways:
- Relatable Figures: They epitomize how prominent athletes can still embrace humor and humility.
- Inspiring Role Models: Their discussion highlights the importance of advocating for women's sports and lifting each other up in competitive spaces.
In summary, this episode is a delightful blend of sports insights, personal anecdotes, and humor, shedding light on the lives of two remarkable women in sports.